Emissions Testing in Maryland

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Maryland

Maryland operates the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP), a biennial emissions testing program covering 13 counties and Baltimore City. The program is jointly administered by the MVA and the Maryland Department of the Environment, with day-to-day operations managed by Envirotest under state contract. Testing is conducted at 18 centralized VEIP stations and 10 self-service kiosks located throughout the program area. For model year 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles under 8,500 pounds, the test is an OBD-II diagnostic scan. Heavy-duty vehicles from model year 2008 and newer weighing 8,501 to 14,000 pounds also receive the OBD-II test. Older and heavier gasoline vehicles may receive an idle tailpipe test. A gas cap pressure test is performed on applicable vehicles.

Who Needs an Emissions Test

Most gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1996 and newer registered in the designated counties must pass a biennial emissions test. This includes passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans. Light-duty diesel and hybrid vehicles are also subject to testing. New vehicles are exempt for the first 72 months (6 years) after initial titling and registration with original ownership. Vehicles model year 1995 and older under 8,500 pounds are exempt. Vehicles over 26,000 pounds, motorcycles, electric vehicles, farm vehicles, historic and antique vehicles, and fire apparatus are also exempt. Starting July 1, 2025, the historic vehicle exemption requires the vehicle to be model year 1999 or older, replacing the previous 20-year rolling exemption. Senior citizens over 70 and disabled vehicle owners who drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year may apply for a waiver.

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing is required every two years. The MVA sends email notification 11 weeks before the due date (if an email address is on file) or a mailed notice 6 to 8 weeks before. Vehicle owners are responsible for testing even if no notice is received. Registration cannot be renewed without a passing VEIP test or an approved waiver or exemption.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Testing is required in 13 counties plus Baltimore City: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Washington counties. Vehicles registered in the remaining 10 Maryland counties are not required to test. The program covers the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan corridor and surrounding areas.

What Happens During the Test

For model year 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles under 8,500 pounds, a technician connects to the OBD-II port and checks for stored diagnostic trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light results in failure. A gas cap pressure test checks for fuel system leaks. Older gasoline vehicles and heavier vehicles may receive an idle tailpipe test measuring hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. If the vehicle's battery has been recently disconnected or the computer reset, drive the vehicle for at least one week before testing to allow readiness monitors to reset. The test typically takes 10 to 15 minutes at a full-service station. Self-service kiosks are available for gasoline vehicles model year 2005 and newer under 8,500 pounds and for vehicles model year 2008 and newer under 14,000 pounds.

Areas in Maryland That Require Emissions Testing

Within the covered counties, cities where testing is required include Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Columbia, Bowie, Hagerstown, Bel Air, Salisbury (if registered in a covered county), Elkton, Waldorf, La Plata, Prince Frederick, and Westminster. Cities in non-covered counties are exempt. The Eastern Shore counties of Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester, Talbot, Kent, Caroline, and Garrett County in western Maryland do not require VEIP testing. VEIP stations are distributed throughout the program area, and drivers may visit any station regardless of their county of registration.

How the Emissions Test Works in Maryland

Drivers take their vehicle to any of the 18 VEIP stations or use a self-service kiosk if eligible. No appointment is needed or offered. VEIP stations are open Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Self-service kiosks are available 24/7 and accept credit cards only. Bring your vehicle registration card and payment. The fee is $30 at a full-service station and $26 at a self-service kiosk, effective July 1, 2025. If the vehicle passes, the results are recorded electronically and registration can be renewed. If the vehicle fails, a late fee of $30 is assessed if testing is not completed by the due date, with an additional $30 every four weeks the vehicle remains out of compliance. One free retest is available if completed by the "valid through" date on the test notice. A repair waiver may be available if the vehicle fails after qualifying emissions repairs totaling at least $450, performed by a VEIP Certified Emissions Repair Facility. Waivers are also available for out-of-area military, senior citizens over 70, and disabled vehicle owners. Extensions can be requested online through the MVA's myMVA eServices portal.