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Maryland emissions test (VEIP): the official wording
Everything in quotation marks here is from 4 sources and was matched to them on November 11, 2026. The quotes are the sources’ words; ours only label them.
On this page: where · how often · fee · new and older vehicles · diesel, electric, hybrid · check a vehicle · sources
What does the text call it?
The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) helps reduce our air pollution by ensuring Maryland vehicles are operating efficiently.
The page we point to: MDOT MVA, Vehicle Emissions Inspection.
Which counties does the text name?
The quoted text names 14 counties:
- Anne Arundel 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
Vehicles registered in the following counties are required to get VEIP inspections: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Washington.
How often is the test?
Generally, vehicles must complete an emissions inspection every two years.
What does the test cost?
Listed under:
Vehicle emissions inspection program fees
VEIP test fee $30
What does the text say about new and older vehicles?
Under the new program rules, vehicle models 2019 or newer with original ownership are exempt from emissions testing for the first six years of the vehicle’s life.
Shown with it, so that neither is read alone:
New* vehicles: First test will occur 72 months from the model year
*New: 2019 or newer, original owner, titled in Maryland and not previously titled in any other jurisdiction
The following are VEIP exempt vehicles: 1995 or older under 8500 Gross Vehicle Weight
What about diesel, electric and hybrid vehicles?
Every current line we hold for Maryland that uses the word diesel, electric or hybrid. Some are about one place or one kind of test; each speaks for itself.
Listed under:
The following are VEIP exempt vehicles:
Vehicles powered solely by diesel or electric
Listed under:
The following are VEIP exempt vehicles:
New vehicles and qualified hybrids for the first 72 months after the model year of the vehicle with original ownership
What about heavier vehicles?
Listed under:
The following are VEIP exempt vehicles:
Vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
What else does the text say?
Change of ownership and out of state vehicles will continue to be treated as used vehicles and therefore be tested two years after the vehicle is purchased.
To be eligible for the repair waiver, you must have spent at least $450 on emissions-related repairs to your vehicle.
The VEIP testing network consists of 18 centralized inspection stations and 10 self-service kiosks located in 13 counties and Baltimore City.
Check a vehicle against these quotes
Enter a model year, a fuel and a weight rating, and choose the county. The checker repeats the quotes above and, where a figure can be compared, says where your entry falls against it. It does not decide anything about your vehicle.
Where do these quotes come from?
- MDOT MVA, Vehicle Emissions Inspection (mva.maryland.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- MDOT MVA, Emissions inspection extensions, exemptions and waivers (mva.maryland.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- MDOT MVA news release, modernized VEIP regulations (mva.maryland.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Maryland Department of the Environment, Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (mde.maryland.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
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