Vehicle Safety Inspection Procedure

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

(3) Perform Emissions Testing Requirements and Procedures:

(a) Exemptions. The following motor vehicles are exempt from emissions
testing:

1. Any motor vehicle with a model year earlier than 1984.2. Any motor
vehicle for up to 24 months from the date of registration after sale or
lease to the original purchaser 3. Tactical military vehicles;

4. Any vehicle exempted pursuant to 310 CMR 60.02(3)(b) and in accordance
with M.G.L. c. 111, §142M.

(b) Conformance with Environmental Standards. All Emissions Inspections
shall be performed in accordance with the applicable provisions of 310 CMR
60.02 and 540 CMR 4.00, and any written policies or procedures provided by
the Registrar or the Commissioner.

(4) Brakes. (Non Commercial Vehicles)

(a) The inspector may operate the vehicle in the inspection bay and test
the parking and service brake. The parking brake on all vehicles will be
tested by accelerating the motor to approximately 1,200 to 1,300 RPMs with
the vehicle in the lowest forward gear against the brake in the applied
position. The vehicle will be rejected if the parking brake will not hold.
The service brakes will be tested at a speed of between four and eight MPH.
Service brakes must be reasonably equalized so that the vehicle does not
pull noticeably to either side when applied. A test with the brake meter
shall be made at a speed of 15 to 25 MPH in all questionable cases.

(b) Brakes shall be adequate to stop the vehicle from a speed of 20 MPH in
not more than the following distances:

Service (foot) Brake
Pleasure Vehicles
30 feet
Trucks and Buses
40 feet
Parking (hand) Brake

All Vehicles
80 feet

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, cut points, and other written supplementary specifications issued
by the Registrar shall be used:

Criteria Cut Point

Deceleration Service Brake: 50% MinimumDeceleration Parking Brake: 25%
MinimumImbalance Left to Right Front Axle: 25% MaximumImbalance Left to
Right Rear Axle: 25% Maximum

Imbalance Front to Rear Axle: 60% Minimum Braking

Efficiency; 5% minimum of total brake force must be generated by the rear
Brakes.



(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.

(5) Muffler and Exhaust System. Accelerate motor to test for prevention of
unnecessary noise and emission of any unreasonable amount of smoke. The
exhaust system, exhaust manifold(s), exhaust pipe(s), muffler(s), and
tailpipe(s), if designed to be so equipped, shall be tight and free of
leaks. System components shall be securely fastened with fasteners in place
and undamaged. All motor vehicle exhaust systems shall discharge the
exhaust beyond operator, passenger, and/or trunk compartment. Unnecessary
noise is herein defined as any noise which is louder than that emitted by
the vehicle when equipped with the original manufacturer's equipment. A gas
or diesel vehicle will be rejected if, at normal operating temperature, at
any constant speed over 15 MPH, (approximately 1,000 to 1,200 RPM's)
visible black or blue exhaust emissions are evident.

(6) Steering and Suspension.

(a) Check for free steering by turning the steering wheel through a full
right and left turn. Reject a vehicle if binding or interference occurs
during the procedure. With the front wheels in the straight ahead position
(and the engine running on vehicles equipped with power steering) measure
lash or lost movement at the steering wheel rim.

(b) Lash or lost movement on passenger cars and station wagons, as measured
at the steering wheel rim, should not exceed two inches if the vehicle is
equipped with manual steering. Lash or lost movement on antique motor
vehicles will be measured by steering wheel diameter in accordance with the
following schedule:

Steering Wheel Diameter
Lash (shall not exceed)

16" 2"
18" 2 1/4"
20" 2 1/2"
22" 2 3/4"
Antique Motor Vehicles Over 1/8 turn

(c) The front end (both sides) of all vehicles will be raised by jacking or
hoisting and visually examined. Vehicles equipped with ball joints will be
raised and checked in accordance with the applicable instructions and
specifications periodically provided by the Registrar.

