maine car inspection requirements

Maine law requires all motor vehicles to undergo a safety inspection once a year. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County

are also required to undergo an emissions test. Inspections are conducted at licensed automobile dealerships, service stations and garages.

Full Answer

What are the requirements for a car inspection?

• Suspension. The car's ball joint movement can't exceed the manufacturer's specifications, along with shock absorbers that do not leak.
• Steering.
• Brakes.
• Tires and Wheels.
• Lighting and Electrical Systems.
• Glass and Mirrors.
• Windshield Washer, Defroster and Wipers.
• Fuel System.

Does a car from out of state require inspection?

To find out if you need to schedule an inspection, simply run a search using your ZIP code. All out-of-state vehicles have to undergo emissions inspection regardless of whether the inspection was done on the car in the previous state. VIN car inspection is mandatory when registering a vehicle from a different state.

Does your state require car inspections?

There are federal smog and safety laws that all vehicles must meet to be sold here when new. But, the United States is famously the land of the free, and in 11 of the 50 states, you are truly free, with no form of smog or safety inspection required, ever. More than half of the states, 32 out of 50, require a smog test in at least some areas, to keep cars from polluting as they age.

Can My Car pass state inspection?

There are no exemptions for vehicle safety inspections or emissions inspections for vehicle owned by private individuals or companies EXCEPT electric vehicles. Other than those, all vehicles must pass both inspections before being registered or renewing a registration.

How old does a car have to be to not need inspection in Maine?

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said antique vehicles are exempt from inspections. Under the law, a vehicle is considered antique if it is 25 years old or older, substantially in its original condition and cannot be used as a primary vehicle.

Does Maine require annual car inspections?

Maine law requires all motor vehicles to undergo a safety inspection once a year. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County are also required to undergo an emissions test. Inspections are conducted at licensed automobile dealerships, service stations and garages.

Is there a grace period for car inspection in Maine?

[The law] states only vehicles required to be registered must be inspected and therefore during the period of time that the emergency declaration is in effect and for 30 days after, vehicles are not required to be inspected either.

Is Maine getting rid of vehicle inspections?

The Legislature's Transportation Committee has voted against endorsing a slate of bills that would have changed or eliminated Maine's motor vehicle safety inspection program. That means the required annual safety inspection and windshield sticker that comes with it are likely to stay.

What do you need to register a car in Maine?

How to Register a Passenger VehicleYour bill of sale/sales agreement from the dealer.Blue title application (if the vehicle is a 1995 model year or newer)Evidence of insurance (ID card, policy or binder)White & yellow copy of registration application and excise tax receipt (from town office)

Is there an extension on inspection stickers in Maine?

Maine has extended expiration dates indefinitely on all state driver's licenses, IDs, vehicle registrations and inspection stickers until the state of emergency prompted by the coronavirus pandemic is over. Gov.

How long can you drive with an expired inspection sticker in Maine?

The owner or operator of a vehicle operated with an expired inspection sticker during the first month immediately after expiration may not be issued a summons to court but may only be issued a warning. This warning must state that the vehicle must be inspected within 2 business days.

What will fail a car inspection?

One or more worn, damaged, or fouled sparkplugs are present. Catalytic converter is clogged, missing, or ineffective * Malfunctioning oxygen sensor. Internal engine parts may be malfunctioning or damaged.

Whats the fine for no inspection in Maine?

Seventy-five dollars if the inspection sticker has been 2 invalid or the registration has been expired for more than 3 months. 12 30-day suspension of the violator's motor vehicle operator's license.

How much does a Maine state inspection cost?

$12.50 per vehicleVIP's Certified Automotive Professionals will perform your Maine State Inspection 7 days a week. The cost in Maine is $12.50 per vehicle, except in Cumberland County where the cost is $18.50 (includes emissions testing).

What happens if your car fails inspection in Maine?

What happens if I fail? The technician will give you a written list of the repairs that need to be completed before the vehicle can be issued a pass sticker. The technician will give you the option of looking at what repairds need to be completed.

