Regular maintenance of your vehicle is a must. The governments of several countries have realized the significance of truck maintenance and have enforced laws in this regard. The Massachusetts state has also come up with its own rules and regulations to govern and maintain the vehicles of its state. Massachusetts Commercial State Inspection is a joint venture of the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Its inspection is considered on par with the annual Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) "DOT" inspection, as far as its validity is concerned. However, if you are required to get the Federal DOT inspection, the Massachusetts Commercial inspection will meet that requirement as well.

In case you have obtained a Massachusetts state safety inspection for your vehicle you need not apply for an annual "DOT" inspection. All vehicles manufactured after 1996, will be tested for emissions (On Board Diagnostic test) and safety annually, or on transfer of title of a vehicle.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts issues a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) which is signed by the licensed vehicle inspector as proof of compliance with FMCSA standards. RMV recommends that the VIR is maintained inside the vehicle at all times. Please note that it is totally different from the windshield sticker on the vehicle.

The Massachusetts Vehicle Inspection program is rapidly setting up public duty inspection stations by issuing license to all inspection stations and inspectors through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). A lot of man power is being involved to ensure that the vehicles of the state adhere to the rules and regulations. In order to ensure a high level of proficiency, a prospective inspector for the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program must:

• Complete specific training

• Hold a license by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

An Inspector license is valid for one year and is renewable, unless it is suspended or revoked. Inspectors whose licenses have been suspended or revoked are not allowed to perform inspections. Motorists will be able to choose which inspection station they use as long as the station is licensed.

The Massachusetts Vehicle Check program has established regional training locations across the state. Each training class has three components, with separate grades provided for each:

• Classroom attendance and participation

• A written exam

• A hands-on practical demonstration

Students who pass all three components will receive a Certificate of Completion for the training.

Conclusion

All Massachusetts-registered commercial vehicles must pass an annual emissions test, which is given with the annual state safety inspection. The emissions test that a particular commercial vehicle depends on the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and the fuel type. Commercial vehicles that fail an emissions test must be repaired and made to pass a retest within 60 days of their initial inspection. No waivers of emission standards or economic hardship repair extensions are available for commercial vehicles. These tests should not be considered a burden.

On one side they indirectly make you to maintain your truck, on the other side, they ensure a healthy pollution-free environment for you, road safety, fuel conservation and better profitability. Take a step back and analyze the situation as a third person, you will understand that you are benefited both ways. By maintaining the truck, repair costs involved can be reduced, profits multiplied, environment conserved, the world made into a better place to live in, and nature conserved and preserved for our future generations.