540 CMR 4.00

4.04 Procedures for Inspection of Non-Commercial Motor Vehicles

(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. The inspector may refuse to inspect the vehicle if it is determined by the inspector that the vehicle is unsafe for operation on the dynamometer or for any aspect of the Safety or Safety and Emissions inspection.

(a) The Certificate of Registration 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. No fee shall be assessed for an inspection which does not proceed due to a data match failure.

(b) A Vehicle Identification Number Correction Form must be given to the operator of any vehicle refused for inspection due to an incorrect vehicle identification or registration number.

(c) 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.

(d) A licensed inspector may 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 approved inspection bay only.

(a) Inspectors must first collect the proper fee for the inspection.

(b) 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 the word "Massachusetts" appears must be removed from the vehicle.

(c) 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. The Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) and Registration Number indicated on the decal shall correspond with such numbers as observed by the inspector on the vehicle inspected. This requirement does not apply to motor vehicles owned and registered by a dealer.

(d) 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, trailer, semi-trailer or converter dolly and affix the new Certificate of Inspection.

(e) Vehicle which is determined not to meet all inspection requirements shall be issued a Certificate of Rejection.

1. Computerized Plate Brake Testing, if available, may be conducted, at the option of both the inspector and the customer, to determine the safety of the braking systems. If such testing is used, the following pass/fail criteria, cutpoints, and other written supplementary specifications issued by the Registrar shall be used:

(c) Additional Requirements For Types of Brake Systems.

1. Hydraulic Brake Systems. While the vehicle is stopped, apply approximately 125 pounds 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 pounds 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.

Procedures for Inspection of Non-Commercial Motor Vehicles (continued)