We want to make sure that everyone is aware of the relatively new enhanced Commercial Vehicle inspection requirements. As announced by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, commercial vehicles, trailers and converter dollies are now subject to the enhanced Mass. Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection beginning 10/1/08. This inspection will be the equivalent to the annual Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) “DOT” inspection.
Single, full, or semi-trailers, used in commerce, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 3,000 lbs or commercial vehicle/trailer combinations with a gross combined weight rating (GCVWR) of over 10,000 lbs will be subject to this new requirement, as will all heavy duty motor vehicles (over 10,000 lbs GVWR) and converter dollies.
TRAILERS AND CONVERTER DOLLIES IN USE AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS NEW INSPECTION.
Registry of Motor Vehicle Regulations for Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections 540 CMR 4.02: Special Definitions
- Commercial Motor Vehicle shall mean any motor vehicle which is not a private passenger motor vehicle, antique motor car, motorcycle, auto home, house trailer, taxicab, ambulance, hearse, livery vehicle, or school pupil transport vehicle. A commercial motor vehicle shall include the following vehicles:
- The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds; or
- The vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or
- The vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation. Any commercial motor vehicle that singularly has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or less and is designed to meet emissions standards, shall be submitted for an emissions inspection in addition to all applicable safety inspection requirements; or
- A single, full or semi-trailer, used in commerce, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating over 3,000 lbs; or
- Any vehicle which has a vehicle weight, or curb weight, of more than six thousand pounds, as per the manufacturer’s description of said vehicle, unless such vehicle is a sport utility vehicle or passenger van, or a pickup truck or cargo van meeting the definition of private passenger vehicle; or
- Any vehicle which has five or more wheels on the ground.
For the full text of this regulation go to http://www.mass.gov/rmv/inspect/commercial_regs.pdf
Commercial Safety Inspections
RMV Mailings
November 2008
The RMV has also announced several operational changes to begin this November. Among the changes are the elimination of several mailings. This is part of the RMV’s official announcement to the public:
Mailings Eliminated
The RMV will no longer mail out the following materials to customers:
- License renewal notices
- Mass ID renewal notices
- License reinstatement letters:
- Letter sent to a licensed customer when his/her license is reinstated, provided that the license is still active
- Letter sent to an unlicensed customer when his/her right to operate is reinstated
- Registration reinstatement letters:
- Letter sent to a person or corporation whose suspended registration has been reinstated
- Letter sent to a person or corporation whose revoked registration has been reinstated
- Vehicle Inspection reminder letters for vehicles that are overdue for inspection
- Inspector license renewal notices
- 7D license renewal notices
- Driver’s Education Certificates
- Junior Operator Brochures for parents (still available in branches)
- Change of address labels (customers can create their own)
We hope this information has been helpful. There are additional details at www.mass.gov/rmv
Very Truly Yours,
DeSanctis Insurance Agency, Inc.
