Yes, Virginia, NC has annual "safety" inspections . . .
My check engine light has been on for 6 months in the '96 Suburban. The computer used by all inspection stations in NC will not pass you if the light is on. My mechanic thought it was the spider assembly and would cost around $450.00. Anyway, last week I'm driving into town and the light is off. The light stayed off for the long commute into the big city. I swing into the nearest inspection place, a little oil change franchise. Well, they hook the computer up and it passes. Then, I see two technicians effin with my steering wheel and front tires. Sure enough, the manager comes in and says "Mr. South, I have to fail you because there is too much play in the Idler arm. Want me to work up a quote?" I coulda spit nails. Told him "no thanks, my buddy is a mechanic."
Long story short, I bought a $28 idler arm and had my buddy put it on. I drove back to the inspection station, showed him the old arm and new box, and magically, shazzammm! It passed.
Moral of the story: Do not ever have your vehicle inspected by a shop that does repairs. There are shops that do nothing but inspections.