Certified Maryland Inspection Station

A Maryland State Inspection is required when you move into the state or when transferring ownership of a used vehicle. 

If you are considering a private purchase of a vehicle, not only will you need to have the vehicle pass the Maryland State Inspection, you will need to ensure that it is safe to drive.

Please bear in mind, an inspection certificate does not guarantee the mechanical soundness of a car, but the safety features. 

At Miles Automotive, we a committed to helping ensure your car is mechanically sound and safe! For more information, just let us know what you need to have checked out or repaired!

The state inspection includes a check of brakes, steering, suspension, lights, exhaust, seat belts, glass and more. The list is very long and is posted at every Maryland State Inspection Station. Generally, inspections take just over an hour.

If you car fails inspection, you will have 30 days or > 1000 miles to have the failed items repaired. If you meet the time/mileage deadlines for the repairs, you will only need to have those failed items inspected. Should either 30 days or 1000 miles be surpassed, a full inspection will need to be done again on the vehicle.

If your car passes, the Inspection Certificate is valid for 90 days. This is especially helpful if you plan on selling your vehicle privately, and will often help you and your buyer.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to inspecting your vehicle prior to making a trip to the MVA, is if there are items that need to be repaired or replaced, you can do them before the list grows longer and longer. Keep in mind too, regularly maintaining your car will also help to ensure it will pass inspection in the future.

The State of Maryland does have a full list of requirements for varying sizes/weights of different vehicles. Below are the basic inspection criteria for Vehicles less than 10,000 pounds. If you have any questions, or have other types of vehicles that need a Maryland State Inspection, please contact us. We will help you get on the road!

• Steering system
• Wheel alignment
• Suspension
• Brake system
• Wheels / tires
• Fuel system
• Exhaust system
• Bumpers
• Fenders
• Lights
• Electrical system
• Mirrors
• Glazing (windows)
• Wipers
• Hood / catches
• Door handle latches
• Floor / trunk pans
• Speedometer / odometer
• Driver seat
• Safety belts
• Motor mounts
• Gear shift indicator
• Universal and CV (constant velocity) joints
• Emissions equipment