(d) Reject a vehicle with excessive wear or play in any part of the
steering mechanism or of the vehicle that would affect proper steering.

(e) Reject a vehicle with broken, bent or missing shock absorbers or
suspension springs.

(7) Horn. Sound horn to test for adequate signal. The horn must be securely
fastened to the vehicle.

(8) Glazing and Windshield Wiper(s).

(a) Windshield Critical Viewing Area is the area covered by the sweep of
the wiper(s) exclusive of the outer two inches within the perimeter of the
wiper(s) sweep, provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

(b) Windshields having any of the following defects will be rejected

1. Any broken glass with sharp or jagged edges inside or outside.

2. Any stone bruise, star break, or bulls eye, damage in excess of 1 inch
in diameter within the critical viewing area or larger than 2 inches
outside the critical viewing area, or multiple such damage.

3. Single line cracks which extend more than three inches into the critical
viewing area.

4. Multiple cracks, having one or more which extends into the critical
viewing area.

5. Wiper scrape(s) in excess of 1/4 inch wide within the critical viewing
area.

6. Clouding extending more than three inches within the perimeter of the
exposed glass.

7. No poster, sticker decal or any other item shall be attached to the
windshield in such a manner so as to obstruct the vision of the operator.

8. Any tinting or reflective material applied by brush, spray, or adhesive
which is below the uppermost six inches of the windshield or which may
encroach upon the driver's direct forward viewing area. (All such tinting
provided by the original manufacturer in compliance with applicable Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards is acceptable.)

(c) Rear Windows. Rear windows must allow an unobstructed view to the rear,
unless the vehicle is equipped with two outside rear view mirrors.

(d) Windshield Wiper(s). Test for proper operation. If the vehicle was
equipped with two wipers, as furnished by the manufacturer, both must be
maintained in good working order. Wiper blades must properly contact the
windshield and, be of the same length as those furnished as original
equipment. The rubber elements shall be free from damage or tears.

(e) Windshield Cleaner. If the vehicle was equipped with windshield cleaner
equipment as furnished by the manufacturer, units must be maintained in
good working order.

(f) Window Tinting. Aftermarket tinting or alterations that do not change
the transparency beyond that of the standards set forth in 49 Code of
Federal Regulations Part 571.205 is acceptable on windows immediately
adjacent to the operator and front passenger seat and the windows
immediately to the rear of the operator and front passenger seat. The rear
window may also be so tinted provided the vehicle is equipped with two
outside rear view mirrors. The windshield may only be tinted down to the
AS-1 line usually located in the uppermost six inches of the windshield.
540 CMR 4.04(8)(f) shall not apply to the following:

1. All window tinting as provided by the original manufacturer that is in
compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

2. Authorized vehicles used to transport K-9 teams.

3. Vehicles registered out-of-state.

4. Vehicles for which a medical exemption has been issued by the Registry
of Motor Vehicles.

5. All windows to the rear of the operator's seat on vehicles used for
public livery, except taxicabs.

(9) Lighting Devices.

(a) Tail Lights. Every motor vehicle, except a two wheeled motorcycle, an
antique motor car, and a farm tractor, shall be equipped with two red
lights (tail lamps) mounted one at each side of the rear of the vehicle so
as to show two red lights from behind and equipped with two stop lights
(stop lamps) mounted and displayed in a like manner. A single lamp may
combine both of the above functions. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped
with a white light so arranged as to illuminate the rear number plate so
that it is plainly visible at 60 feet.

(b) Directional. Front and rear directional signals will be operable on
every vehicle originally equipped with such signals. Every motor vehicle
registered in the Commonwealth, which was manufactured for the model year
1967 and for subsequent model years, shall be equipped with a device to
permit the front and rear directional signals to flash simultaneously.

(c) Headlamps. Headlamp aim shall be checked in accordance with the
specifications as most recently provided by the Registrar.

