Press Release: State Extends Vehicle Inspection Program until September 30, 2017

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Division today announced approval of a two-year contract extension for its enhanced vehicle emissions testing and safety inspection program, the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program. The extension will begin October 1, 2015.

During the extension period, Parsons Environmental and Infrastructure Group Inc. will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of Massachusetts Vehicle Check for MassDEP and MassDOT/RMV, supporting a statewide network of more than 1,900 inspection stations and 300 registered emissions repair shops. Parsons will also continue operating 12 Motorist Assistance Centers (MACs) that have been located across the state to provide convenient advice to motorists and technical assistance to repair technicians. These centers help with getting vehicles “ready” for testing after emissions repairs, evaluate vehicles for repair waivers and economic hardship extensions, and provide vehicle testing quality assurance.

“Safety and customer service are our top priorities at MassDOT,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian. “The extension of the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program will allow vehicle owners the continued convenience of having their vehicles inspected for safety and emissions at their neighborhood inspection station.”

All passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs will continue to undergo on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions testing until they are 15 years old. Annual OBD emissions testing will also continue for 2007 and newer medium-duty diesel vehicles and 2008 and newer medium-duty gasoline vehicles. Diesel-powered vehicles over 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating not equipped with OBD systems will continue to undergo annual opacity emissions testing.

All vehicles – including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and trailers, and motorcycles – will continue to undergo annual safety inspections. Also, the Massachusetts Commercial Vehicle inspection will continue to be recognized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as equivalent to the federally required annual “DOT” safety inspection, providing Massachusetts’ commercial vehicle owners with convenient one-stop shopping for their safety inspection requirements.

“Parsons continues to manage the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program well and we are pleased to award Parsons with a contract extension,” said MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth L. Kimmell. “As a result of this extension, the program will continue to protect both air quality across the Commonwealth and motorist safety for an additional two years.”

The two-year extension was approved by MassDEP, MassDOT and the RMV after the agencies reviewed a proposal from Parsons seeking the extension. The proposal included no fee increases during the extension.

The Massachusetts Vehicle Check public web site is available at: http://www.massvehiclecheck.state.ma.us/