Calling all Bay Staters! Massachusetts question
 

Hey all,

Was wondering how tough are Massachusetts vehicle inspections? Or registering a car there? Is it a difficult process? Hard to pass a tough inspection? Or is Massachusetts pretty laid back about it (which I doubt) lol

Just curious! Thanks! :D

I had a lot of friends with vehicles that I wouldn't consider very safe...yet were on the road in Mass. I'm not sure if that says much, or if they were finding loopholes, but I don't think it was too bad. Here's what they check for: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/inspect/540cmr400.pdf

I never had to register my car in Mass, I had MD plates the entire time I was up there for school, up until I sold the vehicle. It had a fair amount of rust on it, but, it was back on the road with MA plates shortly after I sold it. I think they mainly look for structural problems, make sure the brakes work (and the car stops), check the steering and suspension, mirrors, tint. Basic things like that.

I can only tell you how it was 20 years ago, and I don't think it has changed. It was pretty tough. You can't have any cracks in the glass, or any leaks or rust in the exhaust. And they check the lights, horn, wipers. Here in WA we have no inspections, and as a result there is stuff on the road that is unbelievable, rolling junk.

Crazynate- thanks for the link! I will read through it right now! I'm hoping they are not that harsh.. :(

mpolli- That does sound pretty tough, the only problem I think I would run into is a license plate light not working... I can only imagine the cars still chugging along out there must look like! LOL

Well, to make it even more difficult, I think there can be a lot of variation between who does the inspection. Sure, the state can provide the guidelines, but, it's really the person that does the test, which will say what fails and what doesn't.

It's kinda like my recent run-in with the VA state inspection, I failed for a slight fuel leak and bad motor mounts. The fuel was probably residual from getting the air of out my lines, and while the motor mounts are not exactly functioning as they should - I don't think they fit a broken description, they still support the engine just fine. I'm still pretty irked about how that went down. The shop was probably just trying to get money from me...

But, yeah, go over the list in detail, and check beforehand, you can save yourself a hassle by doing things yourself. :)