Owners of new cars in Maryland would have an extra year before their vehicles must undergo an initial emissions inspection under proposed rules announced Thursday.

The state would require a first checkup after 36 months, rather than the current 24 months.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the proposed change in regulations, saying it would “provide increased value for Maryland taxpayers and improve customer service, while protecting the health of our environment.”

The Maryland General Assembly’s regulatory review committee must approve the changes, which were recommended by a commission Hogan appointed to review regulations, before they can take effect at the start of next year.

Cars and light trucks built before 1996 would be exempt from emissions testing under the rules.

The delayed timeline for initial inspections would affect an estimated 209,000 vehicles each year, while the exemption would apply to about 24,000 vehicles during the first year of implementation, according to the Hogan administration.

Federal law has required all cars and light trucks built after 1995 to include on-board computer technology that monitors emissions.

During his two years in office, Hogan also has reduced the cost of emissions tests from $14 to $10 and added 10 self-service inspection kiosks that are open around the clock.

The proposed changes in inspections guidelines would bring Maryland closer in line with Virginia. In Northern Virginia, the only part of that state where emissions tests are mandated, new vehicles are exempt for four years.

In the District, new vehicles must be retested every two years.