OK, to help the lost
I will explain.
Up until Dec 31 2005, they had safety/emissions inspections (just one sticker) in my county of NC on all vehicles newer than 25 years. So my inspection is due in July and I had to get one final safety/emissions inspection in July of 2005. So this year, 2006 all I had to have was a safety inspection but, they also do a visual inspection of all emission equipment. It all must be there and in working order or at least look like it works. They don't test it but just look to see if it's hooked up and on the vehicle. They don't do a tailpipe inspection on any vehicles older than 99 any longer here, just a visual when doing the safety.
Hope this explains it a little better.