Massachusetts Car Inspection Checklist (2025)

What Is an Annual Car Inspection in Massachusetts?

Each year, Massachusetts requires vehicles to pass two important tests:

• A safety inspection
• An emissions test

Safety inspections aim to prevent car accidents by keeping dangerous vehicles off the road. Emissions tests are designed to keep air pollution to a minimum.

What Are Emissions Testing Compliance Rules for Massachusetts Cars?

In Massachusetts, most cars up to 14 years old must pass an emissions test. This test looks for carbon monoxide and other potentially dangerous pollutants. It usually only takes a few minutes.

Car Inspection in Seven Steps

Wondering what to expect when you get your vehicle inspected? Here’s how the process works:

1. You make an appointment
2. You check your vehicle for obvious issues
3. You arrive for the inspection
4. The inspector conducts a visual inspection
5. They inspect essential systems
6. They conduct an emissions test (if applicable)
7. If your vehicle passes, you get a compliance sticker

Once your vehicle passes inspection, you can legally drive it for another year.

What Is Checked During a Massachusetts Car Inspection?

Inspection is an involved process, but this Massachusetts car inspection checklist outlines some of the most important things the inspector will look for:

• Brakes
• Exhaust system
• Windshield and wipers
• Lights
• Steering and suspension
• Wheels and tires
• Seat belts, airbags and other safety features

The inspector will also look at the overall condition of the car body. Your car doesn’t need to be pristine, but if there are rust holes in the floor, it probably won’t pass.

Why Vehicles Fail Emissions and Safety Inspections

Anything that makes your vehicle unsafe to drive will likely lead to a failed inspection. Many cars that fail emissions tests do so because of faulty catalytic converters, engine misfires and problems with oxygen sensors.

How to Handle a Failed Vehicle Inspection

If your car fails, you have 60 days to retest it. You’ll get a report that explains exactly what’s wrong so a mechanic can address the issues.

Don’t drive your car until it’s been fixed—it’s illegal to do so, and you could get a ticket.

Key Takeaways About Car Inspection Laws in Massachusetts

Vehicles with mechanical problems are more likely to cause accidents. The inspection process gives owners a chance to repair issues before someone gets seriously hurt—or worse.

Whether you’re looking for a Massachusetts car accident lawyer for advice about a failed inspection or an accident caused by a driver whose car did not pass inspection, ConsumerShield can help. Fill out our contact form to get started with a free case evaluation!