Is Inspection Required for Registration in Maryland?
Yes, inspection is required for registration in Maryland. Most motor vehicles must undergo a safety inspection before initial registration or transfer of ownership under Maryland Transportation Article §23-107, unless the vehicle qualifies for specific exemptions. Vehicles registered in certain Maryland counties must also complete emissions testing through the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP).
Maryland Inspection Requirements
Maryland enforces two distinct inspection programs: the Maryland Safety Inspection program for structural and operational safety, and the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) for environmental compliance. The safety inspection is required at the time of initial registration or ownership transfer. The emissions inspection follows a biennial schedule for vehicles registered in participating counties, with new vehicles scheduled for testing at least 72 months after registration.
The inspection certificate remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Vehicle owners must present this certificate when applying for registration or renewal. No state registration license may be issued or transferred without a valid inspection certificate unless the vehicle qualifies for an exemption or meets specific criteria outlined in state law.
Inspection Requirements for New Registrations in Maryland
Vehicles purchased from licensed motor vehicle dealers must include a valid safety inspection certificate completed before sale. Dealers bear the legal responsibility to provide certification that the vehicle meets Maryland safety standards at the time of sale. The pre-sale inspection must be performed regardless of any current inspection certificate validity from previous ownership.
Vehicles purchased from private sellers within Maryland require inspection before registration if they do not have a valid certificate from the seller. However, if the seller provides a valid inspection performed within the previous 90 days, the buyer may use that certificate for registration purposes. Maryland law permits purchasers to operate vehicles without current registration for the sole purpose of obtaining an inspection by utilizing a 30-day temporary registration.
Out-of-state vehicles being registered in Maryland for the first time must undergo inspection to verify the vehicle identification number and safety compliance. New Maryland residents have 60 days from establishing residency to title and inspect their vehicle.
If the vehicle was not in Maryland during the 90 days prior to registration application, the owner may submit a temporary registration application and complete inspection within 30 days after the vehicle enters the state.
Vehicles purchased from dealers may utilize an inspection performed within 90 days prior to registration application. This timeframe recognizes that dealers often inspect vehicles before sale and accommodates the registration process timeline.
Inspection Fees
| Inspection Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Safety inspection (passenger vehicles) | Varies by station ($60-$120 typical range) |
| Safety inspection (re-inspection) | Prorated or free if visual repair confirmation |
| VEIP emissions test | $30.00 |
| VEIP penalty late fee | $30.00 per instance |
Maryland Registration Renewal and Inspection Requirements
Maryland law directly connects vehicle inspection status to registration eligibility through a registration-based enforcement system. No permanent registration license may be issued or renewed without a valid inspection certificate unless the vehicle qualifies for an exemption.
Registration renewal applications submitted without the required inspection certificate will be rejected. The Motor Vehicle Administration verifies inspection status electronically through the statewide inspection database maintained by the Maryland State Police.
For vehicles subject to VEIP emissions testing, the MVA will not permit registration renewal until the emissions test has been completed and recorded in the system. The VEIP program notifies vehicle owners approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the biennial test due date or via email 11 weeks prior if an email address is on file.
Penalties for Expired Inspections in Maryland
Operating a motor vehicle without a valid inspection certificate when required constitutes a violation of Maryland law. Police officers are authorized to initiate traffic stops based solely on an expired or missing inspection sticker or indication of non-compliance with inspection requirements.
Any person who violates Maryland inspection statutes is subject to penalties under state motor vehicle law. Driving with an expired or missing inspection sticker may result in a civil fine of $70 or up to $500 in more serious circumstances. Criminal penalties may apply in cases of willful or repeated violations, including up to one year in jail and suspension of driving privileges. Vehicles with severely expired registrations may be subject to impoundment.
Where to Get an Inspection in Maryland
Maryland vehicle inspections must be performed at stations licensed and regulated by the Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Division. The State Police issues licenses to qualified inspection stations meeting equipment and personnel standards. Approximately 1,600 safety inspection stations operate throughout Maryland, with varying authorizations for specific vehicle classes.
Inspection stations have no authority to refuse inspection due to the absence of vehicle title or registration documents. Maryland regulations prohibit this practice to ensure vehicles can be inspected for safety regardless of documentation status.
Finding a Licensed Inspection Station
Vehicle owners can locate safety inspection stations using the official station search tool provided by the Maryland State Police.
For emissions testing in VEIP counties, vehicle owners must visit any of the 18 VEIP stations located throughout Maryland.
Maryland Registration Without Current Inspection
If you cannot transport an uninspected vehicle to an inspection station through conventional means, you may apply for a 30-day temporary registration through the MVA. This temporary registration is issued only once per vehicle and allows you to legally drive the vehicle to and from an authorized inspection station, repair facility, or weighing station for a period of 30 days. To qualify, you must have a clear title to the vehicle or be applying for a Maryland title simultaneously.
Government Agencies
Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired: (301) 729-4563
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Maryland State Police - Automotive Safety Enforcement Division (ASED)
7435 Waterloo Road, Columbia, MD 21244
Phone: (410) 313-3700
Official Website: Maryland State Police - Vehicle Inspections
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP)
c/o Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Maryland MVA - VEIP General Requirements
