I moved to Maryland a few months ago. As I have settled into my new home state, I have quickly learned that the people of Maryland, or at least their elected representatives, seem to like government regulations. Over the weekend, I got a notice from the Maryland Vehicle Administration that says my car has to be tested for compliance with emissions standards. According to the notice I received in the mail, the purpose of this test is to reduce "the amount of ground-level ozone in the air we breathe".
However, the notice also says what to do if your car fails the test.
- Move your vehicle into a customer parking space, come in the office and speak to the Customer Service Representative on Duty.
- You may apply for a repair waiver after the vehicle fails the test, is repaired, then fails again.
- You must present proof that at least the minimum amount required for the waiver was spent for emissions related repairs. Refer to the "If Your Vehicle Didn't Pass" brochure or www.marylandmva.com for further information.
In other words, you can still drive a non-compliant vehicle as long as someone
tried to fix it. It's the thought that counts. My guess is that this ineffective and useless law was passed so the people in office could prove that they had done something to protect the environment. At least the test only costs $14.
