Failed State Emissions Test
What to Do When Your Vehicle Fails an Inspection
If you live in MA, your car needs to go through and pass a vehicle check in order for you to legally drive it. If your vehicle fails the check, the state inspector will place a sticker with a big red or black “R” on your car. The “R” stands for rejected.
If the “R” on your sticker is red, this means that your vehicle failed for safety reasons. While you have 60 days to get your car re-tested, it is illegal to drive a car that failed the safety inspection.
Simply put, you will be left vehicle-less for more or less 3 months. Your best option is to have your vehicle towed to and fixed by a reliable auto shop.
If the “R” on your sticker is black, this means that your vehicle failed the smog and emissions test. You are allowed to drive your vehicle for 60 days before you have it re-tested. In this situation, we recommend having your vehicle repaired to ensure a passing score at your next inspection.