Massachusetts Inspection Sticker Rule Change

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) recently announced some big changes coming to the state’s inspection sticker process. These changes will affect anyone who waits too long to get their vehicle inspected.

Starting November 1, 2022, vehicles that pass the state’s annual inspection will receive a new sticker with the month that their last sticker expired instead of the month that the inspection took place. Massachusetts drivers who wait over a year for their vehicle’s inspection will receive a January sticker no matter the month the vehicle is inspected.

These changes are part of the Registry of Motor Vehicles’ efforts to emphasize safety by helping to make sure that vehicles are inspected every year.

“Safety of the Commonwealth’s roadways is the most important reason for motor vehicle inspections,” says Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “Vehicle inspections check tire treads, ensure all light signals are working and even check the front ball joints. It is the law that motor vehicles are inspected every year.”

Driving with an expired inspection sticker may result in penalties including moving violations, fines, suspension of license, and even a surchargeable incident which may increase the vehicle owner’s insurance.

Additionally, starting on October 1, 2022, a printed inspection report will no longer be provided to the vehicle owner when their vehicle passes inspection. Instead, owners will be able to access and print their inspection report online at the Massachusetts Vehicle Check website. However, if a vehicle fails inspection, the owner will be provided with a printed inspection report at the time of inspection. This change is being made in an effort to reduce paper waste in the environment.

With these changes coming into effect for Massachusetts drivers soon, we want to make sure you stay on top of your state inspections so you can avoid penalties and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. Please put safety first and check your inspection date!

Need a state inspection? Visit our Locations Page to see which of our Massachusetts stores offer state inspections and come in for your state inspection today!

Per Massachusetts regulations, state inspections are all done on a first come, first serve basis.