Maryland State Inspection | Authorized Auto Inspection Station

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. 

The inspection takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. 

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:

1. Steering. Inspect steering wheel, column, linkages, and power steering, and conduct a road test.
2. Brakes. Inspect all brake system parts and test stopping distance.
3. Suspension. Inspect shock absorbers or struts, torsion bar, springs, wheel bearing, spindle bolt, king pin, ball joints.
4. Wheels. Check camber, toe and caster; nuts, studs, lugs; wheel and axle alignment.
5. Tires. Inspect tire size, type, condition and tread depth.
6. Fuel System. Check system for leaks, inspect fuel tank and operation of accelerator, hand throttle, choke.
7. Exhaust. Inspect muffler, piping and manifold to confirm proper mounting and no leaks.
8. Electrical. Inspect wiring and switches, battery cables and horn function.
9. Lighting. Check all original equipment lighting and added lighting for functionality and compliance, including auxiliary/fog lights.
10. 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.

Roda charges $120 for a Maryland State inspection. This includes the free valet service, as well as a light wash and vacuum of the car before we return it to you.