Massachusetts residents must comply with the Massachusetts vehicle inspection law to drive legally. Failing to keep up with inspections can impact claims after an accident and may result in a fine or affect your insurance rates.Â
At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we are committed to helping drivers stay safe on the road. Compliance with the inspection law is one way the state tries to keep all drivers safer. We’re here to explain Massachusetts inspection requirements, including which cars must be inspected, what the process entails, and what to do if your vehicle fails an inspection or your sticker has expired.Â
The Basics of Massachusetts's Vehicle Inspection Law
Massachusetts law requires regular inspections to ensure safer roadways. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in penalties.
Who Needs to Get an Inspection?
All vehicles registered in Massachusetts must undergo an inspection. This rule includes newly purchased vehicles and those recently registered in the state.
There are a few select exceptions, including vehicles that are out of state when the inspection comes due. These must receive an inspection within 15 days of returning to Massachusetts.Â
When Is Vehicle Inspection Due?
Most vehicles must undergo annual inspections. Newly purchased or recently registered vehicles in Massachusetts need inspections within seven days of the registration date.Â
Where Can Inspections Be Performed?
Inspections are offered at the more than 1,800 licensed inspection stations in Massachusetts. These are gas stations and repair centers located across the state. Only a state-approved inspection station can provide you with a valid sticker.Â
What Is Checked During a Massachusetts Vehicle Inspection?
The Massachusetts vehicle inspection checklist covers safety verifications and emissions. Safety components include the features that affect stopping, turning, visibility, and alerting other drivers, such as the following:
- Brakes, including the parking brake
- Lights, including headlights, taillights, and signals
- Tire tread depth and condition
- Steering and suspension
- Windshield and wipers
- Mirrors
- Seatbelts
- Horns
The state also requires emissions testing to improve air quality and prevent unnecessary damage. Passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs that are 15 years old or newer must pass an emissions test. Some newer vehicles, including motorcycles, electric-only vehicles, and newly delivered cars or trucks, are exempt from emissions tests.
What Happens If Your Vehicle Fails Inspection?
If your MA car, truck, or motorcycle fails its inspection, you will receive a “reject” sticker and a printed report stating why it failed. You must address safety issues immediately or risk a traffic citation for operating an unsafe vehicle. Driving a vehicle that has failed due to a safety issue may also impact your ability to file a claim after an accident, as some insurers require inspection in good standing.Â
If you have repaired your safety defect or have an emissions failure, you may drive with a rejection sticker for up to 60 days. You must have your re-inspection during that time frame. If your vehicle has received emissions repairs from a Registered Emissions Repair Technician but fails its re-test, you may qualify for a one-year waiver.
How Massachusetts Vehicle Inspections Relate to Accidents and Liability
Regular car maintenance and required inspections help to keep the roads safer for everyone. If a vehicle involved in an accident has a failed inspection sticker, this can indicate negligence on the part of the driver. This is especially true if the related safety inspection failure has contributed to the accident.
Insurance companies consider a car’s condition after a crash. The insurer may try to shift blame onto you if your inspection records show a failure or expired sticker, even if you were in a hit-and-run accident or were the front car in a rear-end collision. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help you protect your rights and avoid unfair allegations.
DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers: Protecting Your Rights After an Accident
From multi-car crashes to rideshare accidents, our firm is here to help injured individuals get the compensation they need to recover. Our car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling different types of cases, including those where maintenance is a factor.
Our clients trust us to provide skilled, compassionate representation to injured victims. If your accident has resulted from maintenance or safety issues, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Boston may help. Call (617) 870-0907 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.