In Massachusetts, car inspection stickers are crucial in ensuring that vehicles are safe to drive on the road. These stickers are issued following a thorough inspection of your car by a licensed mechanic, who checks for things like brakes, tires, lights, and emissions.
But did you know that the State of Massachusetts introduced a new policy on vehicle inspections in November 2022? Now, an inspection sticker will display the month the last sticker expired. The new policy’s goal was to ensure Massachusetts drivers are getting their cars inspected annually as recommended.
However, it’s not the only thing you need to know about inspection stickers. For example, there are requirements for newly purchased vehicles and other rules and regulations it pays to familiarize yourself with. If you’re unsure where to start, read this comprehensive guide – it’ll explain everything you need to know.
What is Mass Vehicle Check?
Are you the proud owner of a car or truck in Massachusetts? If so, you’ll want to know about the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program.
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This program is responsible for keeping our roads safe and our air clean by testing our vehicles’ emissions and inspecting their safety features. By ensuring that our cars and trucks meet certain standards, we can improve our quality of life and protect our environment.
Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds complicated. How am I supposed to know if my car meets the standards?” It’s pretty simple, actually.
The Massachusetts Vehicle Check program has made finding an inspection station or registered emissions repair facility near you easy. Using their website or phone service, you can quickly locate a convenient location to have your vehicle tested.
It’s important to note that all vehicles operating in Massachusetts must pass the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program every year. Failure to do so can result in fines and even the suspension of your registration. So, if you want to keep driving on our beautiful roads and breathe clean air, keep up with your annual vehicle inspections.
Inspection Sticker Rules in Massachusetts
As a vehicle owner in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand the state’s car inspection sticker laws. These laws dictate when and where you need to have your car inspected and what kind of sticker you’ll receive once your car passes inspection. There are also rules if your car doesn’t pass inspection.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Changes
As mentioned, in November 2022, the RMV updated inspection sticker rules. Previously, you would get a new inspection sticker with the month of the inspection date on it.
So, for example, let’s say you’re driving with an expired sticker from August, but you waited until October to have your car inspected. Before, you would receive a stick with a “10” to indicate that it passed inspection in October. The stickers would let officials know when the last inspection occurred.
However, the new rule says you will receive a sticker with the month the last sticker expires. This means that if your inspection sticker expires in April and you wait three months to get a new one in July, you won’t get a sticker with a “7” on it. Instead, you’ll get a new sticker valid from April of the current year until April of the following year.
Why the change? The Registrar of Motor Vehicles is trying to encourage people to attend their annual inspections instead of putting them off. Before, if you put it off, you could “buy” a few months without paying for the new inspection.
Failing to Get an Inspection Sticker
So, what happens if you wait a really long time and don’t get your vehicle inspected during the corresponding calendar year? According to the new RMV rules implemented in 2022, inspection stickers that expired in the previous year will receive a January sticker of the current year the vehicle is being inspected.
Newly Purchased Vehicles
The changes mentioned above do not impact any new vehicle purchases. The RMV requirements for newly purchased vehicles are the same. You must have all newly purchased vehicles inspected on time, which is within seven days of the date you formally register the vehicle in Massachusetts.
No More Printed Inspection Reports
Aside from changes made regarding vehicles with inspection stickers, the RMV made one other smaller change in 2022. To reduce paper waste, no more printed reports will be given to those whose vehicles successfully pass inspection.
Instead, the RMV has made it (much) easier to retrieve the report by going online to the Mass Vehicle Check website or by using a smartphone to scan the QR code found on the inspection site poster.
What happens if your vehicle doesn’t pass inspection? In that case, they will issue a printed report.
What Happens During a Vehicle Inspection?
So, now that you know all about inspection sticker rules in Massachusetts, what can you expect when taking your vehicle in for inspection? First, it’s helpful to know where to go.
As mentioned, the Mass Vehicle Check website is a super helpful place to start. There, you can find a map of all the approved locations to take your vehicle. Once you’ve figured out where to go, here’s what to do.
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment
First things first, you need to schedule an appointment at a certified Massachusetts Vehicle Check facility. You can typically do this online or by phone. Call the place you found and ask if there are any special procedures (or even discounts or deals!) for booking your inspection appointment.
Step 2: Check Your Car’s Systems
Before you head to the inspection, it’s important to check your car’s systems yourself. These include the brakes, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, mirrors, and horns. If you notice any issues, get them fixed before your inspection.
Step 3: Pull Up to the Inspection Bay
When you arrive at the facility, pull up to the inspection bay with your car. The inspector will ask you to turn off your engine and turn on your hazard lights. Sometimes, they’ll ask you for your car registration, too.
Then, they’ll likely ask you to leave your keys in the car and go inside to wait.
Step 4: The Visual Inspection
The inspector will then perform a visual inspection of your car’s body, frame, and suspension. They’ll be looking for anything from excessive rust to broken parts.
Step 5: The Emissions Test
Next up is the emissions test. The inspector will connect a probe to your tailpipe and measure harmful pollutants in your car’s exhaust.
