Most new vehicles with 7,500 or fewer miles on their odometers need to be equipped with factory-installed California-certified advanced emission control systems in order to be sold and registered in Massachusetts.
Guide Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program
In this guide
News & Updates
In June 2018, Massachusetts along with the states of California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont released an updated Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan, reaffirming their commitment to work together on initiatives that:
- Increase consumer awareness of, and confidence in, ZEVs;
- Make ZEVs more affordable and provide incentives for buying them; and
- Support the development of charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure to keep ZEVs running.
ZEVs include pure battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Collectively, Massachusetts and the eight other states are committed to having at least 5 million ZEVs operating on their roadways by 2025.
The updated Action Plan builds on the success of a multi-state effort begun in 2014. It identifies 80 actions the states and other key partners and stakeholders are undertaking, and additional steps they will consider, to build a robust market for ZEVs.
Additional Resources for News & Updates
Summary of Massachusetts Requirements
The Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program requires most new vehicles with 7,500 or fewer miles on their odometers to be equipped with factory-installed California-certified advanced emission control systems.
| Model Years | Vehicle Type(s) | Weight Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 & Newer | Passenger Cars, Light-Duty Trucks & Sport Utility Vehicles |
Up to 6,000 lbs. |
| 2003 & Newer | Medium-Duty & Sport Utility Vehicles |
6,001-14,000 lbs. |
| 2004 & Newer | Light-Duty Diesel Passenger Vehicles & Trucks |
Up to 8,500 lbs. |
Additional Resources for Summary of Massachusetts Requirements
What to Know When Buying a Car
All new car dealerships in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Maine, and California sell LEVs. Dealerships bordering these states may also sell LEVs. If you buy a new car from a dealer outside of Massachusetts, be sure to ask for documentation that your new vehicle is a LEV.
How to identify a LEV:
- The law requires a Vehicle Emission Control Label under the hood stating "this vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA and state of California regulations" or "this vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA regulations and is certified for sale in California." Also, the Certificate of Origin will state the following: "Certified for sale in Massachusetts, California, and New York," or "Certified for sale in 50 states."
How the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) identifies a LEV:
- If your vehicle has never been registered, the RMV will inspect its Certificate of Origin for a LEV certification statement.
- For a previously registered vehicle with less than 7,500 miles, you'll need to schedule an appointment with an RMV inspector, who will check under the hood for the Vehicle Emission Control Label.
Non-LEV vehicles may not be registered in Massachusetts! Return your vehicle to the seller. Auto makers have informed their dealers that they may sell only LEVs to Massachusetts residents.
Additional Resources for What to Know When Buying a Car
Bringing a Vehicle into Massachusetts
Every vehicle that is newly registered in Massachusetts is required to undergo a state safety inspection and emissions test within seven days of registration. To learn more, visit: Massachusetts Vehicle Check
Depending on the vehicle's model year and where you are bringing it from, you may need to satisfy additional requirements.
| Your Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Moving to Massachusetts from another state. | Nothing beyond registering your vehicle and having it inspected. LEV standards do not apply. |
| Importing a model year 1995 or newer vehicle with more than 7,500 miles on the odometer. | Contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles for instructions on registering your vehicle. |
| Importing a model year 1995 vehicle with fewer than 7,500 miles on the odometer, or a vehicle that has never been titled. | Call MassDEP at 617-292-5762 to request an emissions waiver that will allow you to register your vehicle. |
| Importing your vehicle from another country. | Your vehicle will need to comply with the applicable federal requirements below, and meet Massachusetts LEV, registration, and inspection requirements. |