MASSACHUSETTS STATE INSPECTION
The Massachusetts Enhanced Emissions Safety Test has been in effect since October 1999 for all motor vehicles registered in the Commonwealth, including buses and trucks. Safety tests are given every year and emissions tests every other year. Together, the safety and emissions tests take approximately 20 minutes. The inspection fee is $35.
- Emmissions - The different kinds of emissions tests, based on your vehicle's
model year, weight, and fuel type, are:
- Light-duty gasoline vehicles model year 1996 and newer, including two- and four-wheel drive vehicles, will receive the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test. The inspector connects your vehicle's on-board computer to a computer in the station, and then downloads engine and emissions control data.
- Light-duty gasoline vehicles model year 1984-1995 will receive a tailpipe test, with most tested on the dynamometer, a treadmill-like device that simulates real-world driving conditions. Vehicles capable of both two-wheel and four-wheel drive are tested on a dynamometer in two-wheel mode. All-wheel drive vehicles will be given an alternative test that includes a visual check of emissions components and a two-speed idle test.
- Heavy-duty gasoline vehicles (gross vehicle weight of 10,001 or more pounds) are subject to the two-speed idle tailpipe test.
- Light-duty diesel vehicles are tested only for safety, but emissions testing for these vehicles is slated to begin in the future.
- Heavy-duty diesel vehicles are subject to the tailpipe test. The diesel emissions test uses an opacity meter to measure the smoke from a vehicle's tailpipe. The darker the smoke, the more it is polluting and the higher its opacity reading is.
- Alternate-fueled vehicles, except those powered exclusively by hydrogen or electricity, are tested using the OBD test.
- Vehicles model year 1983 or older are tested for safety, but are exempt from emissions testing.
- Safety - The different points of safety inspection include, but are not limited to:
- VIN Number / Registration / License Plates
- Windshield / Wipers / Windshield Washer
- Headlights / Headlight Aim / Turn Signals / 4-Way Flashers
- Tail Lamps / Brake Lights / Backup Lights / Other Lighting Devices
- Horn
- Exhaust System
- Tires
- Body Panels / Fuel Tank
- Service Brake / Parking / Emergency Brake
- Seat Belts
- Ball Joints / Steering / Suspension
Vehicles that fail the emissions test have 60 days from your initial inspection to make the necessary repairs and pass a re-test. Otherwise, you may be issued a citation or your registration may be suspended. If you have a model year 1996 or newer vehicle, your OBD system may need at least one week of combined highway and city driving to collect enough data for a re-test following repairs. If your vehicle fails the safety test, it may not be driven until repairs have been made. After it is repaired, you are entitled to a free re-inspection within 60 days of the original test, but only at the original inspection station.