If your vehicle failed either its safety or emissions inspection, it must be repaired and pass its re-test within 60 days of the initial inspection. It’s important to complete the necessary repairs as soon as possible, especially since it’s illegal to drive your vehicle before safety repairs have been made. Until your vehicle is re-inspected, be sure to keep the repair receipts in your vehicle as proof that you are in compliance with the law. It’s also good practice to keep emissions-related repair receipts in case your vehicle does not pass its re-test and you need to apply for a waiver or extension. For more information, download the brochure, My Vehicle Failed its Inspection - What Do I Do Now?
If my vehicle failed the inspection, can I apply for an emissions Waiver for my vehicle? Can I apply for an Economic Hardship Failure Repair Extension for my vehicle?
Yes. If your vehicle is repaired by a Registered Emissions Repair Technician and it fails its re-test, it may qualify for a one-year emissions Waiver . If your vehicle requires a major repair, such as a transmission or engine overhaul, you may qualify for a one-year, non-renewable Economic Hardship Failure Repair Extension. Obtaining an emissions waiver or an extension will meet program requirements, but must be completed within 60 days of your initial inspection.
Why do I need to bring my vehicle to a Motorist Assistance Center (MAC)? How do I get an appointment at a MAC?
Your Vehicle Inspection Report explains why. Reasons may include repeated problems with on-board computer “readiness” issues that appear unique to your vehicle; you have a specialty vehicle such as a kit car; random selection for program evaluation purposes, or to protect your rights as a consumer. To schedule an appointment at a MAC, please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-844-358-0135.
What are the safety inspection requirements for vehicles?
A safety inspection takes around 12 minutes during which 14 key systems of the vehicle are examined. For more information, please click here.
Does my trailer need to be inspected?
If your trailer is used to make money, it needs to undergo a commercial inspection if the trailer has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 3,000 pounds, or if the gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCVWR) is over 10,000 pounds.
My vehicle is currently out of state. How do I get it inspected?
If your vehicle is out of state, you must submit an Out-of-State Verification Inspection Form (available in the Motorist Resources section), then have it inspected at a Massachusetts Vehicle Check Inspection Station within 15 days of your return to the Commonwealth.
My vehicle is registered in another state or jurisdiction. Can I get it inspected in Massachusetts?
Depending on the state in which your vehicle is registered, your vehicle may be able to be inspected at a Massachusetts Vehicle Check inspection station. To check whether a particular state’s inspection has reciprocity with the Commonwealth, please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-844-358-0135.
What are the OBD Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) listed on my Vehicle Inspection Report?
An “OBD DTC” is an alphanumeric code that is stored in your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer system when it detects an emissions-related problem. There is a common misconception that a DTC identifies a specific component that is faulty. While this is sometimes the case, there are many more instances in which it identifies only a symptom that a Registered Emissions Repair Technician uses to narrow down and, ultimately, identify the cause of the problem. Some DTCs have the same meaning for all vehicles, while others are manufacturer-specific. Emissions-related problems can be caused by the engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes, body control module and even the power steering system. For detailed information on the “OBD DTCs”, “OBD Permanent Fault Codes”, and “Additional OBD Data” provided on your VIR (“Miles Since Code Clearing”, “Warm-ups Since Code Clearing” and “Pin 16 Voltage”), you should take your vehicle to a Registered Emissions Repair Facility.
How can I get another copy of my VIR?
You can print a copy yourself from this website. You will need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), license plate number and license plate “type,” all of which are on your vehicle registration. Click here to print your VIR.
Where does the VIR explain why my vehicle failed its inspection?
If your vehicle fails its inspection, the results of your vehicle’s safety inspection and emissions test results are found on page two of the VIR. These sections list the specific reasons why your vehicle failed.
My vehicle failed its inspection for a lost or damaged license plate. What do I do now?
If your vehicle failed its safety inspection for a lost or damaged license plate you should order a replacement plate(s) immediately. Replacement plates may be ordered online at Mass.Gov/myRMV. Once you have ordered your replacement plate(s), you will receive a payment receipt. A Number Plate Permit will also be mailed to you within 5-7 business days. The Payment Receipt and the Number Plate Permit both may be used as proof for your free vehicle reinspection prior to receipt of your replacement plates provided that you return to the original inspection station within 60 days from the date of the initial inspection.