Massachusetts Vehicle Check - Mass08 Management Module ...

Non-Commercial
20 and 31. In January 1999, MassDEP promulgated regulations at 310 CMR 60.00 et seq.
and the RMV promulgated regulations at 540 CMR 4.00-4.09 which govern the program.
The program seeks to attain the following core goals:
1. Pollution reduction – Vehicles with high emission levels must be identified and
repaired using test equipment appropriate for today’s high-tech vehicles.
2. Safe motor vehicles – A comprehensive safety check, which ensures that all motor
vehicles meet minimum safety standards at the time of inspection.
3. Motorist convenience – The test must be as convenient as possible for Massachusetts
motorists.
4. Fitting in with the automotive service industry – Attractive business opportunities
must be provided to the program’s private sector partners: the inspection stations and
repair facilities that test and repair vehicles.
The updated program, to commence on October 1, 2008, continues with a
decentralized program. The frequency of the emissions test has been changed to annual;
the safety test remains an annual inspection. Inspections / Tests are performed at RMV
authorized inspection stations statewide. The emissions test component of the program relies
primarily on an OBD II test. However, diesel vehicles (those weighing 10,001 lbs. or more)
will continue to receive an opacity test. The safety test will evaluate applicable safety-related
equipment pursuant to RMV regulations set forth at 540 CMR 4.00 et. seq. and related
policies. In addition to the safety test currently performed on commercial vehicles, additional
safety test elements for commercial and noncommercial vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles
licensed for the transport of students pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90 § 7D (“7D”) will be required
and the database shall be expanded to record the additional safety test elements. The
Massachusetts Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection is equivalent to the periodic inspection
required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) pursuant to 49 CFR
396.17, and consistent with 49 CFR 393 (including Appendix G) through 396, for all
Massachusetts Vehicle Check
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