Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration

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VEIP Frequently Asked Questions

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Is my vehicle required to take a vehicle emissions test?

 

​New vehicles, registered for the first time, will be scheduled for VEIP testing at least 36 months from registration date. Vehicles are required to be inspected every two years.

Vehicles registered in the following Maryland counties must undergo the VEIP inspections:

Anne A​​ru​n​del County
Baltimore City
Baltimore County
Calvert County
Carroll County

Cecil County
Charles County
Frederick County
Harford County
Howard County

Montgomery County
Prince George’s County
Queen Anne’s County
Washington County
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Does my diesel vehicle need to be inspected?

 

​If your vehicle is powered exclusively by diesel fuel, check the appropriate box on the reverse side of the VEIP notification you received in the mail and return it to the VEIP.​

Does my hybrid vehicle need to be inspected?

 

All hybrid vehicles (part gasoline and part electric or propane) are required to be inspected on the normal two-year VEIP test cycle.​

Am I required to have my motorhome inspected?

 

​Yes, motorhomes are required to have VEIP testing.​

My vehicle has hand controls; do I need to have it inspected?

 

​Yes, a vehicle must undergo VEIP testing, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is operated by hand controls.​

What vehicles are exempt from VEIP testing?

 

​The following are VEIP exempt vehicles:

  • ​Vehicle models 1995 or older under 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight
  • Vehicles weighing more than 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight
  • Vehicles powered solely by diesel or electric
  • Motorcycles
  • Vehicles registered as a farm truck, farm truck tractor or farm area vehicle
  • Historic or Antique vehicles
  • New vehicles and qualified hybrids for the first 36 months after titling and registration
  • Fire apparatus owned or leased by the State of Maryland, a county, municipality, volunteer fire department or rescue squad
  • Ambulances currently exempted will remain exempt
  • Vehicles registered to senior citizens over 70 OR vehicles registered with hard metal disability ​tags and who drive 5,000 miles per year or less (if co-owned, both owners must qualify for the waiver) can apply for a waiver for the balance of the two year cycle.  Mileage must be recertified every two years to continue to receive the waiver.
  • Vehicles registered as a Class N street rod vehicle
  • A military vehicle owned by the federal government and used for tactical, combat, or relief operations, or for training for these operations
  • Vehicles registered as a Class H school vehicle or Class P passenger bus

Where do I go to have my VEIP test?

 

​VEIP stations are open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturdays 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Self-service 24/7 VEIP kiosk can be used with vehicles model year 2005 or newer (under 8,500 lbs) and model year 2008 or newer (less than 14,000 lbs.). Kiosks only accept credit cards. View a tutorial on how to use the VEIP kiosk​.​

Why does my vehicle need to be inspected?

 

​Vehicle emissions pollute our air and create ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. People drive 150 million miles in Maryland daily - an amount that increases every year. By making sure your vehicle is operating efficiently you can reduce our air pollution. All Marylanders need to help keep our air clean.​

What should I do prior to having my vehicle tested?

 

​To prep your vehicle for its VEIP test, make sure the vehicle’s oil and coolant levels are at the manufacturer’s recommended levels and the tires are properly inflated.

If the vehicle requires an idle Tailpipe test, the vehicle should be driven at normal highway speeds for at least 20 minutes before the test to warm it up. Once you arrive for the test, leave the engine running until instructed by the inspector.

Make sure you have a gas cap and that it properly fits.​ 

What should I bring for the test?

 

​You should bring your vehicle, the test notice, and/or your registration card, to any one of the 18 VEIP stations or 8 self-service 24/7 kiosks, along with the test fee. You can pay your test fee by cash, MasterCard, VISA, Mobile Wallet Pay​, American Express, check (made payable to VEIP), money order or traveler's check.  Self-Service kiosks only accepts credit cards. *Please do not bring pets, snow removal equipment, towed trailers or an overloaded vehicle to your test.*​

What tests will my vehicle undergo?

 

​You can learn more about the vehicle tests including On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Test, Idle Tailpipe and Gas Cap Tests here.

How does a VEIP test work?

 

  1. ​When you pull into the lane for the test, put the vehicle in "park," and keep the engine running.
  2. 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.
  3. The test fee of $14 is collected. We accept cash, VISA, Apple Pay, American Express, and MasterCard, traveler's check, money order, or a personal check (with 2 current ID's) made payable to VEIP.
  4. 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.
  5. 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. 
  6. IF your vehicle DOES NOT PASS, please speak to the station representative before leaving. Parking is available near the station office. Our station representatives are fully prepared to answer any questions you may have about your test results.

What are the next steps if my vehicle does not pass the emissions test?

 

​You should have your vehicle repaired and re-tested as soon as possible. Be sure to show the person repairing your vehicle your Vehicle Emissions Inspection Certificate (VEIC) and diagnostic report. If your vehicle is under warranty, you may want to have the dealer perform the needed repairs. Otherwise, you can use any mechanic, or you may do the repairs yourself. Note that certain repair facilities are certified to perform emissions work and offer approved emissions analyzers, On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) scan tools and trained personnel.

Note:  OBD re-test - Drive vehicle in a normal manner for one (1) week before re-test to allow enough time for monitors to reset themselves.

After your vehicle is repaired you can have it re-tested at any of the 18 VEIP stations located throughout Maryland. The first re-test of your vehicle is free.​

Do I need to have my vehicle re-tested if it did not pass the initial VEIP emissions test?

 

You must have your vehicle re-tested until it passes the required VEIP tests or until you receive a repair waiver. To be eligible for the waiver you must have made emissions-related repairs to your vehicle totaling at least $450.00. The cost of an emissions-related repair can be counted if it was made:

  • during the 30 days before the initial VEIP test; or,
  • on the day of the initial VEIP test; or,
  • during the period following the initial VEIP test and prior to the last failed test.

