
540 CMR 4.00
|
4.04 Procedures for Inspection of Non-Commercial Motor Vehicles
(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) 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, cutpoints, and other
written supplementary specifications issued by the Registrar
shall be used:
|
Criteria |
|
Cut Point |
| a. Deceleration |
Service Brake: |
50% Minimum |
| b. Deceleration |
Parking Brake: |
25% Minimum |
| c. Imbalance |
Left to Right Front Axle:
|
25% Maximum |
| d. Imbalance |
Left to Right Rear Axle:
|
25% Maximum |
| e. 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.
|
4.04 Procedures for Inspection of Non-Commercial
Motor Vehicles (continued)
(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 orsuspension 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 one inch in diameter within
the critical viewing area or larger than two
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 drivers 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) Tires.
(a) 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. Febric 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 on all vehicles manufactured after
model year 1949 if such vehicles were designed
and manufactured to be operated with front and
rear fenders. 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 manufacturers 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 fourwheel 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 fourwheel 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.
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
540 CMR 4.00: M.G.L. c. 90 § 7A, 7V (a), (b) and
(c),7W and 31
|
Emission is
most often
the giving
off of gases
from many
industrial
plants and
from the
exhaust of
vehicles.
Many states
are having
vehicles go
through an
emissions
test. The
emissions
fall into
three types
of
categories.
The first
one:
Tailpipe
Emissions.
This is what
a lot of
people think
about with
vehicle air
pollution.
The major
pollutants
include
Hydrocarbons,
Nitrogen
oxides,
Carbon
monoxide,
and Carbon
dioxide.
The second
one:
Evaporative
emissions.
This is
produced
from
evaporation
of the fuel
and is also
a large
contributor
to urban
smog. These
are heavier
molecules
that stay
closer to
the ground.
The third
one:
Life cycle
emissions.
These are
produced
with the
manufacturing,
maintenance,
and the
disposal of
the
automobile.
Advances of
the
technology
with the
engines and
vehicles,
keep
lowering the
amount of
fumes
generated,
but is also
considered
insufficient
to meet the
emissions
goals. So,
technologies
to react
with and
clean up the
remaining
emissions
have been an
essential
part of the
emissions
control.
Efforts at
the
reduction of
evaporative
emissions
consist of
the
capturing of
vented
vapors from
within the
vehicle and
the
reduction of
refueling
emissions.
With further
restrictions
on
emissions,
this is
making more
manufactures
to come up
with
alternative
vehicles.
The newer
cars they
are coming
out with
like the
Hybrids and
such are
making it
difficult
for the
older
mechanic to
work on
them. They
will have to
go back to
school to
learn about
these
engines to
keep up with
technology.
At Michael's
Service
Station, our
emission
technicians
are trained
in the
latest
equipments
and engine
types. We
can work on
almost any
vehicle.
|