Glen Burnie's emissions testing location and what to bring
Glen Burnie has one official Maryland emissions testing station: Inspection Station #5016, located at 6701 Ritchie Highway. This is a state-certified facility where you can get your vehicle's emissions test done as part of Maryland's vehicle inspection program. The station is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays.
Before you go, bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and your driver's license. The technician will need to see that your vehicle is registered in Maryland and that you own or are authorized to test it. If your vehicle has had recent repairs to the emissions system, bring documentation of that work—it can speed up the test if there were any flags on your last inspection.
The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The technician will connect your vehicle to a dynamometer (a machine that measures what your engine is actually putting out) and run it through a standardized cycle. You do not need an appointment; the station operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
Key Takeaways
- Inspection Station #5016 at 6701 Ritchie Highway is Glen Burnie's only state-certified emissions testing facility.
- Bring your registration, proof of insurance, and driver's license; the test takes 15 to 20 minutes and costs a set fee determined by Maryland.
- The station is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with no appointment needed.
- If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to make repairs and return for a retest at no additional charge.
What happens if your vehicle fails the emissions test
A failed emissions test means your vehicle's exhaust is producing pollutants above Maryland's limits for your vehicle's model year and type. The technician will give you a printed report showing which emissions standards your vehicle did not meet—usually nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, or hydrocarbons. This report is not a repair order; it tells you what is wrong, not how to fix it.
You have 30 days from the test date to have repairs made and return for a retest. The retest is free if you come back within that window. Take the failed report to a repair shop—any shop, not just the testing station—and they can use it to diagnose the problem. Common causes are a faulty oxygen sensor, a clogged catalytic converter, or a malfunctioning emissions control valve. Repairs can range from $100 for a sensor to $800 or more for a catalytic converter, depending on your vehicle.
If you do not retest within 30 days, your vehicle registration will not renew. Maryland will not issue a new registration sticker until you pass an emissions test. If you have already renewed your registration and then fail an emissions test, you have until your registration expires to pass a retest or your vehicle cannot be legally driven.
Understanding Maryland's emissions testing requirements
Maryland requires an emissions test every two years as part of your vehicle's safety and emissions inspection. The test applies to all gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1996 and newer. Diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles model year 1995 and older are exempt from emissions testing (though they still need a safety inspection).
The test measures tailpipe emissions under controlled conditions. For vehicles 1996 to 2006, the test is a two-speed idle test, meaning the engine runs at two different speeds while connected to an analyzer. For vehicles 2007 and newer, Maryland uses the OBD-II test, which reads the vehicle's onboard diagnostic computer to check whether emissions systems are working correctly. The OBD-II test is faster and does not require the dynamometer connection.
Your vehicle must pass both the emissions test and a separate safety inspection to get a valid inspection sticker. Some stations do both; others do only one. Station #5016 performs emissions testing. You will need to go to a separate inspection station for the safety portion, or find a station that does both.
Cost and payment methods at Glen Burnie's testing station
Maryland sets the fee for emissions testing statewide. The current fee is $20 for the emissions test itself. This is the same at every certified station in the state. Payment methods vary by station; Station #5016 accepts cash and card, though it is worth calling ahead at the station's number to confirm current payment options.
If you fail and need a retest within 30 days, there is no additional charge. If you return after 30 days, you pay the full $20 fee again. Some people mistakenly think they can test at multiple stations to "shop" for a pass; Maryland's system flags this. If you fail at one station and test at another within a short time, the second station will see the recent failure in the system.
How to find Station #5016 and what to expect when you arrive
Station #5016 is located at 6701 Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie, near the intersection with Furnace Branch Road. It is in a commercial area with street parking and a small lot. The facility is a single-bay testing station, so if there is a line, you may wait 30 minutes or more during peak times. Mid-morning on weekdays (around 10 a.m. to noon) and early Saturday morning tend to be less busy.
When you arrive, check in at the window. The staff will ask for your registration and insurance card, verify your vehicle information, and collect the $20 fee. You will then be directed to pull into the bay. The technician will inspect your vehicle visually for obvious emissions system damage (like a disconnected hose or missing gas cap), then connect the testing equipment. Stay in the vehicle during the test—the technician will tell you when to turn the engine off.
You will receive a printed pass or fail notice on the spot. If you pass, that is your emissions test result for the next two years. If you fail, the report will show the specific emissions standards you did not meet and the measured values. Keep this report; you will need it when you take your vehicle to a repair shop.
What to do if you cannot test at Station #5016
If Station #5016 is closed or you cannot reach it during business hours, you have other options. Maryland has certified emissions testing stations throughout Anne Arundel County. You can find a list of all certified stations on the Maryland Department of the Environment website. Any certified station will perform the same test and issue the same result.
Some repair shops also have emissions testing capability and can test and repair in one visit. This can save time if your vehicle is likely to fail, since you can get a diagnosis and repairs done without a separate trip. However, not all repair shops are certified testing stations, so confirm before you go.
If you are testing a vehicle you recently bought or moved to Maryland, you have 60 days from the registration date to complete your first emissions test. If you are renewing an existing registration, the test must be done before your current sticker expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test my vehicle if the check engine light is on?
Yes, you can test with the check engine light on. However, if the light is on because of an emissions-related fault, your vehicle will likely fail the test. The technician will still run the test and give you the results. Many people get the fault diagnosed and repaired before testing to avoid a failure.
What if I just had my vehicle repaired for emissions and it still fails?
Take the repair receipt back to the shop that did the work. Maryland law requires shops to stand behind emissions repairs for 30 days. If the vehicle fails within that window, the shop must retest it at no charge and make additional repairs if needed. If the shop refuses, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Do I need to make an appointment at Station #5016?
No. The station operates on a walk-in basis only. There is no online booking system. Arrive during business hours with your registration and insurance card, and you will be tested in the order you arrive.
How long does an emissions test actually take?
The test itself takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are in the bay. Add time for check-in, waiting in line, and paperwork. Total time at the station is usually 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy it is.
What happens if my vehicle is too old to test?
Vehicles model year 1995 and older do not need an emissions test in Maryland. They still need a safety inspection to register. If you own a vehicle older than 1995, you only need to go to a safety inspection station, not an emissions testing station.