Today I had to go do what most Marylanders dread, the MD State Emissions Test. This is something you are required to do every 2 years to make sure your vehicle is not spewing too much noxious Co2 into the atmosphere in the great state of Maryland.
I waited longer than it took to actually do the test. As most know all the test really is is hooking up your car to a computer. What the technician did to my car today was hook-up my car to the OBDII scanner, check for a code, and that was it. If my car didn't have a OBDII or OBDI port they just would have not checked for any codes. He also did what is known as a “Gas Cap” test, essentially just to make sure the gas cap is there.
I left feeling great I had my emissions test out of the way and was at least glad it only took me about 1 hour and 15 minutes from my house to the emissions place on Erdman Avenue and back. You know I realized when I got back to my house, it is just a good way for MD to make some money. What do you think?
You are lucky mate. Here in the UK every car over 3 years old is required to undergo an annual emissions and safety check known as the M.O.T.
This test is pretty strict too, they test not just emissions, but brakes,tyres, ball joints, battery (for secureness), brake lines, exhaust system for leaks or corrosion as well as a visual structural test. If certain areas are found to be in bad condition the car will fail and it will not be allowed to be used on the public highway.
Yeah I hear that in Europe the safety inspections are a lot more in depth. A lot more people on US roads definitely drive “beaters.” Keep in mind the MD State Emissions test doesn’t check the roadworthiness of cars. The MD State Inspection test will but you usually only get that when you purchase a new car. Thanks for commenting Gareth.