Maryland Safety Inspection

A Safety Inspection is required for all used cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, special equipment, and class B for hire vehicles being titled and registered in Maryland. They must be inspected by a licensed Maryland inspection station. Spectra Auto Services in a licensed inspection station. A certificate of inspection issued by the inspection station within the previous 90 days of the vehicle titling must accompany the Application for Title. To avoid delay, compare the vehicle identification number (VIN) entered on the inspection certificate with the VIN on the vehicle plus the vehicle ownership documents to make certain they agree. Altered inspection certificates will not be accepted.

If you purchase a used vehicle and cannot transport it to an inspection station to have the vehicle safety inspected, you may request a 15-day temporary registration plate when you title your vehicle. To apply for the 15-day temporary plate, you must complete a temporary inspection waiver (form # VR-129).

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The safety inspection covers the following areas:

Steering

Steering wheel, column, steering lash, steering linkage (tie rods, drag link, pitman arm, idler arm, rack and pinion, steering box, power steering including power steering belt condition)

Wheel Alignment

Toe In/Out readings

Suspension

Ball joints or king pins, struts, shock absorbers, wheel bearings, springs/shackles, torsion bars, stabilizer, control arms

Brakes

Road test, hydraulic system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, drums, rotors, linings, pads, brake booster system, parking brake, mechanical components

*Note: due to the road test requirement, an inspection may not be able to be performed during rain, snow or other inclement weather.

Wheels and Tires

Fuel System

Tank, fuel cap, fuel lines, tubing and hoses, accelerator operation

Exhaust System

Manifolds, piping, muffler

Front and Rear Bumpers

Fenders

Lights

Turn signals including self-cancel, back up lights, hazard lights, brake warning light (on instrument panel), high beam indicator, stop (brake) lights, tail lights, parking lights, side marker lights, reflectors, tag lights, dash lights, clearance/ID lamps (where required), headlights, headlight aim, headlight adjusters, fog/auxiliary driving lights and aim

Electrical System

Horn, switches and wiring, Neutral Safety/Clutch start switch, battery (proper installation and hold down)

Mirrors

Interior and exterior mirrors (where required)

Glazing/Windows

Driver's door window and window operation, windshield, other window damage or window tinting. *Note: window tinting on certain windows on certain vehicles may have to be certified by the Maryland State Police at the Motor Vehicle Administration before it will pass the safety inspection.

Windshield Wipers

Arms/blades, park position, controls

Hood/Catches

Doors/Handles/Latches

Floor/Trunk Pans

Speedometer/Odometer

Operation and legibility

Driver's Seat

Mounting and operation

Safety/Seat Belts

Front - 1964 and newer, Rear - 1969 and newer

Engine/Transmission Mounts

Gear Shift Indicator

Universal and CV Joints

Emissions

Catalytic converter, fuel filler, PCV, air injection, EGR, evaporative emissions

*Note: This is not the VEIP Emissions Test. The safety inspection simply checks for the presence and operation of the required emissions control devices. You will receive notice for the VEIP Emissions Test after your vehicle has been registered.