Does Massachusetts Have Emissions Testing?
Massachusetts maintains an active vehicle emissions testing and safety inspection program under 540 CMR 4.00 and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 142M. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) oversees the program, while the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) establishes emissions standards and regulations.
Which Counties in Massachusetts Require Emissions Testing?
Emissions testing applies statewide to eligible vehicles registered in all 14 Massachusetts counties:
- Barnstable County
- Berkshire County
- Bristol County
- Dukes County
- Essex County
- Franklin County
- Hampden County
- Hampshire County
- Middlesex County
- Nantucket County
- Norfolk County
- Plymouth County
- Suffolk County
- Worcester County
Vehicles Subject to Testing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires emissions testing based on vehicle age, type, and weight classification:
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Test Required:
- Model years 2011 and newer passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Model years 2011 and newer light-duty diesel vehicles (GVWR ≤ 8,500 lbs)
- Model years 2011 and newer medium-duty diesel vehicles (GVWR 8,501-14,000 lbs)
- Model years 2011 and newer medium-duty non-diesel vehicles (GVWR 8,501-14,000 lbs)
Opacity Test Required:
- Model year 1984 and newer medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles (GVWR ≥ 10,001 lbs) not equipped with OBD systems
Important Age-Based Criteria:
Vehicles with onboard diagnostic systems that are less than 15 years old must pass an annual emissions test.
Exempt Vehicles
The following vehicles are NOT required to undergo emissions testing:
By Age:
- Cars, trucks, and SUVs manufactured before model year 2011
- Light-duty diesel vehicles (GVWR < 8,500 lbs) manufactured before model year 2011
- Medium-duty diesel vehicles (GVWR ≤ 10,000 lbs) either manufactured before model year 2011 or that are 15 years or older (based on model year)
- Medium-duty non-diesel vehicles either manufactured before model year 2011 or 15 years or older (based on model year)
By Vehicle Type:
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Vehicles operated exclusively by electric power
- Tactical military vehicles
- New vehicles delivered to Massachusetts owners (initial exemption)
Off-Road and Specialty Vehicles: Vehicles not designed for operation on Massachusetts roads are exempt from emissions testing, including:
- All tracked vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Articulated loaders/haulers
- Backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, excavators, loaders
- Mobile hydraulic platform lifters, motor graders, pavers
- Self-contained street-sweepers (maximum speed 20 mph)
- Skid-steer loaders
- Tractors and off-road farming equipment (Note: pickup trucks and other road vehicles with farm plates are subject to emissions testing)
Costs and Fees Vehicle Inspection in Massachusetts
Massachusetts vehicle inspection fees are established by the RMV and detailed in 540 CMR 4.00:
| Service Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Inspection | $35.00 | Safety and emissions (if applicable) for most passenger vehicles |
| Motorcycle Inspection | $15.00 | Safety inspection only at Class M licensed stations |
| Commercial Inspection | Varies | Stations may charge more than $35 for commercial vehicles |
| Auto Home Inspection | $35.00 | Fixed fee regardless of weight |
| Reinspection | $35.00 | If vehicle fails and is retested after 60 days or at a different station |
Payment Methods: Inspection stations accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. Payment methods may vary by station.
Waiver and Extension Provisions
Massachusetts offers relief options for vehicles that cannot meet emissions standards:
Emissions Waiver:
- Available if the vehicle is repaired by a Registered Emissions Repair Technician but fails its retest
- Valid for one year
- Vehicle owner must demonstrate good-faith repair efforts
- Contact Customer Service Center at 1-844-358-0135 after failure to begin the application process
Economic Hardship Failure Repair Extension:
- Available if vehicle requires major repair (e.g., transmission or engine overhaul)
- Valid for one year, non-renewable
- Provides temporary relief for costly repairs
- Must apply through the Customer Service Center
Where to Get Emissions Testing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has more than 1,800 licensed inspection stations across the state.
