My vehicle failed inspection
...What do I do now? Read below or download the brochure from Mass.gov (PDF)
Here Are Your Next Steps: Your vehicle must be repaired and it must pass a re-test.
1. Repair Your Vehicle
2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is “Ready”
3. Pass Your Re-Test
4. What if Your Vehicle Doesn’t Pass the Re-Test?
1. Repair Your Vehicle
- Repair safety defects immediately, or you could be cited by police and may be subject to penalties and insurance surcharges.
- Repair emissions defects within 60 days of your initial inspection. Since these problems can affect your vehicle’s gas mileage, it’s better to have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible, preferably by a Registered Emissions Repair Technician. (see back panel)
- If your vehicle’s initial inspection resulted in a referral to a Motorist Assistance Center, consult the experts at the Center before having your vehicle repaired (call the Motorist Hotline at 1-866-941-6277 for an appointment).
- Until your vehicle is re-tested, you should keep your repair receipts (particularly for safety defects) in your vehicle as proof of repairs.
2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is “Ready”
- For an Emissions Re-Test After certain emissions repairs are completed, vehicles need about a week of driving in specific highway and city conditions to get their internal computers ready for the emissions re-test. Ask your Registered Emissions Repair Technician or dealer for details.
3. Pass Your Re-Test
- You have 60 days from your original inspection date to pass a re-test.
- One free re-test is available, at your original inspection station, within 60 days of your initial test. If you choose to go to another station, you must pay another fee for your re-test.
- If your vehicle failed both the emissions and safety tests, both re-tests will be done at the same time.
4. What if Your Vehicle Doesn’t Pass the Re-Test?
- If your vehicle does not pass a re-test within 60 days of its initial inspection, the Registry of Motor Vehicles may suspend your registration.
- If a Registered Emissions Repair Technician repaired your vehicle, it may be eligible for a waiver of the emissions standards.
- If your vehicle has a major malfunction (e.g., it may need the transmission or engine re-built), it may be eligible for a one-time, one-year hardship extension of the deadline for passing its emissions re-test.