Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1) Prior to beginning inspection, a visual
check of the vehicle shall be made to determine that ice and snow accumulation
or the condition of the suspension system will not impede or interfere with the
proper aiming of headlamps, or that any space saver temporary spare tire is
mounted on any axle.
(a) The Certificate of
Registration or the online renewal confirmation receipt shall be inspected and
the information contained thereon, including license plate, vehicle
description, and vehicle identification number, shall be verified by
observation of the subject vehicle. The information contained on the
Certificate of Registration shall also be matched with the vehicle information
accessible to the workstation. The data appearing on the Registration
Certificate, the data accessible on the Workstation, the data appearing on the
vehicle license plate, and the vehicle identification number and description
must match in order for the inspection to proceed. As per M.G.L. c. 90, §
11, online renewals do not require a valid plate decal. No fee shall be
assessed for an inspection which does not proceed due to a data match
failure.
(b) No Certificate of
Registration need be produced for a vehicle having a general registration
issued in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 90, § 5. Either a
photocopy of the original Certificate of Registration or the original
Certificate of Registration may be produced for all other motor
vehicles.
(c) A licensed inspector
shall refuse to conduct an inspection if the motor vehicle's registration is
determined to be invalid.
(2)
Inspection of the
Vehicle. All inspections must be performed in accordance with the
applicable provisions of
540 CMR 4.00 and
310
CMR 60.02 by licensed inspectors in the
inspection bay or area approved for inspections by the Registrar.
(a) Inspectors must first collect the proper
fee for the inspection.
(b) The
inspector shall drive the motor vehicle into the inspection bay or area
approved for inspections.
(c)
License plate(s), shall be undamaged, securely mounted, clean and clearly
visible. No bumper, trailer hitch or other accessory may interfere with a clear
view of the license plates. The license plate must be mounted in the proper
location on the rear of the vehicle if the vehicle has been issued one plate.
Both license plates must be mounted in the proper location on the rear and
front of the vehicle, if the vehicle has been issued two plates. Any decorative
license plate or license plate replica not issued by the Registry of Motor
Vehicles on which any jurisdiction name appears must be removed from the
vehicle.
(d) General Registration
Holders, every motor vehicle in possession of a general registration shall be
checked for the proper display of the compliance decal issued pursuant to
540 CMR 18.03:
Compliance Decals. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and
Registration Number indicated on the decal shall correspond with such numbers
as observed by the inspector on the vehicle inspected.
(e) Upon the successful completion of the
inspection and a determination by the inspector that the vehicle meets all
inspection requirements, the inspector shall remove the old Certificate of
Inspection from the windshield and affix the new Certificate of Inspection and
provide the motorist with all inspection documentation and program literature
as required.
(f) A vehicle which is
determined not to meet all inspection requirements shall be issued a
Certificate of Rejection. The inspector shall provide the motorist with all
inspection documentation and program literature as required by the Registry of
Motor Vehicles or Department of Environmental Protection.
(3)
Perform Emissions Testing
Requirements and Procedures.
(a)
Exemptions. The following motor vehicles are exempt
from emissions testing: Any vehicle exempted pursuant to
310
CMR 60.02(3)(b) and in
accordance with M.G.L. c. 111, § 142M.
(b)
Conformance with
Environmental Standards. All Emissions Inspections shall be
performed in accordance with the applicable provisions of
310
CMR 60.02 and
540 CMR 4.00, and any written
policies or procedures provided by the Registrar or the
Commissioner.
(4)
Brakes. (Non-commercial Vehicles)
(a) The inspector shall operate the vehicle
to test the parking and service brake. The parking brake on all vehicles will
be tested by accelerating the motor to approximately 1,200 to 1,300 RPMs with
the vehicle in the lowest forward gear against the brake in the applied
position. The vehicle will be rejected if the parking brake will not hold. The
service brakes will be tested at a speed of between four and eight MPH. Service
brakes must be reasonably equalized so that the vehicle does not pull to either
side when applied. A test with the brake meter shall be made at a speed of 15
to 25 MPH in all questionable cases.
(b) Brakes shall be adequate to stop the
vehicle from a speed of 20 MPH in not more than the following distances:
|
Service (foot) Brake
|
Pleasure Vehicles
|
30 feet
|
|
Trucks and Buses
|
40 feet
|
|
Parking (hand) Brake
|
All Vehicles
|
80 feet
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(c)
Additional Requirements For Types of Brake Systems.
