Recently, I learned the hard way you don't want to fail to get your emissions test done in Maryland. I don't know how much time the state gives you to get the test done but, I managed to miss it. This is what happened to me because of that.
First, the state will suspend your car registration and not tell you. I got a serious scare when a Howard County policeman pulled me over last month. I wasn't speeding (I was doing 7 miles under the speed limit according to my Global Positioning System (GPS)), My tags were current, Nothing was broken on the car. The policeman came up and asked for proof of registration. I managed to find it and also gave him my driver's license which was current. He did some checking and found out my car registration was suspended because I didn't get the emissions test done. I was stunned. I had no idea it had been suspended. Thankfully, the policeman gave me just a warning though I had 30 days to fix the matter. He could've given me a ticket.
Second, later that week, I went to the nearest emissions testing center to get the test done. The price for the test is $14 which isn't bad. Also, I got there right when it opened so, there wasn't any line. I pull out a $20 to pay for the test and, the guy tells me it's going to be $149! The reason it was so high? The late fee for not getting the emissions test done in time. The fee is a whopping $135! Serious OUCH!
So, the lesson of this story dear readers is if you live in Maryland, make damn sure you get your emissions test done in time. It will be very expensive if you don't. Take it from someone who learned the hard way. Happy travels all!
P.S.
Concerning the car registration suspension, I found out from Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration (MVA) that the suspension will be removed within 24 hours of you getting the emissions test done. I visited their Glen Burnie office to make sure it had been and, that's how I found this out.
