NC hearing about ending some auto emissions tests

FILE - This publicity file photo provided by Subaru shows the 2014 Subaru Forester, well known as a durable and eminently functional compact sport utility vehicle, adds more power, more room, more safety features and a retuned suspension for 2014. The new, fourth-generation Forester also has higher fuel economy ratings than its predecessor, 24 miles per gallon in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway with base, 170-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT). (AP Photo/Subaru, File)

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina's environment agency wants public input on plans to eliminate vehicle emissions testing for cars and light trucks that are less than three years old and have less than 70,000 miles.

The state Division of Air Quality holds a public hearing Wednesday in Raleigh to discuss plans to eliminate emissions testing for newer vehicles. Cars and trucks are already exempt in their first model year.

The change will save drivers the $16.40 annual inspection cost. A required annual safety test of tires, headlights, wipers and other parts costs $13.60.

The change was signed into a law last year, but the details must be approved by a state environmental rule-making commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The changes likely won't take effect until next year.