Code of Massachusetts Regulations
540 CMR - REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Title 540 CMR 21.00 - Semiannual Safety Inspection of Pupil Transport Vehicles
Section 21.02 - General Inspection Procedures

(a) complete a 7D vehicle inspection report form and remove the old 7D vehicle sticker;

(b) verify the registration, VIN number, date of expiration, school pupil plate which must be displayed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90, § 2, and annual Certificate of Inspection. If the Certificate of Inspection is missing or invalid, the vehicle shall be rejected (R). If there are any errors on the Certificate of Inspection, a defect equipment card (E.Q.) shall be issued;

(c) ensure that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. If it is not, it shall be rejected;

(d) except in the case of a temporary waiver granted in accordance with 540 CMR 7.10: 7.10: Request for a Temporary Waiver from the Passenger Capacity Requirement of School Pupil Transport Vehicles, ensure the seating capacity does not exceed ten passengers, in addition to the operator, per the vehicle's original manufacturer's specifications. Seats cannot be removed in an attempt to conform to 540 CMR 21.00. If seating capacity exceeds ten passengers, in addition to the operator, it shall be rejected; and

(e) ensure the vehicle is properly marked. All School Pupil Transport Vehicles shall conspicuously display on each side of the vehicle, the company name, the city or town and state, in lettering at least two inches high with a 3/4 inch brush stroke with contrasting color. If the vehicle is not so marked, it must be rejected.

(a) a Certificate of Inspection if the vehicle is found to be in compliance with the requirements of 540 CMR 21.00; or

(b) a Certificate of Rejection for any safety-related defects as identified in 540 CMR 21.03, and for any exigent condition which, in the opinion of the Inspector, may jeopardize the public safety whether or not specified in 540 CMR 21.03; or

(c) a Defective Equipment Card for all minor, non-safety related defects. To prevent further enforcement action by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the owner or person in control of a vehicle for which a Defective Equipment Card is issued must have the noted defects corrected immediately, and must complete and return the Defective Equipment Card to the Registry within seven days in accordance with the instructions on the Card.