Yes, Maryland requires safety inspections for most used vehicles when they are sold or when they are brought into the state from elsewhere. However, Maryland does not require annual safety inspections for vehicles already registered in the state. The state also has a mandatory emissions inspection program, which is required every two years for most gasoline-powered vehicles registered in the state's 14 metropolitan counties.
The safety inspection is a one-time requirement triggered by specific events. A certified mechanic checks critical components like brakes, lights, steering, and tires to ensure the vehicle meets minimum safety standards. Once it passes, you receive a certificate, and no further safety inspections are typically needed for as long as you own the car.
The emissions inspection, or VEIP (Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program), is separate and recurring. It applies to vehicles in areas like Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery counties, among others. The goal is to reduce air pollution by verifying that your car's emissions control systems are functioning correctly. New vehicles are exempt from their first VEIP test for two years.
| Inspection Type | Required For | Frequency | Typical Cost | Governing Body |
|---|
| Safety Inspection | Used vehicles being sold/titled; out-of-state vehicles being registered | One-time (per ownership) | $90 - $150 (maximum set by state) | Maryland State Police / Certified Stations |
| Emissions (VEIP) | Gas vehicles 3-20+ years old in 14 designated counties | Every 2 years | $14 for standard test | Maryland Department of the Environment |
| Safety Inspection Exemption | New vehicles; vehicles registered in non-urban counties (e.g., Garrett) | N/A | N/A | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration |
If you fail an inspection, you will receive a report listing the necessary repairs. You have a specific timeframe, usually 30 days for safety and 30 days for emissions, to complete the repairs and have the vehicle re-inspected. Driving without a required emissions certificate can result in a registration block, preventing you from renewing your tags.
