Press Release: State Extends Vehicle Inspection Program

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Division today issued 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, 2013.

Parsons Commercial Technology 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 conveniently located Motorist Assistance Centers (MACs) to provide advice to motorists, technical assistance to repair technicians, help with getting vehicles “ready” for testing after emissions repairs, vehicle evaluations for repair waivers and economic hardship extensions, and vehicle testing quality assurance.

“Customer service is number one at the Registry,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian. “In this case, customers will benefit from the extension of the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program because it allows vehicle owners the continued convenience of taking their vehicles to familiar neighborhood inspection stations.”

Passenger cars, trucks and SUVs 15 years old and newer, as well as model year 2008 and newer medium-duty vehicles, will continue to undergo annual on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions testing. 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 motorized vehicles – including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and trailers, and motorcycles – will continue to undergo annual safety inspections.

“Parsons Commercial Technology Group has managed 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 protecting both the air quality in the Commonwealth and motorist safety for an additional two years.”

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