From a MA auto insurance policy perspective, perhaps the cruelest of all surcharge points is the one for an ”expired inspection sticker” citation.
In Massachusetts, a ticket for an expired vehicle inspection sticker is the equivalent, in auto insurance citation points, of a moving violation.
According to the MA Department of Insurance, surcharge points are incurred if you:
- cause an at-fault accident
- are convicted of or pay a fine for a traffic law violation
- are assigned to an alcohol education program
An expired inspection sticker is considered “pay(ing) a fine for a traffic law violation.”
A $40 ticket results increased insurance costs for 6 years! If you have/ had a perfect driving record, that can amount to about a 20% increase (!!) the first three years, diminishing the following three.
So here’s your warning:
- Check your MA Inspection Sticker, Don’t let it lapse!
MA Inspection Station locator link:
http://massvehiclecheck.state.ma.us/find_emissions_repair.php
Can the state suspend my registration just because I have no inspection?. Vehicle is not driven on Massachusetts roads.
Thank you
Hi Charles, yes, if they give you a ticket for no inspection sticker and IF you don’t pay it, the state can suspend registration and license.
Massachusetts is a disgusting state!
Is there any real connection between no inspection sticker and accidents?
Hi Stan, I don’t think there is a connection between no inspection sticker and accidents. The inspection sticker seems to penalize those who have vehicles that have a hard time passing inspection – ie: the dreaded check engine light.
There are so many cars running around with expired stickers , simply because the driver forgot I bet 90 % of these cars trucks would pass an
inspection its just a money grab to put a moving violation an stick people with a 6 yr penalty its not fair an the state wins too!!!!!!!!
I’m driving a work truck with no inspection sticker. If I get pulled over do I get the ticket or does the owner?
Great question. The driver gets the ticket!
Hi Kevin. It’s our understanding that with inspection sticker tickets, it’s the owner of the vehicle that gets the ticket.
In two weeks all those folks who didn’t get an inspection sticker at the end of March, and all those who need to get a sticker in April will need to be processed. Is that realistic or will the April folks have a grace period into May 21?
Great point, Jim.
Hi Kevin,
I got my expired inspection ticket from BTD(Boston Transportation Department), not from Police Department.
My car was parked when I got my ticket.
Is it still considered a moving violation? GEICO agent said there would be no surcharge of Insurance if the ticket is non-moving violation..
Unless there’s no surcharge in insurance, I’d be just fine.
Thanks
Hi Joe, it’s my understanding that expired inspection ticket is surcharged the same as a moving violation. I think it’s ridiculous.
Unfortunately, the expired inspection sticker ticket is one of the cruelest tickets of all. Viewed by the Mass RMV as the same as a moving violation.
Does a ticket for an expired inspection sticker get sent to the RMV? Can this count as a third surcharge and make me have to take a test to keep my license?
Yes, unfortunately a ticket for an expired inspection sticker is a surcharge.
Hi Sarah, Yes, expired inspection sticker citations are viewed the same as moving violations. Ridiculous (but true).
If you got ticket for expired inspection. You should fix the car within 21 days, pass inspection and appeal the ticket. 90% of the time they would be toss the ticket.
If you aren’t driving the car and the car is parked somewhere private,can the state still find out about your car and send a ticket?
Hi Joseph,
Yes, I’ve seen the state ticket parked vehicles for expired inspection sticker. Complete bummer.
Can I appeal my inspection ticket if I get a new inspection right away?
Hi Alaina, great question and I’m not sure the answer. I do recommend appealing the ticket, because it can’t hurt.
I have New Hampshire expired sticker but was given a ticket in Mass. Does Mass have jurisdiction over NH stickers? Will it affect my NH based auto insurance the same as Mass auto insurance as a moving violation?
We’re sorry to hear about the NH expired sticker ticket. This is a new one for us here at MassAutoQuote.com. I believe they do have jurisdiction to hand out tickets for this infraction but it doesn’t seem very neighborly. In MA the ticket is the same, driving record-wise, as a speeding ticket. We’re not sure, but I don’t think NH hits you will the same surcharge.
HI Alex,
Sorry to hear about ticket for NH expired sticker. I’m not sure how it will affect your NH insurance premium.
Best wishes,
MassAutoQuote
How many days after inspection sticker expires do you get to renew your sticker.
Hi Charles,
I don’t think law enforcement gives you any days after your sticker expires to renew. If it has expired, it’s expired and they can give you a ticket.