Inspection Station FAQs
The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), along with the new network contractor, Parsons Technologies, have begun transitioning to the next-generation Massachusetts vehicle inspection and maintenance program, which is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2008.
RMV and MassDEP have developed this web page to help answer your inspector licensing and inspection station-related questions.
If you are operating a licensed inspection in good standing, RMV and MassDEP invite you to continue participating in a program that promises safer roads and cleaner air for everyone in Massachusetts.
- Can I sell my dyne to someone if they want to buy it?
Answer: Each station owns all of the equipment and is free to sell or keep it as it chooses. However, mere ownership of equipment does not guarantee participation with the new network contractor.
- What are my options for disconnecting my dyne?
Answer: The new contractor is contractually obligated to offer free removal and recycling at the discretion of the station owner. But each station can remove the equipment at their option and expense.
- When can the dyne be disconnected?
Answer: In no circumstances can equipment be removed or disconnected prior to the close of business September 30, 2008. The new contractor will remove and recycle existing equipment at no cost starting October 1, 2008 and must be completed by December 31, 2008.
- Do stations have to remove the above or in ground dyne?
Answer: All above ground dynes must be removed by January 1, 2009. Stations with in ground dynes may apply to the RMV for approval to keep the equipment in place provided it will not obstruct or interfere with the inspection bay area. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis by RMV.
- Will software be available for my workstation gas analyzer so I can use it as a tool without having to do daily calibrations?
Answer: Existing workstations can be used for diagnostic purposes. SPX will offer service for a fee after October 1, 2008. It will be the responsibility of the stations to contact SPX directly to explore this matter further.
- What happens to my dyne/workstation when the new program begins?
Answer: The existing equipment will be disconnected and moved/rolled out of the inspection bay to make room for the new equipment. All above ground dynes must be removed from inspection bays by January 1, 2009. In-ground dynes must be approved for continued use in an inspection bay by RMV.
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- Will dynes be eliminated?
Answer: Starting October 1, 2008 all emissions testing will be either OBD or opacity tests
- Will the existing workstation remain or is it being replaced?
Answer: The existing workstations will not be updated. You must purchase a new workstation and any additional optional equipment to inspect vehicles starting October 1, 2008.
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- What is the cost of a new workstation?
Answer: The new equipment is modular. The cost of the basic workstation will be approximately $2,500, this includes the OBD emissions test connection. The optional cost for the Diesel Tune, required for opacity testing has not yet been determined.
- Since workstations are less expensive, can I get more than one at my current location?
Answer: Yes, the program allows for additional workstations at the same location (one workstation per inspection bay). All workstations will include the OBD emissions testing capability at a minimum, with the exception of certain workstations for new car dealers, who will be able to pre-scan brand new vehicles. If you would like to set up more than one inspection bay at the same location, this will be permitted.
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- Are lifts allowed in the inspection bay and if I have a lift, is it grandfathered?
Answer: Lifts are allowed in the inspection bay if approved by RMV. This requires the station to request approval for a lift in the inspection bay and the RMV approving that request. Lifts that obstruct the inspection bay area will not be approved.
- Since the dyne is no longer required, what are the bay requirements?
Answer: All inspection stations except Class M (motorcycle) licensed on or after October 1, 2008 must have an inspection area 30 feet in length and 12 feet in width. All inspection stations licensed before October 1, 2008 are required to meet the bay size requirements in effect at time of licensure.
- Can stations keep the dyne in their inspection bay if they want to use it for Diagnostic work?
Answer: No, All dynes must be removed from the inspection bay prior to January 1, 2009.
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- Will there be a telephone line back-up system when an Internet connection is lost?
Answer: Yes.
- Can I use an existing Internet connection & what will I have to provide to the workstation location?
Answer: Absolutely. You will be able to connect directly into you existing Internet service via a network cable and/or router as well as a wireless or "wi-fi" connection.
- Will stations need to get high speed Internet and who will pay for it?
Answer: The workstation will operate on both high speed or dial-up Internet and direct dial-up. The station will be responsible for any Internet or phone line charges.
- Will we be able to do inspections if the network connection is lost or the VID or ALARS is off-line?
Answer: All workstations require Vehicle Inspection Database (VID) contact. If the VID connection is lost, you will not be able to perform inspections. If the RMV database (ALARS) is offline, inspections can continue under certain circumstances.
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- Will service calls be handled as they are with the current program?
Answer: This equipment is modular by design. To keep down time to a minimum, stations will contact the Parsons Station Support Hotline. The service center will diagnose the problem and may send a replacement part if necessary with a prepaid return label. The station can easily install the part and return the defective part to Parsons. If the failure cannot be corrected by the station, then a service technician will be dispatched to the station. The Motorist Assistance Centers will also have replacement parts for workstations and limited guidance to help the stations.
- Who does the workstation repairs and how long will stations be down when broken?
Answer: The design of equipment allows for stations to make easy component change outs, and many software issues can be corrected over the Internet. Replacement parts will be shipped next day to the station, or the station can elect to pick up the part at a Motorist Assistance Center.
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- What is the licensing difference between the existing program and the new program?
Answer: The existing program is capped by the amount of equipment available. The new program will cap the number of station licenses available. RMV will maintain a waiting list for stations wishing to participate in the inspection program. RMV, does, however, strive to license stations in a geographically convenient area for motorists.
- When and how will stations know if they are in the new program?
Answer: Parsons is scheduled to send out inspection station participation packets by June 15, 2008 to all existing stations that are in good standing. The application process will include station equipment, licensing, and inspector training information.
- Will a station now in the program be automatically invited into the new program?
Answer: No, only stations in good standing will offer an opportunity to apply for the new program.
- What does good standing mean?
Answer:
- Active (not expired or revoked).
