• What is the Right Test for Your Vehicle?
• How a VEIP Test Works.
• To Help Your Vehicle Pass.

Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program is Working! Your Vehicle Emissions Inspection Improves Maryland’s Air and Water Quality!

By having your vehicle tested, you're playing an important part in Maryland's successful and ongoing efforts to clean our air and water, creating a healthier Maryland for all of us.

Although there are many sources of pollutants which form ground-level ozone, automobiles and light trucks remain the major source here in Maryland.

By making certain our cars and trucks are properly maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations (the whole purpose of the VEIP inspection), vehicle owners can be assured that we are doing our part, along with industry and government, to keep Maryland a clean and healthful place to live.

For more information about motor vehicles and air pollution, please check the Maryland Department of the Environment’s website at www.mde.state.md.us.

What is the Right Test for Your Vehicle?

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Test
1996 or newer model year vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less and equipped with a computer controlled engine and fuel system

Instead of testing your vehicle’s exhaust, your emissions test will involve scanning your vehicle's computer for emission control malfunctions. During an on-board diagnostics scan, a lane inspector will connect to your vehicle's computer through a connector under the dashboard to determine the presence of recorded “trouble codes” that illuminate the “check engine” light on the instrument panel. Vehicles with an illuminated “check engine” light automatically fail the emissions test.

Treadmill Test (IM240)
1984 to 1995 model year vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less.

Your vehicle will be driven on a treadmill while the exhaust is collected and analyzed. The treadmill test is simple and safe, and usually takes less than four minutes to complete. The vehicle’s emissions are measured under a range of operating conditions including acceleration, deceleration, cruising and idle.

Idle Test
1977 to 1983 model year vehicles and on trucks weighing 8,501 to 26,000 pounds regardless of model year.

Your vehicle’s emissions will be analyzed while the engine is at idle. The idle test is more appropriate for older cars because of their vehicle design.

Gas Cap Leak Check
All vehicles that are required to have an emissions test are required to have a gas cap leak check.

Because a cap can look OK but still leak gas vapors, we check all gas caps of vehicles presented for emissions testing in Maryland. The gas cap leak check is the first step in the emissions test, and involves placing the cap on a testing adapter and pressurizing it with air to ensure that it seals tightly.

How a VEIP Test Works

Here is some important information you need to know before you take your vehicle in for testing.

You will receive a test notice from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) about eight weeks before the deadline for your vehicle should be tested. You may bring your vehicle to be tested as soon as you receive the notice, or at any time during your eight week inspection period. Bring your notice and your vehicle to any one of the testing stations.

1. If you forget the notice, bring your vehicle registration card as a substitute.
2. When you pull into the lane for the test, put the vehicle in "park," and keep the engine running.
3. A certified emissions inspector will check for leaking fluids, excessive smoke, signs of tampering with the exhaust system, a gas cap, dashboard warning lights, and badly worn tires. Nothing is disconnected.
4. The test fee of $14 is collected. We accept cash, VISA, American Express and MasterCard, traveler's check, money order, or a personal check (with 2 current ID's) made payable to VEIP.
5. At the end of the test the inspector will present you with a vehicle emissions certificate that shows whether your vehicle passed or failed the test and the date of your next test.
6. If you do not pass the test, you will be referred to the station representative. The station representative can discuss the results with you and point out the area(s) on your vehicle's engine or emission control system to be checked and repaired.  A brochure listing Maryland Certified Emissions Repair Facilities is available from the station representative.

PLEASE VISIT THE STATION REPRESENTATIVE BEFORE LEAVING IF YOUR VEHICLE DOES NOT PASS. DON'T FORGET, your first re-test is free. To speak to the station representative, please move your vehicle to one of the convenient parking spaces, and enter the office. Our station representatives are fully prepared to answer any and all questions you may have.

To Help Your Vehicle Pass

1. Be certain you have the proper gas cap.
2. Keep your vehicle properly maintained - manufacturer's recommendations are found in your owner's manual. Make sure all of your vehicle's emissions control equipment is present and connected.
3. Make sure your exhaust system is free of leaks or holes, and that the tailpipe is easily accessible.
4. Make sure no gasoline, oil, or coolant is leaking from your vehicle. Check for bald tires or a temporary spare on the drive wheels. We cannot test a vehicle if any of these conditions exist.

If you are unable to have your vehicle tested by the due date, you can request an extension online or call VEIP at 1-800-638-8347.