Safety Equipment Repair Orders

What is a Safety Equipment Repair Order?

If your vehicle fails a Maryland Safety Inspection, you will receive a Safety Equipment Repair Order. 

A Safety Equipment Repair Order is a paper (or electronic record) that shows:

• What failed on your vehicle
• What must be repaired
• That your vehicle did not pass the safety inspection

It is not a pass or fail notice. It is a list of things that need to be fixed so your vehicle is safe to drive.

What to do if you get a Safety Equipment Repair Order

Get the repairs done as soon as possible so you can complete your inspection and register your vehicle.

Step 1: Read the order

Look at the items that failed. Common problems include:

• Brakes
• Lights or signals
• Steering or suspension issues
• Tires
• Seat belts

The list tells you what you must fix.

Step 2: Fix the problems

Take your vehicle to:

• A licensed repair facility, or
• Any mechanic who can fix the listed items

Make sure all items on the repair order are fixed.

Step 3: Return for reinspection

After repairs are done:

1. Take your vehicle back to a licensed Maryland Safety Inspection Station
2. Ask for a reinspection of the items on the order
3. Pay the inspection fee

Only the items on the repair order need to be re-checked.

Time limits for reinspections

You must have your vehicle re-inspected within the time noted on the repair order.

If you do not return in time:

• You may need a new full inspection
• You may be charged another inspection fee

Always check the date on your repair order.

When your vehicle passes reinspection

When your vehicle passes the reinspection:

• The station will update the inspection results
• You will get a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
• You can use the certificate to complete your registration

Keep the certificate or proof of passing the reinspection for your records.

Need help understanding a repair order?

If you are unsure what the repair order means or what repairs are needed, the MVA can help.

Call to action:
Contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration