RODA SERVICE
Maryland State Inspection
Before registering a vehicle in Maryland or transferring ownership, state law requires a safety inspection performed by a licensed inspection station.
< 2 Hours
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THE RODA WAY
Our Maryland State Inspection service is performed by certified technicians who carefully examine your vehicle’s key systems — ensuring everything meets Maryland’s safety standards before it hits the road. We believe in hospitality and transparency — you’ll always know exactly what we’re doing and why it matters.
When You Need This
Before Vehicle Registration or Title Transfer
All used vehicles must pass inspection before registration in Maryland.
Out-of-State Vehicle Transfer
Bringing a vehicle from another state into Maryland requires a completed state inspection to register it locally.
Pre-Purchase Peace of Mind
Inspections help identify hidden safety issues before buying or selling a vehicle.
Routine Safety Check
Even if not required, periodic inspections ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant with state standards.
When You Need This
Before Vehicle Registration or Title Transfer
All used vehicles must pass inspection before registration in Maryland.
Pre-Purchase Peace of Mind
Inspections help identify hidden safety issues before buying or selling a vehicle.
Out-of-State Vehicle Transfer
Bringing a vehicle from another state into Maryland requires a completed state inspection to register it locally.
Routine Safety Check
Even if not required, periodic inspections ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant with state standards.
⚠️ What happens if you skip it? ⚠️
Even if not required, periodic inspections ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant with state standards.
How This is Done
Our certified inspectors follow Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) guidelines to assess your vehicle’s safety systems thoroughly.
1. Vehicle Intake and Documentation
Verify VIN, license plates, and vehicle details.
2. Comprehensive Safety Inspection
Evaluate brakes, tires, steering, suspension, exhaust, lights, wipers, and more.
3. Emissions and Visibility Checks
Confirm mirrors, windows, and windshield meet visibility standards.
4. Underbody and Structural Review
Inspect frame, undercarriage, and exhaust system for damage or corrosion.
5. Inspection Report and Certificate
Provide official documentation and guidance for any necessary repairs.
Maryland is unlike most states that require an annual inspection, instead Maryland requires that a car pass an inspection under the following circumstances:
- New residents in Maryland must obtain a vehicle safety inspection within 60 days of moving into the state.
- If you buy a used car in Maryland you are required to get an inspection before registering the car.
- If you inherit or are gifted a car, you also are required to get the car inspected before registering the car.
You’ll need a temporary, 30-day registration that will allow you to drive to and from the inspection. You can obtain this temporary registration through the mva.maryland.gov website.
Every authorized Maryland state inspection shop must complete the item's on the MVA safety checklist, including:
- Steering. Inspect steering wheel, column, linkages, and power steering, and conduct a road test.
- Brakes. Inspect all brake system parts and test stopping distance.
- Suspension. Inspect shock absorbers or struts, torsion bar, springs, wheel bearing, spindle bolt, king pin, ball joints.
- Wheels. Check camber, toe and caster; nuts, studs, lugs; wheel and axle alignment.
- Tires. Inspect tire size, type, condition and tread depth.
- Fuel System. Check system for leaks, inspect fuel tank and operation of accelerator, hand throttle, choke.
- Exhaust. Inspect muffler, piping and manifold to confirm proper mounting and no leaks.
- Electrical. Inspect wiring and switches, battery cables and horn function.
- Lighting. Check all original equipment lighting and added lighting for functionality and compliance, including auxiliary/fog lights.
- General. Other inspection includes various features including emissions equipment; CV boots; gear selection indicator; speedometer and odometer; driver’s seat and safety belts; doors, latches, hinges and handles; vehicle hood and latch; windshield wipers, mirrors and vehicle glazing (windows).
The Maryland inspection is quite rigorous, and its not uncommon for cars to fail inspection. The Roda team will communicate the repairs needed to pass inspection, and you can choose to have those repairs done at Roda, or not. Once the repairs are done, Roda will re-inspect the car within 30 days or 1000 miles of the original inspection.
No — the state safety inspection is separate from the emissions program.
Yes. We inspect sedans, SUVs, and light trucks, following Maryland MVA regulations.
All repair work completed as part of the inspection process is backed by our Roda 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty, covering both parts and labor.
Book Your Maryland State Inspection Today!
Get your vehicle certified safely and easily — backed by Roda’s professionalism, transparency, and trusted warranty.