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CURRENT RULENorth CarolinaRepair / customer rights✓ Human reviewed

Does your North Carolina repair process meet the $350 estimate and authorization rules?

The North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act generally requires covered shops to prepare a written estimate before diagnostic or repair work when the customer's repair cost will exceed $350, unless the estimate is properly waived. The estimate must include specified disclosures, including storage charges and replaced-parts rights. If actual charges will exceed the estimate by more than 10%, the customer must be notified and authorize, modify, or cancel the repair order. A final invoice and a conspicuous customer-rights sign are also required.

Quick check

Confirm covered jobs over $350 have the required written estimate or waiver, added charges over 10% are re-authorized, and the customer gets the required invoice and disclosures.

At a glance
JurisdictionNorth Carolina
TopicRepair / customer rights
VerifiedOct 5, 2026
Review cadenceOngoing; re-check when Chapter 20 Article 15B changes or your estimate, authorization, storage, or invoice workflow changes.
When this applies

Your North Carolina shop performs covered motor vehicle repair work costing more than $350 to the customer and no statutory exclusion applies.

For covered repairs above $350, confirm the written estimate or waiver is documented before work, estimate-preparation charges are disclosed and authorized when applicable, added work above the 10% threshold is approved, and the final invoice and customer-rights sign meet Article 15B.

Official evidence

Source and verification

Verified
Oct 5, 2026
Applies to
General mechanical, Collision / body, Transmission, Mobile repair, Mixed services, Dealership fixed ops, Other

Quick-reference compliance planning only; not legal advice or an exhaustive statement of every applicable Federal, state, or local rule. Always verify the official source.

Regulatory history

Related North Carolina changes

View state page →
PROPOSEDJul 7, 2026North Carolina moved toward ending vehicle emissions inspections statewideNorth Carolina inspection stations should continue current emissions requirements until DMV announces an effective date, while prepa…Open update →EFFECTIVEDec 1, 2025North Carolina removed window-tint checks from safety inspectionsSafety inspection stations should not add the former tint check or $10 tint fee to the state inspection, while continuing to disting…Open update →EFFECTIVEJul 1, 2025North Carolina clarified dealer warranty, recall and loaner reimbursement rulesFranchised service departments should review warranty/recall rate submissions, claim documentation, audit and chargeback procedures,…Open update →EFFECTIVENov 1, 2022North Carolina removed Lee, Onslow and Rockingham counties from emissions inspectionsFor historical work in these counties, treat November 1, 2022 as the end of the state emissions-inspection requirement; current stat…Open update →