What Are Maryland Car Inspection Requirements? (2025)

When Is a Maryland Vehicle Inspection Required?

Many states require inspections every year. However, Maryland only requires them in limited circumstances.

Used cars must be inspected before they are sold or transferred. If you move to Maryland from another state and bring your vehicle, it must pass inspection before you can register it.

What Happens During a Maryland Vehicle Inspection?

Maryland’s vehicle inspection process is very thorough. It typically includes these tests:

• General visual check
• Functional tests of steering, brakes and other key components
• Tests of signals, lights and safety features
• Emissions testing

This process can take some time. When you take your car in for inspection, you can expect it to last one to two hours.

Vehicle Parts and Systems Checked During Inspection

Maryland car inspection requirements are comprehensive, and they involve the parts and systems essential for safety. These include your steering system, alignment and wheels. Your lights, exhaust and suspension will also be checked.

Recent Updates to Maryland Inspection Standards

In 2025, Maryland made two key updates to its vehicle inspection protocols.

Tightening Safety Standards for Critical Components

Now, vehicle inspectors look more closely at parts that can cause accidents if they malfunction. Safety standards have been raised for brakes, tires and the general structural conditions of the vehicle.

Implementing Advanced Emissions Testing

Maryland now uses on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions testing. This testing connects to your car’s computer system to identify issues with its emissions system.

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail Inspection

Many vehicles that fail to meet Maryland car inspection requirements do so because of problems with the following:

• Brakes
• Lights and signals
• Emissions

If your car has problems with any of these systems, you should address them before your inspection. Even something as simple as a burned-out headlight can result in a failure.

What to Do if Your Vehicle Fails Inspection

If your vehicle fails, you should take these steps:

• Read the report to find out why
• Take your car to a mechanic for repair
• Schedule your re-inspection

Maryland requires any vehicle that fails to be re-inspected within 30 days and 1,000 miles of the initial inspection.

How to Prepare for a Smooth Inspection

The best way to ensure an uneventful inspection is to keep up with routine maintenance. That way, you can remedy potential issues before they become serious.

Need Legal Help?

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