Can I get my Maine car inspected in Rhode Island?

A: The R.I. DMV does have a form that allows vehicles that are out of state to do an inspection in that state, and it is named “Inspection Exemption — Out-of-State Vehicle.” You can find this form on our website (www.dmv.ri.gov) in the “Safety & Emissions” tab, then the “Inspection Exemption” tab.

What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Maine?

When registering a vehicle in Maine, you’re required to get a safety inspection annually. This ensures that all vehicles are road-safe according to the standards set out by the state.

Where to get a car inspection in Maine

You’ll need to visit a smog check station authorized by the Maine BMV to complete your vehicle inspection. Emissions.org maintains a list of auto shops that are authorized to carry out such inspections.

How often do you need a car inspection?

Safety inspections are required annually for all residents. Anytime you register a new vehicle you will also need to get an emissions inspection. If you live in Cumberland County, you are required to get an emissions inspection done annually.

Finding affordable car insurance

Once you’ve completed and passed all your required inspections, it’s a good idea to look over your car insurance policy again. Oftentimes you’ll find that you’re actually overpaying! The car insurance broker app, Jerry, can help you find and compare insurance policies from more than 50 top providers to find the best prices.

FAQs

If your vehicle passed a smog check in your previous state, Maine will recognize that inspection until the sticker expires. If you weren’t required to have your vehicle smog checked, you must have one done immediately after you register your car. To visit an inspection station, ask your municipal office clerk for a permit.

What is the inspection standard for on board diagnostic system?

Inspection standard for on-board diagnostic system. Notwithstanding the inspection standards of subsection 1, an on-board diagnostic system subject to the inspection required by section 1751, subsection 2-A, paragraph C must meet the standards in rules adopted by the Chief of the State Police. The Chief of the State Police shall adopt rules ...

What is the inspection standard for a catalytic converter?

Notwithstanding the inspection standards of subsection 1, a catalytic converter subject to the inspection required by section 1751, subsection 2, paragraph N must meet the rules promulgated by the Chief of the State Police and must be safely attached or secured to the chassis or body of the vehicle.

Who can suspend a license in Maine?

If a licensee violates any Maine law or any rule relating to motor vehicle inspections including, but not limited to, this Chapter generally a State Police officer or an employee of the State Police designated as a Motor Vehicle Inspector may suspend the license pursuant to Maine law.

What is the inspection standard for fuel tank cap?

Notwithstanding the inspection standards of subsection 1, a fuel tank cap subject to the inspection required by section 1751, subsection 2-A, paragraph B must meet the standards in rules adopted by the Chief of the State Police.

How far behind a vehicle must a red light be visible?

Requirement. Except as provided in subsection 3, a motor vehicle with 3 or more wheels or a trailer or semitrailer must have on the rear 2 lights, one on each side of the axis, each capable of displaying a red light visible for a distance of at least 100 feet behind the vehicle.

What are the requirements for an autocycle?

An autocycle shall meet the provisions of a motorcycle as well as the following criteria; (1) An autocycle must be equipped with safety belts for all passengers, a roll bar, a windshield equipped with a wiper, and a steering wheel or tiller. (2) Autocycles shall be equipped with brakes on the two main wheels. B.

How high should headlights be?

Location of headlights. On a motor vehicle, a headlight must be located at a height, measured from the center of the headlight, of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches above the level surface on which the vehicle stands. Headlights on snow plows may be at a height greater than 54 inches.

What is an inspection station?

INSPECTION STATION means a business entity currently licensed by the Maine State Police to perform inspections. An inspection station may be licensed to perform more than one class of inspection. An inspection station must have an on-site manager and/or the owner who is the licensee of the station.

Who may adopt rules establishing standards and specifications for hydraulic brake fluid?

The Commissioner of Public Safety may adopt rules establishing standards and specifications for hydraulic brake fluid that must correlate with and, so far as practicable, conform to current standards and specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers applicable to the fluid. [ 1993, c. 683, Pt.