Maryland State Inspection

When Do I Need a Maryland State Inspection?

New Residents: If you're a new resident, you must title and register your vehicles within 60 days of residency. This keeps your vehicle(s) in compliance with Maryland laws and allows you to take advantage of a lower excise tax. To complete registration, your vehicle(s) must pass the safety inspection.

Used Car Sales: In addition, most used vehicles must pass a state safety inspection before they can be sold or transferred. The seller or transferor is generally the person who must obtain the inspection certificate, although certain vehicle classes allow the purchaser/transferee to obtain the certificate as well. An exemption exists for vehicles transferred as a gift between immediate family members. For this type of exemption, a gift certification form must be filled out instead.

You can learn more about Maryland safety inspections from the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Maryland State Inspection Checklist

A certified technician checks the following systems and parts during an MD state inspection:

• Steering System
• Wheel Alignment
• Brake System
• Wheels & Tires
• Windshield
• Fuel System
• Exhaust System
• Bumpers
• Motor Mounts
• Fenders
• Lights
• Electrical System
• Mirrors
• Glazing (Windows)
• Wipers
• Hood / Catches
• Gear Shift Indicator
• Suspension
• Wipers
• Hood / Catches
• Door Handles
• Floor / Trunk Pans
• Speedometer / Odometer
• Driver Seat
• Seat Belts
• Universal & CV  Joints
• Emissions Equipment

Maryland safety inspections are among the most comprehensive inspections in the United States. This is one reason why preventive maintenance is so valuable throughout the life of your vehicle. In the event you ever choose to sell your car in the future, you won't want to worry about passing the state inspection.

4 Facts about MD State Inspections

• To register a vehicle in Maryland, drivers must receive an inspection certificate.
• Inspection certificates can only be awarded by licensed Maryland inspection stations; if an inspection station is e-certified, then the inspection certificate will be sent electronically to the MVA
• New residents of Maryland have 60 days to register their vehicles before automatically forfeiting any tax credit or titling tax paid in another state.
• Most sellers of used cars are required to have a vehicle undergo a safety inspection before the automobile can be sold.

Call 410-918-9292 or schedule your service online or in person with Welch Automotive Services today.

Contact us about MD State Inspections