Massachusetts vehicle safety inspection

Yes — safety inspection is required. Massachusetts requires an annual safety inspection for vehicles driven on state roads. Medium/light-duty vehicles with OBD systems (generally 14 model years and newer) also receive an emissions test under Massachusetts Vehicle Check.

Key facts

Cadence
annual
Fee
$35 — Massachusetts Vehicle Check lists $35 for most non-commercial annual inspections; commercial stations may charge more. Confirm on mavehiclecheck.com.
Program
Massachusetts Vehicle Check
Administered by
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and MassDEP
Official locator
interactive
Emissions relationship
Combined safety and emissions inspection program

Who must get inspected

All vehicles registered in Massachusetts must generally pass a yearly Vehicle Check inspection at a licensed station. Confirm new-vehicle timing and commercial rules with RMV / Mass Vehicle Check.

What is inspected

  • Safety check of key vehicle systems (Mass Vehicle Check lists ~14 systems for typical passenger inspections)
  • OBD emissions test when the vehicle is subject to emissions requirements

General checklist pillar →

Emissions relationship

Combined safety and emissions inspection program. Keep safety and emissions searches separate when locating stations.

Safety vs emissions tool →

Find stations in Massachusetts

Sample listings below. Prefer the official locator when available.

City directory

Costs & payment

Massachusetts Vehicle Check lists $35 for most non-commercial annual inspections; commercial stations may charge more. Confirm on mavehiclecheck.com.

Cost tool →

Fail / retest rules

Mass Vehicle Check states re-inspections are free if performed at the original station within 60 days—confirm current program rules before relying on the window.

Failed inspection guide →

How to prepare

  • Use the Mass Vehicle Check station locator
  • Bring a valid registration
  • Expect a combined safety/emissions visit when your vehicle is OBD-eligible

Official sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-01. Always confirm with the primary source before you drive.

  1. https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/
  2. https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/motorists-basicinfo
  3. https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/apps/station-locator
  4. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/vehicle-inspections

Recent changes

Track dated fee, cadence, and program updates on the Massachusetts changes guide. Until a new statute or agency notice is cited there, rely on the official program URL and sources above.

Massachusetts inspection changes →

Related tools

Related guides

Massachusetts requirements long-form →

Which states require safety inspection →

FAQ

Does Massachusetts require an annual safety inspection?

Yes. Massachusetts Vehicle Check requires an annual safety inspection for registered vehicles, with emissions for applicable model years.

How much is the inspection?

The program lists $35 for most non-commercial annual inspections; verify the current posted fee at the station.

Where do I find licensed stations?

Use the official Station Locator on mavehiclecheck.com.

Who must get a Massachusetts vehicle safety inspection?

All vehicles registered in Massachusetts must generally pass a yearly Vehicle Check inspection at a licensed station. Confirm new-vehicle timing and commercial rules with RMV / Mass Vehicle Check.

What does Massachusetts Vehicle Check inspect?

Safety check of key vehicle systems (Mass Vehicle Check lists ~14 systems for typical passenger inspections); OBD emissions test when the vehicle is subject to emissions requirements

What happens if I fail inspection in Massachusetts?

Mass Vehicle Check states re-inspections are free if performed at the original station within 60 days—confirm current program rules before relying on the window.

How much does vehicle inspection cost in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Vehicle Check lists $35 for most non-commercial annual inspections; commercial stations may charge more. Confirm on mavehiclecheck.com.

Who runs Massachusetts's inspection program?

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and MassDEP. Program page: https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/

About this page

Last reviewed 2026-10-01. FindSafetyStations is not affiliated with Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and MassDEP.