Posted on 5/1/2026
If you’re buying, selling, or bringing a vehicle into Maryland, you’ve probably heard about the Maryland safety inspection. But when is it actually required? And what does it include? Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is a Maryland Safety Inspection? A Maryland safety inspection is a one-time check that makes sure your vehicle is safe to drive. It must be completed at a licensed Maryland inspection station. When Is a Safety Inspection Required? You will need a safety inspection if: You are registering a used vehicle in Maryland You bought a car from a private seller You are bringing a car from out of state When Is It NOT Required? You usually do NOT need an inspection for: Renewing your current registration Brand new vehicles (in most cases) Some historic or special registrations What Do They Check? The inspection focuses on safety. Here are some of the main items checked: Brakes and ... read more