- Currently performing inspections.
- All required equipment in working order.
- Not under suspension.
- Maintenance, test authorization and consumable invoices and fees from Applus+ Technologies paid in full.
- Will there be a limit to the number of stations?
Answer: Yes, 1,600 public light-duty stations.
- Are all stations/inspectors going to be licensed in new program?
Answer: Yes, both stations and inspectors will be required to be licensed. The stations will require a new license and new equipment and the inspectors will be required to pass a new training program to continue inspecting vehicles beginning October 1, 2008.
- Will the inspectors have to reapply for the inspector's license or will the old one still work?
Answer: The inspector license will remain on the current expiration cycle. Each inspector must reapply for updated training. Upon successful completion of training, inspectors will be authorized to inspect under the new guidelines.
- Who will be the contact for new station information and applications (for stations not currently in program), Parsons Technologies or RMV?
Answer: The RMV will be the contact for new station license applications.
- What if any consideration will be given to current stations in regards to being issued inspection station licenses?
Answer: Current stations will be invited to participate with the new program if they are in good standing with RMV.
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- Will everyone need to attend new training what is the cost?
Answer: Inspectors will need to attend and pass new training. The first 5,000 applicants for non-commercial training will receive this training for free.
- When will training occur on the new equipment and how much time is needed for training?
Answer: Initial training will begin on July 2, 2008 for non-commercial inspectors.
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- I want to be a commercial inspector, what are the requirements?
Answer: You must first pass non-commercial inspection requirements and then pass commercial training. If you want to inspect vehicles over 26,000 lbs. GVWR then you would also have to possess a valid CDL Class B or A drivers license. The first 1,500 applicants for commercial training will not be charged for this training, if they work at a heavy-duty commercial inspection station.
- What are the changes to the commercial inspection program?
Answer: The new Massachusetts Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection will be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as equivalent to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Inspection. Vehicles inspected under the Massachusetts Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection will receive written proof of the equivalent inspection in the form of required DOT paperwork upon passing the inspection.
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- Are there any new regulations for motorcycle stations?
Answer: No, but motorcycles will be included in the new program. The start date for enhanced record keeping for motorcycle inspections will be January 1, 2009.
- Will the motorcycle stations get a workstation?
Answer: No, but motorcycle stations will be required to have a basic PC and printer with Internet access. All records will be electronically transmitted to the Vehicle Inspection Database (VID) and then to the RMV and our ALARS database.
- Is there a new sticker for motorcycles?
Answer: No. The existing motorcycle sticker and sticker ordering process will remain the same. The record keeping process (E-90s, etc.) is being updated to reduce the paperwork burden on stations and inspectors.
- Will the motorcycle inspectors have to get licensed?
Answer: Yes, to inspect motorcycles under the new program, each inspector will be required to pass motorcycle inspection training and possess a valid motorcycle license. The first 500 students will not be charged for the motorcycle-training module.
- Will motorcycle stickers be tracked?
Answer: Yes, the purpose of the electronic records is to automate the motorcycle inspection system, and post inspection results to the RMV ALARS database much the same as is currently done with motor vehicle inspection results.
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- What will be the cost of a 7D inspection?
Answer: New fees have not been established at this time. Fees are determined by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, not the RMV or DEP.
- Will 7D stickers be tracked on the RMV database?
Answer: Yes, much like the tracking system for the regular state inspection.
- I want to be a 7D inspector, what are the requirements?
Answer: To inspect 7D vehicles in the new program each inspector will be required to pass 7D inspection training after passing non-commercial training. The first 500 students will not be charged for the 7D-training module.
- I want my station to be able to conduct 7D inspections, what are the requirements?
Answer: Contact RMV and request a 7D inspection station application, or request this at the time you receive your participation packet from Parsons Technologies in early June.
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- What kind of emissions test is being administered?
Answer: The emissions testing beginning October 1, 2008 will be either the OBD or opacity test for heavy-duty diesel powered vehicles.
- Will OBD II compliant vehicles be OBD tested at every inspection?
Answer: Yes, safety and emissions tests will be performed annually. New vehicles will be exempt from emissions testing for the first year only, but must still pass a safety inspection.
- Will I need any special equipment to test diesels?
Answer: To inspect diesel-powered vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR, an opacity meter will be required. Newer diesel powered OBD compliant vehicles will be tested using the OBD system
- If I opt out of the diesel opacity equipment can I inspect diesels 10,000 lbs GVW or less?
Yes.
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- How much will the inspection be, what portion does the station keep?
Answer: The fee will be determined by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. Public hearings will be prior to any change in the fee. The fee is not set by the RMV or DEP.
- Will there be a monthly fee?
Answer: The monthly maintenance fee is for a basic workstation is approximately $30. There will be an additional fee for opacity equipment, but it has not yet been determined.
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- I feel that I have good ideas for the next program...can I still contribute somehow?
Answer: You most definitely can. Please send an e-mail to: inspectionquestion.Registry@state.ma.us and we will send you more information about participating on our industry advisory council.
- When and what is required to get into the new program?
Answer: Parsons will be sending out information packages to signup for the new program. They will be sending out these packages to the existing stations during mid-June, 2008.
- When will equipment and training be available?
Answer: Parsons will use the following schedule:
Send out information packages, mid-June, 2008. Date application must be returned for acceptance into the new program
Start inspector training, July 1, 2008.
Complete initial inspector training, at minimum one inspector per location, October 1, 2008.
- Who do stations contact to get into the new program?
Answer: Existing stations in good standing will automatically receive participation packets from Parsons Technologies. No action is required on the station.
- When are all the new changes going to start taking place?
Answer: The new program, which includes non-commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles, and 7D vehicles, starts October 1, 2008. The new motorcycle record keeping process will start on January 1, 2009.
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