Maryland requires eligible vehicles to pass an emissions test every two years through the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP). The MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) runs the program, and it only applies to vehicles registered in certain counties. VEIP is separate from the DOT inspections M&L performs on commercial trucks. Keep reading to find out whether your vehicle needs a test and how to prepare.
Does My Vehicle Need to Be Tested?
VEIP only applies to vehicles registered in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, and Washington counties, plus Baltimore City. On the Eastern Shore, that means Queen Anne’s and Cecil counties. Vehicles registered in other Eastern Shore counties, such as Caroline, Talbot, and Wicomico, are not part of the program.
If a vehicle is being used, it must have an emissions test every 2 years, unless it is exempt from VEIP testing for one of the following reasons:
- 1995 or older under 8,500 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight
- Vehicles weighing more than 26,000 lbs gross vehicle weight
- Vehicles powered solely by diesel or electric
- Motorcycles
- Vehicles registered as a farm truck, farm truck tractor or farm area vehicle
- Historic or Antique vehicles
- New vehicles that are 2019 or newer, with the original owner, titled in Maryland, and never titled elsewhere get their first test 72 months from the model year.
- Fire apparatus owned or leased by the State of Maryland, a county, municipality, volunteer fire department or rescue squad
- Ambulances currently exempted will remain exempt
- Vehicles registered to senior citizens over 70 or vehicles registered with hard metal disable tags and who drive 5,000 miles per year or less (Request VEIP waiver)
- Vehicles registered as a Class N street rod vehicle
- A military vehicle owned by the federal government and used for tactical, combat, or relief operations, or for training for these operations
- Vehicles registered as a Class H school vehicle or Class P passenger bus
- Zero Emission Vehicles
Quick Links & Resources:
Where Can I Get My Vehicle Tested?
What Does a Maryland VEIP Emissions Test Cover?
Most vehicles receive an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test. A technician plugs a scan tool into the vehicle’s diagnostic port, usually under the dashboard, and checks whether any emissions control components are failing. Some older or heavier gas-powered trucks may receive a tailpipe (idle) test instead. Your VEIP notice or the MVA can confirm which test applies to your vehicle.
What is an On-board Diagnostic Test (OBD)?
- A scan tool is plugged into the on-board diagnostic system through a connector (usually under dashboard).
- System is checked to determine if any emissions control components are failing, causing the overall vehicle emission to exceed allowable limits.
What is a Gas Cap Test?
- Gas cap is placed on testing adapter.
- Cap is gently pressurized with air to ensure that it seals tightly.
- Cap is returned securely to the vehicle.
What is a Tailpipe Test?
Vehicle’s emissions are analyzed while the engine is at idle. The idle test is appropriate for older model cars and heavy-duty vehicles because of their design.
How Can I Prepare for Maryland Emissions Testing?
- The vehicle’s oil and coolant levels should be at the manufacturer’s recommended levels and the tires should be properly inflated.
- If the vehicle requires an idle tail pipe test, the vehicle should be driven at normal highway speeds for at least 20 minutes before the test to warm it up. Once you arrive for the test, leave the engine running until instructed by the inspector.
- Make sure you have a gas cap and that it properly fits.
- If the OBD “check engine” or similar warning lights are lit on the dashboard, the vehicle will fail the OBD test. If the light is lit, you should see your dealer or repair technician before coming in for the test.
- If the vehicle has had recent repairs that required the battery cables to be disconnected, or the computer reset, drive the vehicle in a normal manner for one week to reset the readiness codes before bringing the vehicle in for the OBD test.
- The vehicle cannot be tested if the shift indicator is not properly aligned or the driver’s door is not operational.
- Bring your vehicle, registration card, emissions test notice, and payment.
- Don’t bring pets, snow removal equipment, a towed trailer, or an overloaded vehicle.
- If you pull a trailer, unhitch it before your test.
Make sure to address each bullet point above before taking your vehicle in for VEIP Emissions Testing, as any one of them could affect your results.
What If My Vehicle Fails Testing?
If your vehicle fails, bring your Vehicle Emissions Inspection Certificate (VEIC) and diagnostic report to your repair shop. Your technician should record emissions-related repairs on the back of the VEIC, and you’ll bring that form to your retest. Your first retest is free at any VEIP station.
If you’ve spent at least $450 on qualifying emissions-related repairs and your vehicle still doesn’t pass, you may be eligible for a repair waiver. Waivers are not issued if any emissions control devices have been disconnected or removed. M&L can diagnose the problem, complete the repairs, and document the work on your VEIC before your retest.
Key Resources
There’s a lot to chew on when it comes to Maryland VEIP emissions testing, and regulations may change at any time. Below, we’ve included a list of tools and resources for you to dig deeper into Maryland’s emissions requirements.
If you prefer to speak to someone local, don’t hesitate to give us a call. While we do not offer VEIP tests in our shop, we’d be happy to help in any way we can, including completing repairs and tune-ups prior to your test.
Maryland Emissions Testing FAQs
The MVA may use its discretion when granting extensions. If you are unable to test by your due date, you can request an extension through myMVA. Once you receive your new due date, wait at least 48 hours before re-inspecting your vehicle. If you need components repaired or replaced, M&L can complete that work before you take it to a VEIP station for reinspection.
Meet M&L Heavy-Duty Truck Mechanic, Ronald Benton
One-third of the famed Benton Brothers, Ronald has been with M&L for over 30 years. His first car was a 1969 Chevelle and his favorite tool is the Diagnostic Scan Tool.