Station Locator: Find Inspection Stations
Station Types:
- Class A: Light-duty passenger vehicles
- Class B: Light and medium-duty vehicles
- Class C: Heavy-duty commercial vehicles
- Class D: Fleet inspection stations
- Class E: Mobile inspections for commercial fleets
- Class M: Motorcycle inspection stations
If Your Vehicle Fails Inspection
Rejection Stickers:
If your vehicle fails inspection, you'll receive a rejection sticker indicating the failure type:
- Red Rejection Sticker: Safety failure—vehicle cannot be legally driven except to obtain repairs and reinspection
- Black Rejection Sticker: Emissions failure only—vehicle may be driven but must be repaired and pass reinspection within 60 days
Inspection Timing in Massachusetts
Annual Requirement:
All vehicles must be inspected annually. Your inspection sticker displays the month your vehicle inspection is due.
Newly Purchased Vehicles:
Vehicles must be inspected within 7 days of registration after a change of ownership. Massachusetts Lemon Aid Law allows you to void a used vehicle sale if:
- Vehicle is inspected within 7 days of purchase and fails the safety or emissions test
- Repair cost exceeds 10% of purchase price
- Vehicle is returned to the seller within 14 days of purchase
Out-of-State Vehicles:
If your vehicle is out of state when the inspection expires, submit a completed Out-of-State Verification Inspection Form with a passing inspection receipt from the state where the vehicle is located. Upon return to Massachusetts:
- If inspected out-of-state: Reinspect within 15 days
- If in a state without an inspection program: Inspect within 3 days
New Massachusetts Residents:
- Must register vehicle in Massachusetts after establishing residency
- Vehicle must be inspected within 7 days of Massachusetts registration
- Must meet Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program standards if applicable
Vehicles Registered in Other States:
Massachusetts inspection stations can test vehicles registered in other states that have reciprocal inspection agreements. Contact Customer Service Center at 1-844-358-0135 to determine if your state qualifies.
Integration with Vehicle Registration
Massachusetts integrates emissions compliance with vehicle registration:
- Vehicle registration cannot be renewed if the inspection is overdue
- RMV automatically suspends registration if the vehicle remains uninspected after expiration
- Inspection compliance is tracked electronically through the RMV database
- Driving with an expired inspection sticker is a traffic violation resulting in fines and potential insurance rate increases
Official Resources and Contact Information
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Phone: (857) 368-8000 (General RMV)
Phone: (857) 368-8130 (Vehicle Safety & Compliance Services)
Official Website: Massachusetts RMV
Vehicle Inspections: RMV Vehicle Inspections
RMV Locations: Find an RMV Office
Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program
Customer Service Center: 1-844-358-0135
Official Website: Massachusetts Vehicle Check
Station Locator: Find Inspection Stations
Motorist Information: Motorist Resources
Vehicle Inspection FAQs: Download FAQs (PDF)
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500 (Main MassDEP)
Official Website: MassDEP
LEV Program: Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle Program
Air Quality: MassDEP Air Monitoring
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
Vehicle Safety & Compliance Services
P.O. Box 55892
Boston, MA 02205-5892
Phone: (857) 368-8130
Official Website: MassDOT
Legal References:
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 142M – Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program
- 540 CMR 4.00 – Annual Safety and Combined Safety and Emissions Inspection
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 142A – Pollution or Contamination of Atmosphere
Contact Information
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Phone: (857) 368-8000 (General RMV)
Phone: (857) 368-8130 (Vehicle Safety & Compliance Services)
Official Website: Massachusetts RMV
Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program
Customer Service Center: 1-844-358-0135
Official Website: Massachusetts Vehicle Check
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500 (Main MassDEP)
Official Website: MassDEP
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
Vehicle Safety & Compliance Services
P.O. Box 55892
Boston, MA 02205-5892
Phone: (857) 368-8130
Official Website: MassDOT
