RALEIGH

An updated auto-emissions-testing system that was supposed to be running by Monday has been delayed until fall because of computer problems.

Equipment that connects to a vehicle's computer to check pollution- control systems has trouble trading information with the state's computerized vehicle-identification files.

The state also wants to make sure that computer software used for the tests will work with all kinds of vehicles.

"We're not going to send it out until we get it right," said Donnie Redmond of the N.C. Division of Air Quality.

When it is ready, the on-board diagnostic tests will replace the tailpipe tests required of gasoline-fueled vehicles registered in nine counties: Cabarrus, Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Orange, Union and Wake. Over the next four years, 39 counties will join the testing program.

The new equipment will be installed by the owners of 1,400 inspection stations over the next three months.

Problems with the telecommunications system that was supposed to trade information between the inspection-station equipment and state- record computers also plagued the tailpipe testing program.

As a result, many car owners complained about getting letters from the state warning about missed inspections on cars that had been inspected or were exempt.

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-- Anonymous, July 03, 2002

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GICC Archives

NC: Computer Glitches Slow Down State Operations

Saturday June 10, 2000 05:25 PM

Several state agencies have had their share of technology-related problems recently.

Ron Hawley, state chief of technical services, says in spite of the glitches, there are fewer problems in North Carolina than in other states.

Computer Glitches Slow Down State Operations CARY (WRAL) -- Several state agencies have had their share of technology-related problems recently.

The offices at the Division of Motor Vehicles were not seeing many smiles Monday when their computer system had a major slowdown. New printing software was the culprit.

The problem with the DMV's computers is just one of several cases where technology-related glitches have slowed down the state's operations.

The statewide court records network was down in several counties Wednesday. Last week, the Department of Revenue admitted scanning problems are delaying tax refunds.

Last year, several parents did not receive child support checks due to problems with the automated program. Ron Hawley, state chief of technical services, says in spite of the glitches, there are fewer problems in North Carolina than in other states.

"They are very different problems caused by very different issues. It is not a systemic problem at all," Hawley says. "In fact, I think that we have a very solid and sound system that runs well."

Hawley adds that most of the computer systems are not outdated to the point that they cannot handle new software.

http://www.wral-tv.com/news/wral/2000/0610-state-computers/

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), June 10, 2000

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2002