1.
Hydraulic Brake
Systems. While the vehicle is stopped, apply approximately 125
lbs. foot-force to the brake pedal and hold for ten seconds. Reject the vehicle
if the brake pedal height cannot be maintained or if less than 20% of the total
available brake pedal travel remains or if the brake failure warning light on
vehicles so equipped illuminates.
2.
Power Brake
Systems. Stop the vehicle engine and depress the brake pedal
several times to eliminate all vacuum in the system. Depress pedal with a light
force, approximately 25 lbs. foot-force and while maintaining this force on
pedal, start the vehicle engine and observe if pedal moves slightly with engine
running. The vehicle will be rejected if the pedal does not move slightly as
the engine is started while pressure on the brake pedal is maintained. During
the inspection of the vehicle, the condition of visible hydraulic components
should be checked. The vehicle shall be rejected if evidence of fluid leaks or
chafing, cracking, swelling, restriction or other damage exists on hydraulic
tubing or hoses or if they are not securely fastened or improperly
retained.
(5)
Muffler and Exhaust System. Accelerate motor to test
for prevention of unnecessary noise and emission of any unreasonable amount of
smoke. The exhaust system, exhaust manifold(s), exhaust pipe(s), muffler(s),
and tailpipe(s), if designed to be so equipped, shall be tight and free of
leaks. System components shall be securely fastened with fasteners in place and
undamaged. All motor vehicle exhaust systems shall discharge the exhaust beyond
operator, passenger, and/or trunk compartment. Unnecessary noise is herein
defined as any noise which is louder than that emitted by the vehicle when
equipped with the original manufacturer's equipment. A gas or diesel vehicle
will be rejected if, at normal operating temperature, when at idle or any
constant speed, visible black or blue exhaust emissions are evident.
(6)
Steering and
Suspension.
(a) Check for free
steering by turning the steering wheel through a full right and left turn.
Reject a vehicle if binding or interference occurs during the procedure. With
the front wheels in the straight ahead position (and the engine running on
vehicles equipped with power steering) measure lash or lost movement at the
steering wheel rim.
(b) Lash or
lost movement on passenger cars and station wagons, as measured at the steering
wheel rim, should not exceed two inches if the vehicle is equipped with manual
steering. Lash or lost movement on antique motor vehicles will be measured by
steering wheel diameter in accordance with the following schedule:
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Steering Wheel
Diameter
|
Lash (shall not
exceed)
|
|
16 inches
|
2 inches
|
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18 inches
|
21/4 inches
|
|
20 inches
|
21/2 inches
|
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22 inches
|
23/4 inches
|
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Antique Motor Vehicles
|
Over 1/8 turn
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(c) The
front end (each side) of all vehicles will be raised by jacking and visually
examined. Vehicles equipped with ball joints will be raised and checked in
accordance with the applicable manufacturer's specifications.
(d) Reject a vehicle with excessive wear or
play in any part of the steering mechanism, suspension or drive train of the
vehicle that would affect proper and safe operation.
(e) Reject a vehicle with broken, bent or
missing shock absorbers or suspension springs.
(7)
Horn. Sound horn
to test for adequate signal. The horn must be securely fastened to the vehicle
and operate as originally designed.
(8)
Glazing, Mirrors and
Windshield Wiper(s).
(a) All
glazing originally equipped on the vehicle must be in place and operate as
originally designed.
(b) Windshield
Critical Viewing Area is the area covered by the sweep of the wiper(s)
exclusive of the outer two inches within the perimeter of the wiper(s) sweep,
provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
(c) Windshields having any of the following
defects will be rejected:
1. Any broken glass
with sharp or jagged edges inside or outside.
2. Any stone bruise, star break, or bulls
eye, damage in excess of one inch in diameter within the critical viewing area
or larger than two inches outside the critical viewing area, or multiple such
damage.
3. Single line cracks which
extend more than three inches into the critical viewing area.
4. Multiple cracks, having one or more which
extends into the critical viewing area.
5. Wiper scrape(s) in excess of 1/4 inch
wide within the critical viewing area.
6. Clouding extending more than three inches
within the perimeter of the exposed glass.
7. No poster, sticker decal or any other item
shall be attached to the windshield in such a manner so as to obstruct the
vision of the operator.
