3.1 Required Equipment, Inspections & Vehicle Condition
Key Takeaways
Every Massachusetts passenger vehicle must pass an annual safety and emissions inspection.
Massachusetts allows side and rear window tint down to 35 percent, but tinting the windshield is illegal.
Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread; if a penny shows the top of Lincoln's head, the tire is worn out.
License plates must be clean, unobstructed and readable from 60 feet at night, with the registration sticker in the upper right corner.
If your turn signals or brake lights stop working, you must use hand signals until they are repaired.
Safe driving starts before the engine does. The manual's "Safety First" chapter lists equipment every passenger vehicle, including vans and pickup trucks, must have, plus the checks a responsible driver makes.
Required Equipment
Every passenger vehicle must have:
- A working, undamaged safety belt for the driver and every passenger
- Mirrors and a horn
- A lock for the engine's ignition
- Windshield wipers
- An exhaust muffler
- A foot brake and a parking brake
- A driver's side window that moves up and down
- Headlights, brake lights and directional signals
Lighting Package
| Light | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Headlights | Two approved white headlights in front |
| Rear lights | Two approved red lights in back |
| Stop (brake) lights | Three red stop lights in back |
| Plate light | A small white light above the rear license plate |
| Turn signals | Directional signals |
If your directional signals or brake lights stop working, have them fixed right away. Until then you must use hand signals when turning or slowing (Section 8.2).
Inspection and Restricted Equipment
- Every vehicle must pass an annual safety and emissions inspection.
- A spotlight may be used only to read signs or as an emergency light when the headlights fail, and its beam may shine no higher than two feet above the road at 30 feet from the vehicle.
- Emergency lights (flashing, rotating, oscillating or strobe) are not allowed without an RMV permit.
- Window tint: side and rear windows may be darkened up to 35 percent, and tinting the windshield is illegal.
Car Safety Kit
The RMV recommends carrying:
- A reflective safety vest
- Reflective warning triangles or LED flares
- A first aid kit
- A glass breaker tool
- White and red cloths to tie to your vehicle during a breakdown (Section 11.2 explains when each color is used)
For Massachusetts winters, add winter tires, an ice scraper, jumper cables and extra warm clothing. Store the kit inside the passenger area, such as the glove compartment, under a seat or in a dedicated compartment, so you can reach it during an emergency without walking to the trunk on a busy road. The MassDOT Highway Assistance Patrol helps stranded drivers on state highways.
Checking Your Vehicle's Condition
Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and make a quick visual check for low or damaged tires each time you get in.
Brakes
Pay attention to changes when braking. If the vehicle pulls to one side when you brake, the brakes may need adjustment or repair. Get any suspected brake problem inspected immediately.
Tires
- Check inflation and wear, and rotate tires as often as the vehicle or tire maker recommends.
- Driving on extremely worn or damaged tires is dangerous and illegal. Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread in the proper grooves and no fabric breaks or exposed cords.
- Penny test: the distance from the edge of a penny to the top of Lincoln's head is about 2/32 inch. Slide a penny head-first into a groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tire is worn out.
Steering
The wheel should not feel loose, and there should be no delay between turning it and the tires responding. With power steering, check the fluid regularly. A high-pitched noise when you turn means the system needs inspection.
Lights, Glass and Wipers
Check headlights, brake lights and turn signals regularly, and keep them clear of dirt, snow and ice. Keep windows and mirrors clean, and replace wipers that streak or fail to clear the windshield.
License Plates
Plates must be clean and unobstructed, and the number must be visible from 60 feet at night. Registration stickers go only in the upper right corner of the plate.
A Quick Pre-Drive Routine
Building a habit before every trip catches most equipment problems early:
- Walk around the vehicle and look at the tires for low pressure, bulges or damage.
- Make sure the windows, mirrors and lights are clean and clear of snow or ice.
- Adjust your seat, then the inside and side mirrors, before you start moving.
- Check that nothing on the floor can roll under the pedals and nothing blocks your view.
- Fasten your safety belt and make sure every passenger is properly buckled or in a child seat.
Equipment Questions You May See
| Question cue | Answer the manual gives |
|---|---|
| Signals or brake lights fail | Use hand signals until repaired |
| How dark can side and rear windows be? | Down to 35 percent; no windshield tint |
| Minimum tread depth | 2/32 inch (penny test) |
| How often is inspection required? | Every year (safety and emissions) |
| Plate visibility at night | 60 feet |
| Emergency lights on a private car | Only with an RMV permit |
Why Condition Matters
Worn tires lengthen stopping distances and make hydroplaning more likely (Section 4.3). Dirty or broken lights make you invisible at dusk. A brake pull can send you into another lane during a hard stop. The road test examiner also inspects your vehicle before the test begins and will cancel the test if it is unsafe (Section 1.3).
How dark may the side and rear windows of a passenger vehicle be tinted in Massachusetts?
Down to 35 percent, with no tint on the windshield
Down to 20 percent, including the windshield
Down to 50 percent on side windows only
Any darkness, as long as the windshield stays clear
You slide a penny head-first into a tire groove and can see the top of Lincoln's head. What does this mean?
The tread is at or below 2/32 inch and the tire is worn out
The tire still has plenty of tread for safe winter driving
The tire is overinflated and should be rechecked when it is cold
The tires need rotating, but the tread depth is still legal
Your brake lights stop working on the way home. What does Massachusetts law require until they are repaired?
Drive only during daylight hours
Use hand signals when turning or slowing
Drive only with your hazard lights on
Stay below 25 mph on all roads
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.