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
Construction equipment (pickups or vehicles owned by construction companies driven on MA roadways not included)
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 car insurance quotes
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