Vehicle Inspections

Maryland vehicle inspection requirements are designed to ensure that all vehicles on the road meet or exceed establish minimum safety standards. The inspection process includes checks on brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, and other critical components.

When is an inspection required?

Before you can sell, buy, or register a used vehicle in Maryland, it needs to pass a safety inspection. This inspection ensures that your car, truck, or motorcycle is safe to drive. Licensed inspection mechanics across the state check important safety components like brakes, tires, lights, and steering to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. 

Maryland has specific guidelines for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. Each category has tailored inspection criteria that address the unique safety and operational needs of that vehicle type. Knowing the specific requirements for your vehicle can make preparing for the inspection much simpler and more efficient. The different classifications include,

• Type A: Passenger vehicles, autocycles, limousines, multipurpose passenger vehicles, recreational motor homes, and trucks 10,000 pounds and under GVWR, and trailers not equipped with air brakes.
• Type B: Any trailer, including those equipped with air brakes.
• Type C: Trucks, truck tractors, buses, recreational motor homes, converted buses, and limousines over 10,000 pounds GVWR.
• Type M: Motorcycles, 3-wheeled motorcycles, and trailers not equipped with air brakes.
• Type T: Any trailer not equipped with air brakes.
• Type R: Recreational motor homes and converted buses.

Usually, the seller gets the inspection certificate but for some trucks and trailers, the buyer or seller may get it. Once your vehicle passes, the certification is electronically sent to the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Get a Maryland Inspection Certification

• Find a Licensed Inspection Station: Your vehicle must be inspected at one of Maryland's approximately 1,600 licensed vehicle safety inspection stations.
• Determine Your Vehicle Type: Stations are authorized to inspect specific vehicle types. Most vehicles on the road fall under Type A. Confirm the station has the proper authorization for your vehicle's Type.
• Prepare for Inspection:
  • Conduct a thorough self-inspection by checking your vehicle’s
    • Lights
    • Windshield wipers
    • Brakes
    • Tires
    • Exhaust system for leaks or Damage
    • Interior
  • Ensure your vehicle is properly registered in Maryland or another state. 

Temporary Vehicle Registration

If you cannot register due to a lack of safety certification or military personnel inspection waiver, you may qualify for a 30-day temporary registration  both of which allow you to drive the vehicle to and from an inspection station to obtain the inspection certification.

You must complete the Temporary Inspection Waiver - PDF - 106.79 KB (form VR-129). The fee for a temporary registration can be found on the MVA Fees page​.

After the inspection

• Passed Inspection: If your vehicle meets or exceeds all Maryland minimum safety standards, the inspector will electronically submit the information to the MVA. You will receive an electronic inspection receipt if you provide an email address. With a passed inspection, you can order your registration card and stickers online at eMVA.
• Check Inspection Status: To verify if a vehicle you are purchasing has a current safety inspection, use the Maryland inspection lookup. Click "Find an e-inspection" and enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

What if your vehicle fails the safety inspection?

If your vehicle fails to meet established minimum safety standards, an inspection certification cannot be issued.

1. Repairs: You must repair the identified problem(s) on the inspection report. You have the option to fix the problem yourself, have the inspection station do it, or take it to another facility for repairs.
2. Re-inspection: The vehicle must be re-inspected by the same registered inspection mechanic at the same station.
3. Time and Mileage Limits: If the re-inspection occurs within 30 days of the original inspection date AND you have driven less than 1,000 miles, only the defective equipment identified initially will be re-inspected. However, any new defects observed during re-inspection must also be repaired and re-inspected.
4. Full Re-inspection: If the re-inspection is not completed within 30 days or 1,000 miles, you will need to pay for a complete new inspection.

Fees

• Vehicle Safety Inspection: The fee varies with the inspection station’s labor rate. Maryland regulations regulate the number of labor hours billed by the station for an inspection, but they do not regulate the station’s labor rate. The fee charged for a safety inspection must be prominently displayed in each station.
• Re-inspection: The fee depends on the station's labor rate and the specific parts or systems needing re-inspection. A re-inspection fee is not charged for visually verifiable repairs (e.g., an inoperable light). If re-inspection requires jacking, lifting, measuring, or testing, a prorated fee may be charged. Check the station's posted fee information for details.

FAQs

Quick links

• Vehicle Inspection Licensing Services
• Salvage Vehicle Inspections
• Resolving a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO)
• Maryland Safety Inspection System