Maryland Vehicle Emission Testing Information
Mandatory vehicle emission testing is critical to car ownership in Maryland. This state is a member of the majority in the USA, which requires standard emission inspection every two years for most vehicles. While these programs are designed to reduce your carbon footprint, knowing how to navigate this procedure can prevent a headache and dodge a late fee. We at DARCARS Volkswagen are happy to give you the run-down so you can keep your elevated drive free of excess smog.
Maryland Emissions Requirements
According to the government Maryland Department of Transportation page, you’ll want to test your vehicle 36 months after registration and every two years afterward. Your vehicle will be subjected to up to three tests to check emission system failures, exhaust and tailpipe emissions, and gas cap pressure.
To pass this test, bring your vehicle, proof of ownership, registration card, and a way to pay the initial fee to one of 18 VEIP stations. Professionals will test your emissions and then either pass or fail you. If you fail, we recommend repairing your vehicle at a trustworthy dealership before going for a free retest. If you are wondering about your past inspections, you can check your vehicle’s emissions history through the government VEIP inspection info page.
Is Silver Spring, MD, in a Mandatory Testing Area?
Yes. Of Maryland’s 23 counties, 14, including Montgomery County, require testing. Other testing areas include Baltimore City and County, as well as Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, and Washington Counties.
Is Mandatory Testing Based Solely on Where My Vehicle Is Registered?
No. You may still be subject to testing if you don’t reside but regularly commute through a testing area for work or school.
What Is Involved in a Vehicle Emissions Inspection?
An inspection can consist of three separate tests, depending on the vehicle:
- Gas Cap Test: Ensures the cap is appropriately secured and creates a sufficient seal to prevent fumes from escaping. Required for all vehicles manufactured from 1977-95 weighing between 8,501 and 26,00 pounds.
- Onboard Diagnostic Test (OBD): Scans the car’s onboard diagnostic system to ascertain that emission controls are fully functional. Required for gas and propane-fueled vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less manufactured in 1996 or later and those weighing 8,501-14,000 pounds with model years dating from 2008 to the present.
- Tailpipe Test: Measures emissions while the engine is idling. Required for gas and propane-fueled model years 1977-95 weighing 8,501-26,000 pounds and 2008-present day model years weighing 14,001-26,000 pounds.
- Exceptions: Vehicles that do not meet the mentioned year and weight categories, as well as diesel and fully electric vehicles, are exempt from testing. In addition, motorcycles, farm equipment, historic or antiquated models, new vehicles and qualified hybrids for the first three years after registration, government equipment such as fire apparatus or approved ambulances, Class H school vehicles, Class P passenger busses, Class N street rod vehicles, and waived vehicles for senior citizens are exempt.
How Often Must Car Emissions Be Tested?
If you reside or regularly operate a qualified vehicle in a testing area, your vehicle must undergo emissions testing every two years. The state will inform you by mail or a registered email well before your assigned testing period, although you remain responsible for testing even if you aren’t notified. Per the Maryland VEIP Information page, the regular fee is $14 or $10 for using a self-service station. A late fee of $15 will be charged for a missed test, with an additional fee for every additional four weeks your car is late for a test.
What Might Disrupt the Test?
We at DARCARS Volkswagen recommend you address the following problems before testing:
- Service your car if the “Check Engine” light is lit.
- Operate the vehicle for at least seven days before testing if the battery cables have been detached or the computer system reset.
- Ensure the gear shift indicator is properly aligned, and the driver’s door opens.
- Bring oil and coolant levels to manufacturer-suggested levels.
- Drive at normal highway speeds for a minimum of 20 minutes before taking the tailpipe test.
- Do not bring pets, snow removal equipment, a towed trailer, or too much payload to your test.
Our low-emission cars for sale in Silver Spring, MD, make passing the VEIP test a formality. Drive confident in your carbon footprint today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland require vehicle emissions testing?
Yes, Maryland requires vehicle emissions testing every two years for most vehicles. Outside of a handful of exceptions, you’re responsible for knowing when to come in to check your vehicle’s emissions. However, an email or paper mail will come several weeks before your due date if you’re on file, giving you time to perform any necessary maintenance and plan the day.
How often do you need an emissions check in Maryland?
Maryland requires state emission testing every two years at one of 18 different MD VEIP stations across the state. If your vehicle was registered in Maryland, you will get an email 11 weeks or paper mail six to eight weeks before the expected test date. Newly purchased vehicles or specific hybrid options have 36 months before their first emissions test.
What happens if you miss your emissions test in Maryland?
If you miss your emissions testing date, you may be subject to a $15 late fee and $15 every four weeks afterward. You may want to apply for an extension if you need additional time to test your vehicle. Should you receive a suspension notice from the MVA for failure to complete your VEIP testing, please get in touch with the Maryland government for more information about the next steps.
How much does the emissions test cost in Maryland?
There is a $14 fee to perform an emissions test in Maryland, though customers using a self-service kiosk may reduce that fine to $10. The retest is free if you must retest after failing your first attempt and repairing your vehicle. Future retests will have the same $14 fee, though you may qualify for a waiver if the emissions-related cost exceeds $450.
When is a car exempt from emissions testing?
Vehicles from 1995 or older under 8,500 pounds, vehicles over 26,000 pounds, diesel and electric models, motorcycles, farm equipment, historic vehicles, new vehicles and qualified hybrids for 36 months, fire vehicles, certain ambulances, Class N street rods, Class H school vehicles, Class P passenger busses, and military vehicles are exempt. Specific vehicles owned by senior citizens can also be waived.
What should you bring to your emissions test in Maryland?
Bring your registered vehicle, test notice, registration card, and an approved way to pay the test fee, such as Mastercard, VISA, American Express, or check made out to the VEIP. Do not bring pets, snow removal equipment, a towed trailer, or too much stuff in your vehicle, as that may mess with the results. Contact us for more information on what to bring or leave behind.
What should you do if your vehicle doesn’t pass emission testing?
In the case you fail your test, bring your vehicle to your local dealership with your Vehicles Emissions Inspection Certificate and diagnostic report. Once the necessary work is complete, bring your vehicle to any VEIP station for another retest. Be sure to keep your repair receipt, VEIC, and diagnostic report to waive the first retest fee. Emissions-related repairs over $450 may qualify for a waiver as well.
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