HB 133
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2020 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
House Bill 133 (Chair, Environment and Transportation Committee)(By
Request - Departmental - Transportation)
Environment and Transportation Judicial Proceedings
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Deployed Military Personnel -
Exemption
This departmental bill exempts from the mandatory Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
(VEIP) a motor vehicle owned by at least one active-duty member of the armed services
of the United States if the owner has received military orders (1) for deployment outside
the United States or (2) to a duty station in a jurisdiction that is not subject to a vehicle
emissions control inspection and maintenance program. The exemption does not apply if
prohibited by federal law. In order to qualify for the exemption established by the bill, all
owners of the vehicle must certify that at least one owner of the vehicle has received
military orders for deployment, as specified. The certification must be on a form provided
by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) revenues decrease, likely by less than
$5,000 annually, beginning in FY 2020. Expenditures are not materially affected.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: The Maryland Department of Transportation has determined that
this bill has minimal or no impact on small business (attached). The Department of
Legislative Services concurs with this assessment.
Analysis
Current Law: In response to requirements of the federal Clean Air Act, Maryland has
operated VEIP in various parts of the State since 1984. All model year 1977 and newer
vehicles in the State, unless specifically exempt, must be inspected and tested every
two years. MVA and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) must set the
VEIP fee for each vehicle to be inspected and tested, which may not exceed $14. The
current fee is $14.
Exhibit 1 shows the required tests by vehicle type and model year.
Exhibit 1
Required VEIP Tests by
Model Year and Vehicle Weight
Required Tests Model Year Vehicle Weight
Gas Cap Test 1977 through 1995 8,501-26,000 pounds
On-board Diagnostic Test 1996 and newer (powered by 8,500 pounds or less
gasoline or propane)
2008 and newer (heavy duty 8,501-14,000 pounds
vehicles)
Idle Exhaust Emissions Test 1977 through 1995 (powered 8,501-26,000 pounds
by gasoline or propane)
2008 and newer (heavy duty 14,001-26,000 pounds
vehicles)
VEIP: Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
Source: Motor Vehicle Administration
Certain types of vehicles are currently exempt from VEIP, including:
vehicles with a model year of 1976 or earlier;
vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight);
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vehicles powered solely by diesel or electric;
motorcycles;
vehicles registered as farm trucks, farm truck tractors, or farm area vehicles;
historic or antique vehicles;
new vehicles and qualified hybrids for the first 36 months after titling and
registration;
any fire apparatus owned or leased by the State of Maryland, a county, municipality,
or volunteer fire department or rescue squad;
ambulances;
vehicles registered to owners age 70 or older, or vehicles registered with hard metal
disabled tags, that are driven 5,000 miles per year or less (if co-owned, both owners
must qualify for the waiver, and mileage must be recertified every two years to
continue to receive the waiver);
vehicles registered as Class N (street rod);
military vehicles owned by the federal government and used for tactical, combat, or
relief operations, or for training for these operations; and
vehicles registered as Class H (school vehicle) or Class P (passenger bus).
Background: All vehicles registered in Maryland (in nonattainment areas for pollutants
under the federal Clean Air Act, unless specifically exempt) must undergo VEIP
inspections. According to MVA, motorists drive approximately 135 million miles in
Maryland daily, an amount that increases each year. VEIP ensures vehicles are operating
efficiently and, thus, reduces air pollution created by vehicle emissions (a major component
of smog). VEIP is jointly administered by MVA and MDE. MVA is responsible for
collection of motorist test fees and payment of operations contractor fees.
MVA regulations allow VEIP extensions to be granted in specified circumstances.
MVA advises that the bill is intended to allow active-duty military personnel deployed
outside the United States (or stationed in a non-emissions inspection area) to defer VEIP
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testing for one inspection cycle. MVA further advises that it granted about 300 extensions
in fiscal 2019 on the basis of military deployment or temporary domestic assignment.
Exempting these active-duty military personnel from VEIP requirements for one inspection
cycle is intended to reasonably accommodate individuals who already bear a heavy burden.
State Revenues: While the exact number of individuals who may qualify for the bill’s
exemption cannot be determined, for illustrative purposes only, assuming 300 individuals
annually qualify for the exemption established by the bill (i.e., the same number of
individuals who requested a deployment-related extension in fiscal 2019), TTF revenues
decrease by about $4,200 annually.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Maryland Department of the Environment; Maryland
Department of Transportation; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 4, 2020
md/ljm Third Reader - March 14, 2020
Analysis by: Eric F. Pierce Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 133/ Page 4
ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES
TITLE OF BILL: Vehicle Laws – Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection – Deployed
Military Personnel Exemption
BILL NUMBER: HB 133
PREPARED BY: Maryland Department of Transportation / Motor Vehicle Administration
(Dept./Agency)
PART A. ECONOMIC IMPACT RATING
This agency estimates that the proposed bill:
x WILL HAVE MINIMAL OR NO ECONOMIC IMPACT ON MARYLAND SMALL
BUSINESS
OR
WILL HAVE MEANINGFUL ECONOMIC IMPACT ON MARYLAND SMALL
BUSINESSES
PART B. ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS
HB 133/ Page 5
Statutes affected: Text - First - Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Deployed Military Personnel - Exemption: 23-206.2 Transportation
Text - Third - Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Deployed Military Personnel - Exemption: 23-206.2 Transportation