If you have a vehicle registered here in Silver Spring, MD, getting your car emissions tested through the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) is a basic necessity that comes with owning a car. While the procedure is simple, it is important to understand the requirements and avoid unnecessary penalties by staying up to date.
Maryland Emissions Check FAQs
When Do I Need to Go for a Maryland Emissions Check?
You will get contacted by email 11 weeks prior to your vehicle’s due date for VEIP inspection. If you do not have your email registered, they will contact you by traditional mail.
Most vehicles registered in Maryland are required to have emissions checks every two years. Owners of new vehicles registered for the first time will usually be contacted by the VEIP with a notice for their first inspection after around 36 months. As a general rule, car owners in Maryland should expect to have their cars checked for emissions every two years.
What Must I Do for an Emissions Check in Maryland?
Getting an emissions check in Maryland through the VEIP is a very quick procedure and can be done at any of the Maryland VEIP inspection centers.
Before going in for the test, you’ll want to make sure that the car’s oil and coolant are at the proper levels and that the exhaust pipe and gas cap are clean and fitted properly. If the vehicle’s “check engine” light is lit, you should see a technician to resolve the issue before the test.
What Tests Are Performed in a Standard Maryland Emissions Check?
The three tests which are regularly performed as part of the standard VEIP emissions testing are a:
- gas cap test
- an onboard diagnostic test (OBD)
- and a tailpipe idle test
The OBD test is regularly a point of drivers failing the emissions check, as inspectors will fail this section of the test if the “check engine” light is on.
What Vehicles Are Exempt from Maryland Emissions Checks?
Not all vehicles registered in Maryland require emissions checks. Categories of vehicles that may be exempt include 100% electric vehicles, diesel vehicles, motorcycles, farm vehicles, and any vehicles classified as historic or antique.
There are also a few counties in Maryland that do not require VEIP inspection for vehicles, so if your car is registered and you reside in one of these counties, you are also exempt.
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