Tips on registration & inspection in Massachusetts?

[human compass]

Hi all,

Moving to Boston this summer and wondering what to expect for registration and testing for my 84 with an svx motor. I'm reading that no emissions is necessary, is that true?

thanks!
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84 Westy Syncro- 3.3L SVX stage 2 tune,subaru gears 6speed with tbd, front locker, porche brakes x4, aux tank, radflo susp

[Abscate]

MASS DOT website is your friend here.

I believe MASS ends emission testing on a rolling 15 year basis, so model year 2009 and on only.

Safety check in MASS is vigorous - for example parking brake is tested against engine for holding.
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.ssS!

[Cevan]

Correct. For vehicles over 15 years old, it's only a safety inspection. No emissions testing.

[Abscate]

Cevan- is it still a thing that you to hunt down a garage doing that month inspection as opposed to going to any garage so certified?

Or am I hallucinating again?
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.ssS!

[bobhill8]

One thing I will say about MA inspections is that they can be particular about rust, of which our cars have much of. Some vehicles are failed for having noticeable rust holes, even relatively small ones. Hopefully your van is not in that category, but something they have become more strict on in the past 5-10 years. Somehow, shtboxes sometimes get through, but I have many friends as well as my son who had to do some quick bondo type repairs to deal with even small holes around wheel wells and other common spots. As they say, YMMV.
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1986 Westy
1971 Squareback

[human compass]

Thanks everyone, I did check the website and it looks like I'm good from an emissions standpoint. Good tip on the rust. I do have a few holes I could bondo over for the inspections. I'm planning a full paint and body resto for my next project anyways
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84 Westy Syncro- 3.3L SVX stage 2 tune,subaru gears 6speed with tbd, front locker, porche brakes x4, aux tank, radflo susp

[markswagen]

when we first bought lucy, l had to get her past inspection, TBH is was a joke, l went to the test station expecting a failure, so at least l could use lucy and have 60 days to get her sorted out.
somehow she passed, one of the things necessary was a working horn, l think it was in a box, it for sure it was not connected, but we heard a horn, and lucy passed her inspection.
there were several reasons that she shouldn't have passed, l don't remember now, it was 13 years ago now.
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markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310

[Timwhy]

[Destructo]

Call your insurance company and get your insurance sorted out before going to the RMV for registration. Your insurance company will need to send you a signed form that is specific to Massachusetts.
As for inspection, any garage that is certified to inspect will be able to help you out. Make sure to bring cash and your new registration. I believe it's currently $35 dollars.
Make sure all of your seatbelts are visible and clicked in, some places to a "tug check" on all of them. Also, something we don't really think of that much, but make sure your parking brake can hold our bus still up to 1500rpm.
If you fail on your first go, you have 60 days to return for a free re-inspection granted you "fixed" whatever they found wrong.
Some places are real sticklers and then there are places that see all the lights and brakes work and your tires aren't bald and send you off with a sticker because they know a vintage vehicle isn't as "tight" as a new vehicle should be. Good Luck and Welcome to the spirit of America!

Eddie in Westhampton
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1985 Wolfsburg Edition Westfalia Camper Bostig conversion

Dude, where's your van?

[floodwood]

My van didn't start the first time and it still passed. Their only gripe was that my license plate was held up with zip ties

Per the Mass DOT site, they will test basic equipment on the van to ensure that it functions, but we will not be subject to smog due to the age.

Basically, they will do a visual inspection, run it for a few minutes, honk the horn, and check all lights.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/vehicle-inspections


1. Visual Overview
Certificate of registration
License plate(s): For more information about the license plate inspection requirements, check the Motorist Resources section.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

2. Brake Tests
Parking brake
Service brake

3. Exhaust System
Exhaust system components/muffler
Excessive blue or black smoke

4. Steering and Suspension
Steering wheel and box
Suspension/front end
Springs
Shocks

5. Horn
Sound horn to test for adequate signal
The horn must be securely fastened to the vehicle

6. Glazing, Glass and Windshield Wipers

Windshield
Windshield wipers and washer
Windows
Window tinting: For more information, see Aftermarket Window Tint Guidelines in the Motorist Resources section.

7. Rear View Mirror
Rear view mirror
Mirrors (general)

8. Lighting Devices

Tail lights
Directional (turn signal lights)
Head light aim
Hazard lights/Reverse lights/License plate light(s) and reflectors
Aftermarket lighting

9. Tires and Wheels

Tires
Wheels

10. Bumper, Fenders and Fuel Tank

Bumpers
Fenders
Floor pans
Fuel tank
Vehicle frame or unibody

11. Altered Vehicle Height

12. Seat Belts

13. Airbags

14. Fuel Tank Cap

[vanagonjr]

[mikemtnbike]

human compass, your build thread is one of my favorites and I seriously and I mean seriously don't think any rust on your vehicle is going to be a flag for safety inspection. It reads as very similar to those done in North Carolina and so long as the inspector can drive your vehicle in to the bay and it passes the basic inspection outlined above- you're good.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[xoo00oox]

You'll also get to join us with paying a yearly excise tax on your cars. It's minimal, I think it was about $24 for my Syncro Westy this year.

[markswagen]

it has been a long time, l've more than doubled the mileage it was when we bought her, and she's now subaru powered.

[MSGGrunt]

How strict the inspector is can vary, but all of the licensed shops are now on camera and their inspections recorded. I am well known at my small-town local inspection station, but I once was forced to use a different shop and the inspector failed me because one of my red side marker lights wasn't red enough.

Having a front plate mounted is a must.

[vanagonjr]