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