Most used vehicles are required by Maryland Law to undergo a safety inspection prior to its sale or transfer. Generally, the seller or transferor of the vehicle is required to obtain the inspection certificate. If your vehicle is inspected here at Protech Auto Repair we will participate in the electronic inspection service (e-inspection) program, you will not receive an inspection certificate. Your inspection certificate will be electronically sent to the MVA.
It is best if you schedule the safety inspection first, by phone. Also, before you take the vehicle to be inspected, ensure that it is properly registered, either in Maryland or in another state. If you are not able to register the vehicle because it has not yet received a safety inspection, you may qualify for a 30-day temporary registration that will enable you to legally drive the vehicle to the inspection station.
The safety inspection should take about 1-½ hours for most vehicles once the registered inspection mechanic begins work. Certain vehicles (e.g., trailers) may take less time so it is best to check with the station. When the mechanic has finished, he will prepare an inspection report that shows the vehicle parts or systems examined and whether or not they have met Maryland’s standards. The mechanic will also electronically transmit the e-inspection to the MVA.
What happens if my vehicle fails the safety inspection?
If your vehicle fails to meet even one safety standard, the Maryland Inspection Certificate cannot be issued. You must have the problem(s) identified on the station’s inspection report fixed and then have the vehicle re-inspected by the same registered inspection mechanic at the same station. You have the option of fixing the problem yourself, having the inspection station fix the problem, or taking the vehicle to another facility for repairs.
If the vehicle is re-inspected within 30 days after the original inspection date and you have driven it less than 1,000 miles, the inspection station will only need to inspect the defective equipment identified during the initial inspection. However, if a new defect is visually observed during the re-inspection, the newly discovered defect must also be repaired and re-inspected. See Maryland’s regulations (COMAR 11.14.01.10 (A(3))) for details. Note: there may be a charge you for each re-inspection, unless the repair can be visually verified. If you do not have the vehicle re inspected within 30 days or you exceed 1,000 miles, you will be required to pay for a new, complete inspection.