[ Home > Industry Info > OBD ] Massachusetts is now using an advanced computerized emissions test — the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test — for most model year 1996 and newer cars, light trucks, and SUVs. OBD is your vehicle's on-board diagnostic computer, which continuously monitors the engine, transmission, and emissions control system and serves as an "early warning system" that can reduce air pollution and save you money. The OBD emissions test is designed to ensure that your vehicle keeps running as cleanly as it was designed to run, which in turn protects the air we breathe.

The State provides a detailed overview of the Program to be Implemented in Oct. 1

1. The program will continue to be a Decentralized Model.
2. Annual OBD testing will be required, tailpipe testing will be discontinued.      Emission reductions gained by going to annual OBD testing balance reductions lost from discontinued tailpipe testing.
3. There will be a 15 year rolling exemption for Emissions Testing.
4. Diesel Opacity testing will be required for 1984 and newer vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVWR. that are not equipped with OBD.
5. The commercial motor vehicle safety inspection will be upgraded to FMCSA standards.
6. All inspections will be online to the VID and ALARS System. This is a first decentralized fully on-line testing system introduced in the USA.
7. The program contract was awarded to Parsons as a result of an RFR, proposal, review, and award process.
8. Waiver cost thresholds has been raised to $750.00 model year<5 years: $650 for MY>5 years but <10 years and older $550 for MY> 10 years.
9. Waivers will only be available for passenger vehicles and Motor Homes.
10. An economic hardship extension will be made available if repair costs are greater than 1.5 x waiver limit. Extension is valid for 1 year to allow motorist time to schedule repair costs, and vehicle must pass on next inspection cycle.
11. There will be a visual inspection of new kit cars to ensure emission controls are consistent with the donor vehicle emissions requirements.
12. New vehicles will receive a scan of their OBD ll Systems as an electronic "fingerprint" for fraud prevention. This scan will also alert the dealers and owners of any system problems that would cause the vehicle to fail its first emissions test: VID/OBD VIN mismatch; no communication, and no non continuous monitors supported. This early alert gives the Technicians and Owners upto one year to correct the problem, instead of 60 days.
    
        
    

Quality Control

• There will be 12 Motorist Assistance Centers located throughout the State.
• These centers will multi-functional purpose.
  
  a. Evaluate Waiver Applications
• b. Evaluate Extensions Applications
• c. Inspect specialty vehicles for initial and change of ownership registrations
• d. Perform targeted inspections
• e. Provide Readiness Monitor Assistance
• f. Provide Repair Assistance. All sites will have an L1 Technician, access to diagnostic software and training facilities.
  

New Economic Hardship Failure Extension

An economic hardship failure extension may be granted for vehicles that fail inspection, and have an estimate to repair or replace a single component that is more than 1.5 times the waiver expenditure threshold. To receive the extension, the motorist will need to make an appointment at a MAC to have that vehicle evaluated. The extension is valid for one year (to allow the motorist time to budget for repairs), and the vehicle must pass the next inspection cycle. Complete details on the economic hardship failure extension are available in the updated Mass Module and on the website.