People drive 150 million miles every day in the Old Line State, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). To reduce air pollution associated with car emissions, vehicles registered in the county of Frederick, MD, must comply with Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) and have their car tested every two (2) years.
Where To Get Your Car Emissions Tested in Frederick, MD
The MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has VEIP stations throughout the state. There is a dedicated VEIP location at 1506 Tilco Drive (Off Reichford Road) for vehicles registered in Frederick County. If you need other services from the MVA, such as driver’s licenses and road tests, a full-service location at 1601 Bowman’s Farm Road has a 24/7 VEIP self-service kiosk.
What Tests Will the VEIP Station Run?
Gas Cap Test
Vehicles with a model year between 1977 and 1995 weighing 8,501 and 26,000 pounds are required to pass a gas cap test. The car’s gas cap is placed on a testing adapter for this test and then air pressurized to ensure it seals tightly. When the test is complete, the cap is returned to the vehicle.
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) Test
If your car runs on gasoline, has the model year 1996 and newer, and is 8,500 pounds or less, it will need to pass the OBD test. For the OBD test, a scanner is plugged into your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system via a connection that is typically located under the dashboard. The system then checks if there are emissions control components that are faulty and causing vehicle emissions to exceed allowable limits.
Heavy-duty vehicles with a model year 2008 or newer that weigh between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds also need to pass the OBD test.
Tailpipe (Idle) Test
Vehicles with the model year 1977 through 1995, run on gasoline and weigh between 8,501 and 26,000 pounds, will be given the tailpipe test. Sometimes called the “idle test,” it analyzes emissions while the car’s engine idles.
If your vehicle has a model year of 2008 or newer, is classified as “heavy-duty,” and weighs between 14,001 and 26,000 pounds, it will also need to take the tailpipe test.
How to Prepare for the VEIP Test
Before you take your vehicle into a VEIP station, there are a few things you can do to ensure the visit goes smoothly. First, make sure your car’s oil and coolant levels are at the levels recommended by the manufacturer. Your car’s tires should also be properly inflated.
If you know that your car has to take the idle tailpipe test, plan on driving at normal highway speeds for at least 20 minutes before the test to warm the engine up. Upon arrival, leave the engine running until the inspector instructs you to turn it off.
If you have any reservations about whether or not your car will pass its emissions inspection, contact DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick for an appointment today. Our team of professional technicians will make the necessary fixes and repairs, so you can be confident your car will pass the Maryland VEIP test.
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