Maryland Car Inspection Questions and Recommendations (Baltimore, Columbia: sales, DMV, inspectors)

[LFF]

Hi there.

We just moved to Maryland (Baltimore actually) and need to register both of our cars. We have one newer hybrid and one older car. I'm hoping to get recommendations for a location to take them to as well as clarification of the actual process.

Is the emissions testing part of the safety inspection? Is there anything else besides the safety inspection that would need to be done for a car that's 12 years old? Is there anything that doesn't need to be done for a hybrid? I'm having a hard time getting information while weeding out horror stories on the web.

I'd really appreciate any recommendations of a testing location with honest people that won't rip us off also. We'd prefer a testing location in the Columbia-Jessup-Laurel, MD but would also consider Baltimore City, Catonsville, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[dkf747]

I believe a 12 year old car still needs testing. Anyways, Maryland has emissions testing places all over the state. You have to go to one of those places for the test. Safety inspections are done at approved garages, and only need to be done once when registering the car for the first time.

[mrodrigo]

I get my emissions testing done in Columbia. I forget the street name. But make a left at the intersection of Broken Land Parkway and Stevens Forest Road (when you head north on Broken Land PKWY toward the Mall).

Good Luck!

[ReefAreCoolToo]

i believe you have to get your state inspection done first. And with that piece of yellow paper, you will bring it in to the DMV where you are get your license and new tag and registration. It depends where you move from, you might have to pay different in sales tax (6% - MD) vs the other state for each car. Once you have those square away, DMV will send you a slip for emission testing later.

[happjack]

Originally Posted by myselfdotcom

i believe you have to get your state inspection done first. And with that piece of yellow paper, you will bring it in to the DMV where you are get your license and new tag and registration. It depends where you move from, you might have to pay different in sales tax (6% - MD) vs the other state for each car. Once you have those square away, DMV will send you a slip for emission testing later.

yup. this is correct.

1st - get state vehicle inspection from approved garage (should be able to find one near you in the yellow pages if a neighbor/co-worker can't recommend one).
2nd - get car titled and registered in md at the dmv.
3rd - wait for emissions testing notification to show up.

[filmsniffer]

Maryland inspectors are very strict, so you better keep that car in top shape...or grease the inspector's hand.

[Stripes17]

Originally Posted by filmsniffer

Maryland inspectors are very strict, so you better keep that car in top shape...or grease the inspector's hand.

True, but you only have to do it once. Is that still the case? We moved away several years ago.

[PlanQuik]

As far as places to go to get your inspection, I would recommend that mechanic at the corner of Rte 103 (Ellicott City) and Old Columbia Road...across from the Fire Station....it's a Citgo gas station...the owner is honest and fair.

[emsgoof]

Originally Posted by Stripes17

True, but you only have to do it once. Is that still the case? We moved away several years ago.

Normally yes. However, if a police officer stops you and feels your car is unsafe for whatever reason (broken tail lights, bumper hanging on by rope, etc), they can issue an inspection ticket, where you have (I think) 30-60 days to get the vehicle inspected, and submit that inspection to the state.

[Stripes17]

Originally Posted by emsgoof

Normally yes. However, if a police officer stops you and feels your car is unsafe for whatever reason (broken tail lights, bumper hanging on by rope, etc), they can issue an inspection ticket, where you have (I think) 30-60 days to get the vehicle inspected, and submit that inspection to the state.

Thanks for the information. I didn't know that!