(d) Lighting Devices and Reflectors. All lighting devices and reflectors
required by applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or part 393.
of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for all commercial motor
vehicles when the particular vehicle was originally manufactured and such
devices required by Massachusetts General Law or Rules and Regulations
applicable to the particular vehicle inspected shall be securely attached
to the vehicle and capable of performing their design functions. Lenses
must be intact, clean, unobstructed, and free from cracks.

(10)(a) Tires. A certificate of rejection shall be issued to any vehicle
submitted for inspection with a tire mounted which exhibits any of the
following conditions:

1) Fabric break or cut in excess of one inch; bump or knot evidencing
deterioration of the tire structure; or any ply or cord structure visible.

2) For tires without tread wear indicators: Measurement taken with tread
depth gauge reveals that 2/32 inch or less of tread depth is present in any
re-cut, regrooved, sized or original tread groove.

3) For tires with tread depth indicators: Tire is worn so that any tread
wear indicator contacts the road.

4) Studded tires between May 1 and November 1 unless approved by the
Registrar.

5) Restricted markings indicating usage limited to any condition other than
permanent highway use.

6) Radial ply tire(s) on the same axle with non radial tire(s); Radial
tire(s) on the front axle with non-radial tire(s) on the rear axle
(Exception: Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels may have radial and non
radial tires on any axle provided they are not intermixed on the same
axle).

(b) Wheels, wheel bolts, nuts or lugs. A certificate of rejection shall be
issued to any vehicle submitted for inspection which exhibits any of the
following conditions:

1) Any part of any mounted wheel is bent, cracked, rewelded, damaged or has
elongated bolt holes which may affect safe operation of the vehicle.

2) Wheel bolts, nuts, studs or lugs are loose, missing, damaged or are not
compatible for use with wheel design.

(11) Bumpers, Fenders, External Sheet Metal and Fuel Tank A Certificate of
Rejection shall be issued if any of the following conditions are evident:

(a) Bumpers. Broken or bent bumpers, fenders, exterior sheet metal or
moldings, having sharp edges or abnormal protrusions extending beyond
normal vehicle extremities so as to constitute a danger to pedestrians and
other motor vehicle traffic. If bumper face plates are removed, bumper
brackets must also be removed. The vehicle hood, door(s), luggage
compartment lid, and battery or engine compartment doors or lids, if so
equipped, must be capable of being firmly latched.

(b) Fenders. Front and rear fenders must be in place. Every passenger motor
vehicle which is equipped with tires which extend beyond the fenders or
body of such vehicle shall be equipped with flaps or suitable guards to
reduce such spray or splash to the rear and side.

(c) Floor Pans. Holes or cracks, due to rust or otherwise, in the floor
pans or other body panels which would permit the passage of exhaust gases
into the passenger or trunk compartments.

(d) Fuel Tanks. Fuel tanks which are not securely attached to the vehicles
body or chassis, or that are leaking.

(12) Altered Vehicle Heights. The original manufacturers specified height
of motor vehicles with an original manufacturer's gross vehicle weight
rating of 10,000 pounds or less shall not be altered by elevating or
lowering the chassis or body by more than two inches, except that 4-wheel
drive motor vehicles with a original manufacturer's gross vehicle weight
rating of 10,000 pounds or less may be altered in accordance with the
provisions of 540 CMR 6.00. The Registrar may periodically provide approved
altered vehicle height specifications for said 4-wheel drive vehicles. Any
motor vehicle altered, modified, or changed beyond the aforementioned two
inches, or the Registrar's approved altered height specifications, shall be
rejected.

(13) Safety Belts, lap belts and shoulder restraints: originally installed
in motor vehicles manufactured after July 1, 1966 shall be inspected to
assure that all are maintained in good order. It shall be the
responsibility of the motorist that the safety belts are readily accessible
for inspection.

(14) Air Bags: Vehicles so equipped must comply with 49 Code of Federal
Regulations, Parts 571 through 595.

(15) Fuel Tank Cap Visual Check The vehicle shall fail the gas cap visual
check if the cap is missing, defective, or does not properly fit the
vehicle.