8. Any
tinting or reflective material applied by brush, spray, or adhesive which is
below the uppermost six inches of the windshield or which may encroach upon the
drivers direct forward viewing area. (All such tinting provided by the original
manufacturer in compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards is acceptable.)
(d)
Rear Windows.
Rear windows, if originally equipped, must allow an unobstructed view to the
rear, unless the vehicle is equipped with two outside rear view
mirrors.
(e)
Windshield
Wiper(s) - Test for Proper Operation. Windshield wipers must work
as originally designed. If the vehicle was equipped with two wipers, as
furnished by the manufacturer, both must be maintained in good working order.
Wiper blades must properly contact the windshield and, be of the same length as
those furnished as original equipment. The rubber elements shall be free from
damage or tears.
(f)
Windshield Cleaner. If the vehicle was equipped with
windshield cleaner equipment as furnished by the manufacturer, units must be
maintained in good working order and operate as originally designed.
(g)
Window Tinting.
Aftermarket tinting or alterations that do not change the transparency beyond
that of the standards set forth in 49 CFR Part 571.205 is acceptable on windows
immediately adjacent to the operator and front passenger seat, the windows
immediately to the rear of the operator and front passenger seat and the rear
window. If the rear window has any aftermarket tinting or alterations, the
vehicle must be equipped with two outside rear view mirrors. The windshield may
only be tinted down to the AS-1 line usually located in the uppermost six
inches of the windshield. 540 CMR 4.04(8)(g) shall not apply to the following:
1. All window tinting as provided by the
original manufacturer that is in compliance with applicable Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
2.
Authorized vehicles used to transport K-9 teams.
3. Vehicles registered out of
state.
4. Vehicles for which a
medical exemption has been issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
5. All windows to the rear of the operator's
seat on vehicles used for public livery, except taxicabs.
6. Any vehicle registered to the federal,
state or local law enforcement agencies.
7. Vehicles registered to watch guard or
patrol agencies licensed under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 147, § 20 or
M.G.L. c. 122, § 63.
(h) The use of advertising wrap or vehicle
wrap material on any window is prohibited.
(9)
Rearview
Mirrors. Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least one
mirror so placed and adjusted as to afford the operator a clear, reflected view
of the highway to the rear and left side of the motor vehicle. All mirrors as
furnished by the manufacturer must be in place and operate as originally
designed. Check mirror(s) and reject if:
(a)
Mirror is cracked, broken, tarnished or reflective surface is peeled.
(b) Mirror will not hold adjustment or is not
mounted securely to prevent excessive vibration.
(c) Mirror contains sharp edges, projections
or irregular indents capable of producing injury.
(10)
Lighting
Devices.
(a)
Tail
Lights. Every motor vehicle, except a two-wheeled motorcycle, an
antique motor car, and a farm tractor, shall be equipped with two red lights
(tail lamps) mounted one at each side of the rear of the vehicle so as to show
two red lights from behind and equipped with two stop lights (stop lamps)
mounted and displayed in a like manner. A single lamp may combine both of the
above functions. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a white light so
arranged as to illuminate the rear number plate so that it is plainly visible
at 60 feet.
(b)
Directional. Front and rear directional signals will
be operable on every vehicle originally equipped with such signals. Every motor
vehicle registered in the Commonwealth, which was manufactured for the model
year 1967 and for subsequent model years, shall be equipped with a device to
permit the front and rear directional signals to flash
simultaneously.
(c)
Headlamps. Headlamp aim shall be checked in accordance
with the specifications as most recently provided by the Registrar.
(d)
Lighting Devices and
Reflectors. All lighting devices and reflectors originally
equipped on the vehicle at the time of manufacture shall be operable and
operate as they were originally designed. Lenses must be intact, clean,
unobstructed, and free from cracks. The use of adhesive tape to repair lenses
is prohibited.
(e)
Aftermarket Lighting. Any aftermarket lighting
inconsistent with FMVSS 108 or M.G.L. c. 90 shall be removed or the vehicle
shall be rejected. All approved aftermarket lighting shall be operable and
capable of performing their design function or must be removed from the
vehicle.
(11)
Tires.
(a) A
Certificate of Rejection shall be issued to any vehicle submitted for
inspection with a tire which exhibits any of the following conditions:
1. Fabric break or cut in excess of one inch;
bump or knot evidencing deterioration of the tire structure; or any ply or cord
structure visible.
