The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) schedules tests, notifies customers that their vehicle is due for the required emissions tests (see Appendix A) and administers these tests.  All required vehicles registered in specific Maryland counties (see Appendix B) must undergo the VEIP inspections. MVA has a list of vehicles exempt from emissions testing (see Appendix C).
 

Why does my vehicle need to be inspected?

Vehicle emissions pollute our air and create ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. People drive 135 million miles in Maryland daily - an amount that increases every year. By making sure your vehicle is operating efficiently you can reduce our air pollution. All Marylanders need to help keep our air clean.

Which vehicles must be tested?

Appendix A identifies the types of tests conducted at a VEIP station and which vehicles must receive each type of test. Appendix B lists the Maryland counties in which registered vehicles must be tested.  Appendix C lists the vehicles which are exempt from VEIP requirements.

How do I know when my vehicle needs to be inspected?

The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) will notify you via U.S. mail approximately 6-8 weeks prior to your vehicle's due date. Vehicles are required to be inspected every two (2) years.

Where do I go to have my vehicle tested?

You may go to any of the 18 VEIP Stations located throughout Maryland. All stations are equipped to administer all tests required for your vehicle.

What should I bring for the test?

You should bring your vehicle, the test notice, and/or your registration card, along with the test fee. You can pay your test fee by cash, MasterCard, VISA, American Express, check (made payable to VEIP), money order or traveler's check.

What should I not bring?

You should not bring the following:

• Pets
• Snow removal equipment
• Towed trailer
• Overloaded vehicle

What tests will my vehicle undergo?

There are three tests that may be administered:

• Gas cap test
• On-board diagnostic (OBD) test
• Tailpipe test (idle test)

Do I have to receive a VEIP inspection notice in order to have my vehicle inspected?

No, you may take your vehicle to be inspected at any time. If you choose to have your vehicle inspected outside of your normal testing cycle, the test is considered to be either a voluntary or unscheduled test, depending upon the circumstances.

A VEIP test is considered to be voluntary when the vehicle is not registered to you (e.g., you are purchasing a used car and want to make sure that it is compliant with emissions standards). In this instance, the vehicle's test results will not be recorded in the MVA's database.

Your vehicle can also undergo an unscheduled VEIP test. This can occur when you know that you will be unable to complete your VEIP test during your normal testing period. In this instance, you can submit your test results to the MVA and the vehicle's test results will be recorded in the MVA's database.

What should I do prior to having my vehicle tested?

The following tips may be helpful:

• The vehicle’s oil and coolant levels should be at the manufacturer’s recommended levels and the tires should be properly inflated.
• The vehicle should be driven at normal highway speeds for at least 20 minutes before the test to warm it up. If you have to wait for the test, leave the engine running.
• Make sure you have a gas cap that is properly fitted.

What should I do if I do not receive my notice or my notice is lost?

You can go to the test station with your vehicle registration card in lieu of the notice. 

What should I do if I am not going to be in Maryland during my testing period?

If you are going to be in another state, MVA may accept test results from other states. Call the VEIP to verify and for further information.

What should I do if I receive a suspension notice from the MVA for failure to complete my VEIP testing?

You should contact VEIP immediately for specific information.

I recently purchased a used vehicle and received a VEIP notification, wasn't the VEIP testing done when my vehicle underwent the Maryland safety inspection?

No, your vehicle did not undergo the VEIP test at the time of the Maryland safety inspection. Anyone who purchases a used vehicle will receive a VEIP test notice three months after the date of the vehicle's registration.

If you have the VEIP certificate from the previous owner you can submit a copy to VEIP to update your record.

Does my diesel vehicle need to be inspected?

If your vehicle is powered exclusively by diesel fuel, check the appropriate box on the reverse side of the VEIP notification you received in the mail and return it to the VEIP.

My vehicle is a hybrid (part gasoline and part electric or propane); do I need to have it inspected?

Yes, you must bring your vehicle to a VEIP station for testing, unless it is a qualified hybrid vehicle.

Am I required to have my motor home tested?

Yes, you must bring your motor home to a VEIP station for testing.
 

My vehicle has hand controls; do I need to have it tested?

Yes, a vehicle must undergo VEIP testing, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is operated by hand controls.

Fees:

• There is a fee for the VEIP test.
• A late fee is assessed after the “valid through” date has passed.
• After the initial late fee is assessed, an additional late fee is charged for every four-week period (28 days) the vehicle continues to be late for testing.
• The first re-test of a vehicle (following repairs) is free. However, there is a fee for each additional re-test of the vehicle.

Contact Information:

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
VEIP
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

APPENDIX A
Required Emissions Tests
By Model Year and Vehicle Weight

1. 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. 
2. If the vehicle has had recent repairs that required the battery cables to be disconnected, drive the vehicle in a normal manner for one week to reset the readiness codes before bringing the vehicle in for the OBD test.  
3. The vehicle cannot be tested by OBD if the shift indicator is not properly aligned or the driver's door is not operational.

[Return to Question]

APPENDIX B
Counties Requiring VEIP Inspections *

* Vehicles requiring VEIP inspections must be registered in one of the above counties.

[Return to Question]

APPENDIX C
VEIP Exempt Vehicles

The following are VEIP Exempt Vehicles:

• 1976 or older
• Vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
• Vehicles powered solely by diesel or electric
• Qualified hybrid vehicle
• Motorcycle
• Vehicles registered as a farm truck, farm truck tractor or farm area vehicle
• Historic or Antique vehicles
• New vehicles for the first 24 months after titling and registration
• 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 and over who drive 5,000 miles per year or less (if co-owned, both owners must be over 70)
• 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
  [ infoMVA Home   |   Vehicle Inspections ]