WEYMOUTH, Mass. — A new Massachusetts motor vehicle inspection program is underway. It doesn’t include extra fees or different requirements, but the state says it will help make roads safer.
Boston 25 News reporter Robert Goulston got an early look at how the new vehicle check program will work at Sunset Automotive in Weymouth.
Sunset is one of 1,900 Massachusetts inspections stations equipped for the new program.
“Definitely safer cars. It will keep everyone on the same playing field,” Sunset Automotive owner Bob Burke said.
The state has signed a $29 million contract with APPLUS Technologies to manage the inspection program, which included having each station replace the old vendor’s equipment.
“Up front it's probably right around $8,000 or $9,000,” Burke said.
The biggest change is that each location will have five cameras providing feedback to APPLUS, with the goal of making sure no one cheats on the test.
Drivers will pay the same $35 fee and their vehicles will be required to meet the same safety and emission standards.
“We've had people here, they we're rejected and then go by later on and they have a sticker. It's to keep everyone honest,” Burke said.
One of the cameras will be positioned right on the computer itself so the state will have a record of who the operator is if they have any questions in the future.
“There is going to be someone watching you all the time. They're going to have something to go back on. There will be a record of the inspection,” Burke said.
APPLUS Technologies previous held a contract to provide vehicle inspections but the state determined it was providing inaccurate results.
The state says it's not concerned about the last go around with APPLUS, and the first contract runs five years.
New testing computers should be in place at all inspection stations by now, and the deadline to have cameras installed is Jan.1.
Cox Media Group