Step 6: The Onboard Diagnostic Test (OBD)
Your car’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD) will also be tested. This will require the inspector to plug a scanner into your car’s OBD port to check for fault codes.
Step 7: Review and Sticker Placement
If your car passes the inspection, the inspector will give you a sticker to place on your windshield. If it doesn’t, they’ll print off the inspection report and likely explain why your vehicle failed inspection. Then, you’ll need to get the necessary repairs and return for a re-inspection.
And that’s it! You’ve completed your annual vehicle inspection and have a fresh, new sticker to show for it. Remember, this inspection is important to ensure your car is safe and roadworthy, stay legal, and avoid penalties.
Common Reasons for a Failed Vehicle Inspection
You did everything right. You took your car in for its motor vehicle inspection on time and thought it would pass with flying colors. Alas, that’s not always the case.
However, the reasons why most vehicles fail inspections are often simple and easy to fix. This means that failing a vehicle inspection isn’t the end of the world. A failed inspection report indicates that something needs fixing, and your car can quickly pass an inspection with the right repairs.
Here are some common reasons vehicles fail inspection in Massachusetts (here’s a pro tip: go over these if you have a teen driver so they’re well aware of what to expect when they start driving).
Brake Problems
Your brakes must be in good working condition for a car to pass inspection. Common brake issues that can lead to a failed inspection include worn-out brake pads, brake fluid leaks, or contaminated brake fluid.
Emission Issues
Your car exhaust and emissions system must be in good condition to pass the inspection. Common reasons for emission failures include a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or a fuel system issue.
Lights and Signals
Your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and tail lights must be in good condition. Common causes of light and signal failures include burnt-out bulbs, poor electrical connections, or a malfunctioning flasher unit.
Steering and Suspension
Your car must have good steering and suspension for a successful inspection. Common steering and suspension problems include worn-out tie-rod ends, leaking shocks, or worn front ball joints.
Tires
Your tires must be in good condition and have enough tread depth. A tire’s tread depth should be more than 2/32″. Additionally, no tires should have bulges or tears in them.
Failed Vehicle Inspection: What to Do Next
Have you identified the reason why your vehicle failed inspection? If so, here’s what to do next.
Consult with the Experts
If you received a referral to a Motorist Assistance Center (MAC), we recommend you speak with the experts before repairing your vehicle. They can provide valuable insights and advice on what needs to be done to get your car up to code.
Keep the Repair Receipts
Until your car is re-inspected, it is important to keep all the repair receipts in your vehicle as proof that you have addressed the issues flagged during the initial inspection. You’ll want these to show police if you get pulled over.
Fix Emissions Problems Within 60 Days
If your car fails its inspection due to an emissions problem, you must get it fixed and re-tested within 60 days of the initial inspection. We suggest you bring your vehicle to a licensed inspection station or a Certified Emissions Repair Facility for the necessary repairs.
Pass the Re-Test Within 60 Days
Once you have addressed the issues identified during the initial inspection, you must pass a re-test within 60 days of the initial inspection. If you return your vehicle to the same location where your initial inspection was conducted, the re-test should be free of charge.
In some cases, additional repairs may be required to ensure your vehicle passes the re-test. If that is the case, it is essential that you get those repairs done as soon as possible and before the 60-day deadline is up.
If you’re having trouble with certain issues, it’s worth speaking with the technician or the Massachusetts Vehicle Check customer service. In some cases, for example, you can receive a one-year emissions waiver or other exceptions.
FAQs About Massachusetts Inspection Stickers
Aside from the recent updates to the inspection sticker rules, what else should you know about getting a vehicle inspected in Massachusetts? Here are some of the most common questions motorists have.
Where Do I get my Car Inspection Sticker in Massachusetts?
You can find an inspection station near you by using the Massachusetts Vehicle Check website https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/apps/station-locator. Many service centers, garages, and dealerships that offer vehicle repairs are also licensed to perform these inspections, so you may want to check with local businesses in your area.
How Long is the Vehicle Inspection Grace Period in Massachusetts?
According to the RMV, you need to get your vehicle inspected within one year from the month the vehicle inspection was done. For example, if your inspection sticker expires in August, you have until the end of September of that same year to get the new sticker.
What Are the Requirements for Newly Purchased Vehicles in Massachusetts?
You are required to have your vehicle inspected within seven days of registering it with the RMV. The sticker you receive will be for that month, and it will be valid for a year.
Where Can I Get My Car Inspected in Massachusetts?
It’s best to visit the Mass Vehicle Check website. There, you can find a map of all of the authorized places that are offering vehicle inspections.
Get Car Insurance in Massachusetts
While inspection stickers are a crucial aspect of owning a car in Massachusetts, they aren’t the only thing you need to be aware of. It’s equally important to keep your car insurance up to date. Being caught without valid insurance could result in expensive fines and legal consequences.
Don’t take the risk – make sure you have proper coverage. If you need help finding reliable car insurance, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free quote. Our team is dedicated to helping you stay safe and protected on the road.
