Massachusetts Car Inspection

Massachusetts car inspection requirements mean that you need to get an annual safety test for all cars. Cars less than 15 years old also need an emissions test.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
In
Massachusetts
, you are required to do annual safety inspections for all cars, and annual emissions inspections for cars less than 15 years old.
To ensure good air quality, the 1977 amendment to the Clean Air Act required states to implement vehicle emissions inspection programs and in 1983, Massachusetts became one of the first states to do so. Each state has its own requirements that can vary depending on your vehicle and zip code.
The
car insurance
comparison and broker app
Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about car inspections in Massachusetts to help you stay compliant.

What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Massachusetts?

When you register a vehicle in Massachusetts
, you are required to get safety inspections and also emission inspections each year if your car is less than 15 years old. This keeps the roads safe and helps maintain good air quality by ensuring that all required vehicles meet the state’s standards.
To determine whether you need an inspection to complete your registration renewal, check
emissions.org
.
If your car doesn’t pass the inspections, you will need to have the issues fixed and then get retested. 
MORE: How to pass emissions testing
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Exceptions to the state requirements

While all vehicles require annual safety inspections, some vehicles registered in Cumberland County are exempt from the state of Massachusetts’ emissions inspection.
You don’t need a smog inspection if your vehicle fits any of the following criteria:
  • Cars, trucks, and SUVs year 2000 or before but do not emit smoke
  • Diesel vehicles weighing less than 8,500 pounds and made before 2003 and/or are over 15 years old
  • Diesel vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds and made before the 2007 model year and/or are over 15 years old
  • Non-diesel medium-duty vehicles made before the 2008 model year and/or are more than 15 years old
  • Mopeds, motorcycles, and tactical military vehicles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Construction equipment (pickups or vehicles owned by construction companies driven on MA roadways not included)
  • Tracked vehicles
  • All-terrain vehicles
  • Military vehicles
  • Tractors and off-road farm equipment (pickups or vehicles with farm registration plates driven on MA roadways not included)

Where to get a car inspection in Massachusetts

You’ll need to visit a smog check station that is authorized by the Massachusetts RMV to complete your vehicle inspection after
buying a new vehicle
. The Massachusetts Vehicle Check website maintains a
list of inspection stations
you can visit.

How often do you need a car inspection?

All vehicles require a safety inspection annually. Vehicles under 15 years old require an annual emissions inspection, as well as an opacity test, especially if you are
selling your car
. These extensive tests ensure that the vehicle is in working order.
MORE: How to get a used car inspection

Finding affordable car insurance 

There’s one more thing you can do after doing all your inspections—check to make sure you’re not overpaying for your car insurance policy.
The car
insurance broker
app,
Jerry
, can help you do this in under 45 seconds and give you the best customized
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from more than 50 top providers. The best part? The average Jerry user ends up saving on car insurance every year! 
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FAQs

You must have your newly purchased vehicle inspected within seven days of registration. Driving without a valid inspection sticker can result in a fine and can affect your insurance rate.
Safety and emission inspection fees should be $35 for most vehicles—commercial inspections may cost more.
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