If you drive a motor vehicle in Maine, your vehicle needs to pass a safety inspection annually. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County also need to pass an emissions inspection.

Here are some common questions and answers about Maine's safety and emissions inspections.

What needs to be inspected?

Any motor vehicle registered to drive on Maine roads needs to pass a safety inspection. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and motorhomes. Safety inspections are overseen by the state police, but they are performed by private businesses statewide.

What about emissions testing?

Any motor vehicle registered to drive in Cumberland County also needs to pass an Enhanced Auto Inspection―an emissions test. This test is overseen by the state Department of Environmental Protection and is also performed by private businesses located in Cumberland County.

Can I get my car emissions checked out of state?

No. Any Maine-registered vehicle must be checked at a Maine inspection station.

Who conducts inspections and emissions testing?

Safety inspections are conducted at automobile dealerships, service stations, and garages statewide. In Cumberland County, the same businesses also provide emissions inspections. There are about 7,500 licensed inspection mechanics in Maine and 2,400 inspection stations statewide.

How often must a vehicle pass inspection and emissions tests?

All vehicles must pass yearly safety inspections. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County must also pass the emissions testing annually.

What does it cost?

Here's a breakdown of current costs for inspections:

• Safety inspections for all cars statewide cost $12.50.

• Safety and emissions inspections for pre-1996 motor vehicles cost $15.50.

• Safety and emissions inspections for 1996 and post-1996 motor vehicles cost $18.50.

Payment is due even if the vehicle doesn't pass inspection.

What if the vehicle doesn't pass?

If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you have 60 days from your initial inspection to make the necessary repairs and pass a retest. Otherwise, you may be issued a citation or your registration may be suspended.

If you have a model year 1996 or newer vehicle, your OBD system (that's the on-board diagnostic computer) may need at least one week of combined highway and city driving to collect enough data for a retest following repairs.

If your vehicle fails the safety test, it may not be driven until repairs have been made. After it is repaired, you are entitled to a free reinspection within 60 days of the original test at the original inspection station.

Maine does not issue repair extensions or waivers.

How do I report a gross polluter on the road?

Call your local police department, or try the Maine State Police at (207) 624-8937. When making a report, you need to provide the vehicle's license plate number and the location of the incident.

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