Drivers in Massachusetts should be aware of two important RMV vehicle inspection changes coming to inspection stations this fall.
- Beginning November 1, 2022 motor vehicles passing inspection will get a new sticker with the month the last sticker expired, valid for one year.
- Starting October 1, vehicle owners will no longer receive a printed inspection report when a vehicle passes inspection.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles is reminding drivers to check the date of their inspection stickers, to avoid being late.
Vehicle inspection stickers:
- that expired last year will receive a January sticker of the current year the vehicle is being inspected, no matter the month the vehicle is inspected this year.
- This change does not impact the requirements for newly purchased vehicles. All newly purchased vehicles must be inspected within seven days of the vehicle registration date and will receive a sticker of the month in which it was inspected and is valid for one year.
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie reminds vehicle owners that inspections help ensure safety on Massachusetts roadways and that it is the law to have your vehicle inspected every year. While Commissioner Martin Suuberg of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) reminds drivers that it’s important that the emission control systems on light-duty cars and trucks are tested annually to ensure proper emissions controls to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
Driving with an Expired Sticker
Driving a vehicle with an expired sticker or an uninspected vehicle, may result in the penalty of a moving violation and could lead to additional fines, suspension if unpaid, and even a surchargeable incident which increases the vehicle owner’s insurance costs.
Vehicle Inspection Report
Effective October 1, 2022, vehicle owners will no longer receive a printed inspection report when their vehicle passes inspection. These measures are in efforts to reduce paper waste in the environment. Instead, owners can access and print a report by going online to Mass Vehicle Check or by using their cell phone to scan the QR code on the poster displayed at the inspection site. An owner will be provided with a printed vehicle inspection report from the inspection station if the vehicle fails inspection.
Key Takeaways:
- Remember to get your vehicles inspected on time
- Vehicles passing inspection will no longer be provided a paper report
Vehicle owners can get an inspection at any of the 1,800 licensed inspection stations in Massachusetts.
For more information or with any questions, please visit: Vehicle inspections | Mass.gov.
While McSweeney & Ricci Insurance is not the Registry, we do offer some Registry Services by Appointment Only in our offices. Click here for a full list of the RMV services we can assist our clients with.