To apply for the repair waiver, you also must complete and submit to the VEIP station the repair waiver request (on the reverse side of the vehicle emissions inspection certificate) and the original invoices, receipts and/or repair orders for the emissions-related repairs. A Station Representative will visually inspect your vehicle to verify that all emissions equipment is present and that the repairs you paid for were completed.

Federal and state laws may not allow the costs of repairs to the exhaust system, beyond the catalytic converter, to count toward the expenditure requirement for a repair waiver. Repair waivers are not issued if any emission control devices are disconnected or removed.

If you have not spent at least $450.00 on repairs at the time of re-testing, your vehicle will need to be repaired again and undergo another test. You will be charged for each additional re-test, after the first re-test which is free.

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Why didn't my vehicle pass the VEIP emissions test(s)?

 

There are many reasons why your vehicle may have not passed the test(s). The most common are:

  1. Hydrocarbon (HC) failure
  2. Carbon monoxide (CO) failure
  3. Sample dilution failure
  4. On-board diagnostic (OBD) failure
  5. Emission control equipment was removed or altered
  6. Gas cap failure

APPENDIX A
Reasons Why Vehicle Did Not Pass
And Possible Causes

Reason Possible Causes

Hydrocarbon (HC) failure- exceeds established standards for hydrocarbon
 

Air to fuel mixture may be too lean or too rich.
 

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve may not be functioning properly (if equipped).
 

Vacuum leak in the system.
 

Exhaust Gas Re-Circulation (EGR) system may not be functioning properly (if equipped).
 

Ignition timing may not be properly set.
 

One or more spark plugs may not be performing as they should.
 

Catalytic converter may be partially clogged or not properly functioning.
 

Ignition system parts are not working properly.
 

Internal engine parts or equipment may not be functioning.
 

Various engine sensors may not be functioning.

Carbon monoxide(CO) failure- exceeds established standards for carbon monoxide
 

Air to fuel mixture may be too rich.
 

Idle speed is not correct.
 

Air filter may be partially clogged.
 

Choke may not be operating properly.
 

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve may not be functioning properly.
 

Air or fuel problems, other equipment or engine malfunctions.
 

Catalytic converter may be partially clogged or not properly functioning.
 

Engine oil may be dirty and needs changing.
 

Various engine sensors may not be functioning.

Sample dilution failure 
 

The CO + CO2 measurement was less than 6%, indicating that a valid exhaust sample could not be taken from the vehicle.
 

The vehicle has leaks in the exhaust system or improper engine adjustments.

On-board diagnostic (OBD) failure- OBD system identified Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) or a Faulty Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
 

The vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system has identified one or more emissions control components that are malfunctioning.
 

The vehicle’s Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on the dashboard is not functioning properly.

Emissions control equipment
 

If the emissions control equipment is not present or has been disconnected the vehicle will not pass the inspection.

Gas capfailure
 

The gas cap does not fit properly and could be leaking vapors.
 

Gas cap is not sealing tightly.
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How do I know when my vehicle needs to be inspected?

 

​Vehicles are required to be inspected every two (2) years. The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) will notify you by e-mail 11 weeks prior to your vehicles due date, providing your correct email address is on file with MDOT MVA.  Otherwise, you will be notified via U.S. mail approximately 6-8 weeks prior to your due date.​

Do I have to receive a VEIP inspection notice in order to have my vehicle inspected?

 

​You may take your vehicle to be inspected at any time, without an inspection notice. If you choose to have your vehicle inspected outside of your normal testing cycle, the test is considered to be either a voluntary or unscheduled test, depending upon the circumstances.

A VEIP test is considered to be voluntary when the vehicle is not registered to you (e.g., you are purchasing a used car and want to make sure that it is compliant with emissions standards). In this instance, the vehicle's test results will not be recorded in MDOT MVA's database.

Your vehicle can also undergo an unscheduled VEIP test. This can occur when you know that you will be unable to complete your VEIP test during your normal testing period. In this instance, you can submit your test results to MDOT MVA and the vehicle's test results will be recorded in MDOT MVA's database.​

What should I do if I do not receive my notice or my notice is lost?

 

​You can go to the test station with your vehicle registration card in lieu of the notice. Or visit the MDOT MVA Correspondence manager to find an electronic copy of your notice.​

What should I do if I am not going to be in Maryland during my testing period?

 

​If you are going to be in another state, MDOT MVA may accept test results from other states. Learn more about extensions, waivers and exemptions.​

What should I do if I receive a suspension notice from the MVA for failure to complete my VEIP testing?

 

​You should contact us​ immediately for specific information.​

I recently purchased a used vehicle and received a VEIP notification, wasn't the VEIP testing done when my vehicle underwent the Maryland Safety Inspection?

 

No, your vehicle did not undergo the VEIP test at the time of the Maryland Safety Inspection. Anyone who purchases a used vehicle will receive a VEIP test notice three months after the date of the vehicle's registration. If you have the VEIP certificate from the previous owner you can submit a copy to VEIP to update your record.​

What fees are associated with VEIP testing?

 

​There is a $14 fee for the VEIP test. If a customer uses a self-service kiosk, the fee is reduced to $10.

A $15 late fee is assessed after the testing due date has passed. An additional $15 will be assessed every four weeks thereafter if the vehicle continues to be late for testing.

The first re-test of a vehicle (following repairs) is free. However, there is a fee for each additional re-test of the vehicle should it fail the test again.​
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Contact Inf​ormation:

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
VEIP
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program:       1-410-768-7000
MVA Customer Service Center:                       1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired:                                        1-301-729-4563