2. For tires
without tread wear indicators: Measurement taken with tread depth gauge reveals
less than
2/32 inch of tread
depth is present in any original tread groove.
3. For tires with tread depth indicators:
Tire is worn so that any tread wear indicator contacts the road.
4. Studded tires between May
1st and November 1st
unless approved by the Registrar.
5. Restricted markings indicating usage
limited to any condition other than permanent highway use.
6. Radial ply tire(s) on the same axle with
non-radial tire(s); Radial tire(s) on the front axle with non-radial tire(s) on
the rear axle (Exception: Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels may have
radial and non-radial tires on any axle provided they are not intermixed on the
same axle).
7. Tire size shall be
the same on each side of the front and/or rear axle. Tire size may be different
between front and rear axles as determined by vehicle
manufacturer.
(b)
Wheels, Wheel Bolts, Nuts or Lugs. A Certificate of
Rejection shall be issued to any vehicle submitted for inspection which
exhibits any of the following conditions:
1.
Any part of any mounted wheel is bent, cracked, rewelded, damaged or has
elongated bolt holes which may affect safe operation of the vehicle.
2. Wheel bolts, nuts, studs or lugs are
loose, missing, damaged or are not compatible for use with wheel
design.
(12)
Bumpers, Fenders, External Sheet Metal and Fuel Tank.
A Certificate of Rejection shall be issued if any of the following conditions
are evident:
(a)
Bumpers. Broken or bent bumpers, fenders, exterior
sheet metal or moldings, having sharp edges or abnormal protrusions extending
beyond normal vehicle extremities so as to constitute a danger to pedestrians
and other motor vehicle traffic. If bumper face plates are removed, bumper
brackets must also be removed. On vehicles equipped with air bags, the front
bumpers may not be removed. The vehicle hood, door(s), luggage compartment lid,
and battery or engine compartment doors or lids, if so equipped, must operate
as originally designed.
(b)
Latches and Lids. The vehicle hood, door(s), luggage
compartment lid, and battery or engine compartment doors or lids, if so
equipped, must operate as originally designed.
(c)
Fenders. Front
and rear fenders must be in place on all vehicles manufactured after model year
1949 if such vehicles were designed and manufactured to be operated with front
and rear fenders. Every motor vehicle under 10,000 lbs. (GVWR), which is
equipped with tires which extend beyond the fenders or body of such vehicle
shall be equipped with flaps or suitable guards to reduce such spray or splash
to the rear and side.
(d)
Floor Pans. Holes or cracks, due to rust or otherwise,
in the floor pans or other body panels which would permit the passage of
exhaust gases into the passenger or trunk compartments.
(e)
Fuel Tanks. Fuel
tanks and all fuel system components, including fuel caps, which are not
securely attached to the vehicles body or chassis, or that are
leaking.
(f)
Frame or
Unibody. Broken, cracked, modified or rusted structural parts of
the undercarriage or unibody so as to cause a hazard or structural
weakness.
(13)
Altered Vehicle Heights. The original manufacturers
specified height of motor vehicles with an original manufacturers gross vehicle
weight rating of 10,000 lbs. or less shall not be altered by elevating or
lowering the chassis or body by more than two inches, except that four-wheel
drive motor vehicles with a original manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating
of 10,000 lbs. or less may be altered in accordance with the provisions of
540 CMR 6.00:
Alteration of Motor Vehicle Height. Any motor vehicle altered,
modified, or changed beyond the aforementioned two inches, or the Registrar's
approved altered height specifications, shall be rejected.
(14)
Safety Belts, Lap Belts and
Shoulder Restraints. Safety belts, lap belts and shoulder
restraints originally installed in motor vehicles manufactured after July 1,
1966 shall be inspected to assure that all are maintained in good order. It
shall be the responsibility of the motorist that the safety belts are readily
accessible for inspection.
(15)
Air Bags. All vehicles ten or less model years old so
equipped must comply with 49 CFR, Parts 571 through 595. The inspector shall
check for proper operation of the airbag malfunction indicator lamp, and if the
lamp indicates a malfunction in the airbag system, or if any airbag originally
equipped in the vehicle is deployed or is missing the vehicle shall be
rejected.
(16)
Fuel
Tank Cap Visual Check. The vehicle shall fail the gas cap visual
check if the cap is missing, defective, or does not properly fit the
vehicle.
