Is Inspection Required for Registration in Massachusetts?

Yes, vehicle inspection is required for registration in Massachusetts. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 7A, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles must establish rules and regulations providing for periodic staggered inspection of all motor vehicles. The state operates a comprehensive inspection program that combines safety and emissions testing, administered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Massachusetts Inspection Requirements

The state mandates annual inspections through a staggered system, where vehicles receive inspection stickers that expire in different months throughout the year. This staggered approach distributes inspection demand evenly across the calendar year, preventing bottlenecks at inspection stations. Massachusetts operates the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program, combining both safety and emissions testing into a single comprehensive inspection.

The inspection program includes an ongoing quality assurance program to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. This program incorporates overt and covert audits of inspection facilities and inspectors, audits of data from inspection equipment, evaluation of quality control records, and audits of consumer complaints.

Inspection Requirements for New Registrations in Massachusetts

Vehicles purchased from dealers or private sellers in Massachusetts must undergo inspection within 7 days of registration. According to Massachusetts registration requirements, this 7-day requirement applies to all newly registered vehicles regardless of purchase source. The inspection must be completed at a licensed inspection station, and failure to comply constitutes a traffic violation.

For vehicles transferred from out-of-state registrations, new Massachusetts residents must obtain a vehicle inspection sticker within 7 days of the registration date. Massachusetts does not automatically accept out-of-state inspection certificates for newly registered vehicles.

However, vehicles temporarily operating in Massachusetts may continue for 15 days if they bear satisfactory proof of adequate safety and emissions inspection from another jurisdiction, provided the vehicle was not garaged or operated in Massachusetts during its assigned inspection period.

Massachusetts allows a grace period of 7 calendar days for transferring registration from a previously owned vehicle to a newly purchased vehicle. During this grace period, the old registration may remain on the new vehicle, but the new vehicle must still receive its required inspection within 7 days of the new registration date.

Types of Inspections Required in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires combined safety and emissions inspections for most vehicles, with inspection procedures varying based on vehicle type, age, and diagnostic capabilities.

Safety Inspections

Safety inspections examine vehicle systems mandated by Massachusetts regulations under 540 CMR 4.00. The inspection includes:

• Brakes and brake stop lamps
• Lights, directional signals, and reflectors
• Horn
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) verification
• Steering and suspension systems
• Glazing (windows and windshields)
• Windshield wipers and washer systems
• License plates and registration
• Tires and wheels
• Fenders, bumpers, and external sheet metal
• Splash guards (where required)
• Chock blocks (commercial vehicles)
• Safety belts
• Exhaust system

Emissions Inspections and OBD Testing

Emissions testing requirements are established by the Department of Environmental Protection under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Sections 142J and 142M. Vehicles with onboard diagnostic systems that are less than 15 years old must pass an annual emissions test as part of the inspection process.

The emissions component includes On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system testing for vehicles equipped with OBD systems.

Inspection Fees

Massachusetts establishes maximum inspection fees through the regulatory authority:

Inspections cost $35 for most vehicles, with inspection stations permitted to charge higher fees for commercial inspections. Motorcycle inspections cost $15 and must be conducted at licensed Class M motorcycle inspection stations.

Inspection Exemptions

Massachusetts law provides limited exemptions from inspection requirements. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 7A grants the Registrar authority to waive certain inspection requirements by written document if such waiver furthers the public interest, is based on technological development, and does not compromise public safety.

For motor vehicles one model year old or less, the Registrar may require that the initial inspection be performed at the end of the first full year of registration rather than within 7 days of initial registration.

Specific vehicle categories subject to modified inspection requirements include:

• Low-speed motor vehicles (inspected under special standards ensuring compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 571.500)
• Transportation network vehicles (subject to additional inspection requirements beyond standard emissions and safety testing)
• School buses and pupil transport vehicles (subject to multiple inspections during fall, winter, and spring periods)
• Fleet commercial motor vehicles (may be inspected by mobile inspectors or licensed company employees)

Massachusetts Registration Renewal and Inspection Requirements

Massachusetts enforces inspection requirements as a mandatory condition for vehicle registration and operation. The Registry of Motor Vehicles integrates inspection status verification into the registration renewal system.

Inspection and Registration Enforcement

Massachusetts law creates a direct enforcement mechanism linking inspection compliance to vehicle operation privileges. Driving any motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker constitutes a traffic violation. The Registry monitors inspection compliance through its staggered inspection system, where vehicles receive inspection stickers expiring in specific months.

Effective November 1, 2022, the inspection sticker system changed: motor vehicles passing inspection receive a new sticker with the month the last sticker expired. If the last sticker expired in a previous month, the new sticker displays that same previous month. If the last sticker expired the previous year, the vehicle receives a January sticker of the current year, regardless of the month of inspection.

Vehicles failing inspection receive a Certificate of Rejection (reject sticker) and a printed vehicle inspection report from the inspection station. The rejection certificate authorizes continued operation for a limited period while safety defects are corrected.

Penalties for Expired Inspections in Massachusetts

Operating a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker is a civil motor vehicle infraction under Massachusetts law. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 20 establishes the penalty structure for inspection violations.

Violations may result in fines and affect insurance rates through the Safe Driver Insurance Plan. Insurance surcharges may apply for inspection-related violations, as traffic infractions impact driver insurance classifications.

Where to Get an Inspection in Massachusetts

Massachusetts authorizes approximately 1,800 licensed inspection stations throughout the Commonwealth to perform vehicle inspections. The Massachusetts Vehicle Check program helps vehicle owners find licensed facilities.

Licensed Inspection Stations

Inspection stations must obtain licenses from the Registry of Motor Vehicles under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 7W. To become a licensed station, applicants must meet specific facility requirements, employ certified vehicle inspectors, maintain required inspection equipment, and pay applicable licensing fees.

Finding a Licensed Inspection Station

The Massachusetts Vehicle Check program maintains an online Inspection Station Locator accessible through the Mass.gov website. Vehicle owners can search for inspection stations by location, station type, and services offered. The locator identifies stations authorized for specific inspection classes, including:

• Class A: Passenger vehicles and light trucks
• Class M: Motorcycles
• Commercial classes (C, D, E): Various commercial vehicle types based on size and use

Types of Inspection Facilities

Massachusetts inspection stations include:

• Independent automotive repair facilities
• Service stations with inspection capabilities
• New and used car dealerships
• Tire and automotive service chains
• Specialty motorcycle inspection facilities
• Fleet inspection operations for commercial vehicles

Choosing Where to Get Repairs

If a vehicle fails inspection, the owner may choose where to have repairs completed. Massachusetts regulations do not require repairs to be performed at the facility that conducted the inspection. After repairs are completed, the vehicle must be reinspected to receive a passing inspection sticker.

Vehicles receiving Certificates of Rejection may operate for up to 60 days for motor vehicles (20 days for motorcycles) while arranging repairs and reinspection. The rejection certificate must be displayed during this period, and the vehicle must be reinspected at a licensed inspection station within the specified timeframe.

Government Agencies

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 199100
Boston, MA 02119-9100
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Website: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection – Air Quality Division
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 1-800-882-1497 (Air Quality Hotline)
Website: MassDEP Air Quality