INSPECTION UPDATE

[Pages:9]INSPECTION UPDATE

VOLUME #21, ISSUE 1

? MASS RMV Announces Expiration Extensions to Inspection Stickers and Credential Deadlines

? MASS Program COVID-19 Changes and the New Normal Training

? Inspection Station and Inspector Applications Only Accepted Online

? Meet MassDEP's New Branch Chief

? Who to Contact When You Have a Problem or Need Assistance

? Tips and Tricks ? Coming Soon - Engine Temperature and RP

Readings with Your Diesel Opacity Test ? Upcoming Applus Holiday ? Reminders

? Program Statistics

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Announces Expiration Extensions to Inspection Stickers and Credential Deadlines

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) have taken measures to keep residents safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures have the goal of supporting `social-distancing' protocols and following the guidance of public health officials and include steps to help the public decrease non-essential travel and reduce the need for customers to physically visit an inspection station or RMV Service Center until the State fully reopens. For example, the RMV has extended expiration deadlines for inspection stations, vehicles, and a host of credentials such as driving licenses.

The RMV has implemented extensions to the renewal timelines for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver's Licenses and Commercial Driver's License Permits (CDLs / CLPs). Some of these extensions are reflected in the chart below.

Applus+ Technologies, Inc. ? 787 Hartford Turnpike ? Shrewsbury, MA 01545

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Inspection Sticker ? The annual motor vehicle safety and emissions inspection stickers that expired on May 31, 2020, now expire on July

31, 2020. This extension will also apply to those expired March and April 2020 inspection stickers that were already extended by 60 days.

Registrations ? All passenger plate registrations expiring in May and June 2020, will expire in July 2020. This extension will also apply

to those expired March and April 2020 passenger plate registrations that were already extended by 60 days.

Credentials ? Professional credentials for Inspector Licenses, Inspection Station Licenses, School Bus Certificates, School Pupil

Transport Licenses (7D), Driving Instructor Licenses and Driving School Licenses that expire between March 10 and June 30 do not need to be renewed at this time, as they are being extended for 90 days after the State of Emergency is lifted. The State of Emergency remains in place at this time.

? All non-commercial driver's licenses, ID cards, and Learner's Permits that technically expired in March, April, and May

2020, will instead expire in September 2020; June 2020 credentials will expire in October 2020; July 2020 credentials will expire in November 2020; and August credentials will expire in December 2020, and do not need to be renewed at this time.

? All Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) that expired in May 2020, will expire in September 2020; June 2020 CDLs

will expire in October 2020; July 2020 CDLs will expire in November 2020; August 2020 CDLS will expire December 2020; June, July, and August 2020 Commercial Learner's Permits will expire in December 2020, and do not need to be renewed at this time. This extension will also apply to those expired March and April 2020 credentials that were already extended by 60 days.

Inspection stations have been deemed as businesses which provide essential services so they may remain open to the public at this time. In order to address concerns regarding social distancing, the RMV has allowed inspection stations to make their own determination if they want to provide inspection services within the public health guidelines to perform this work. The RMV will take no administrative action against those stations that decide to remain closed during the declared State of Emergency.

For the most up-to-date information on RMV extensions and COVID-19 response measures, visit info-details/rmv-covid-19-information and .

To receive real-time updates to policy, services, and current Service Center status, follow the RMV on Twitter @MassRMV.

For support and guidance about how to keep your inspectors, staff, and customers safe and prepared in your workplace, visit .

Massachusetts Program COVID-19 Changes and the New Normal Training

Even though the inspector license dates have been extended, please remember that re-certification exams continue to be available online for non-commercial, 7D and motorcycle inspectors at . This will keep your license and you able to continue to perform inspections without any delay.

The RMV strongly encourages you to submit your inspection station or inspector license renewal applications utilizing the myRMV Online Service Center

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2 Inspection Update ? June 2020

Initial and Commercial Re-certification Training Classes -

Commercial re-certification training will resume in June. Applus will reach out to Inspectors for whom we have received an application to schedule a class for them to attend.

Currently, safe social distancing requirements prevent Applus from having the same size of classes we have had in the past. We are currently looking into ways to provide safe training environments and, possibly, remote virtual training. New schedules will be provided as soon as Applus has developed new training procedures for all curriculums.

Training applications are available on the program website under the Downloads and Forms section: . stations-resources

Registered Repair Technician and 28-Hour Advanced OBD Trainings -

Registered Repair and 28-hour advanced OBD trainings are being planned for September and October 2020. We will keep you informed as determining the schedule for these events begin.

Getting Ready to Return to "Normal" Business Operations

Station Inventory Checking your station's inventory is important. Contact the Customer Service Center now if you are getting low on supplies and stickers. If your Okidata printer indicates your toner levels are at or below 20%, let us know. The Motorist Assistance Centers (MACs) have spare parts and supplies (except stickers) available for pickup. Being ready now will help you with the increase in testing volume you may already be seeing.

Equipment Readiness Make sure your station equipment is performing well. If your station has been closed or you have not performed many inspections and /or emissions tests, be sure to do the following:

1. If your station has been closed, turn on your workstation and calibrate it a few days before reopening for business to make sure the equipment is performing correctly.

2. Check that your OBD cable and spare OBD cable are functioning properly. If your station only has one OBD cable, order a spare.

Station Stickers and Supplies Applus has created a new "no-contact method" for delivering stickers, supplies and parts. This may increase the time it takes to receive stickers, but the new process focuses on maintaining safe social distancing and sanitary deliveries for station and Applus personnel.

Be Ready for Your Customers by Providing a Safe and Clean Environment While inspection stations have been allowed to remain open during the State of Emergency, it is important that you adhere to applicable health and safety requirements and be prepared to manage your customers in a way that puts them at ease. Personal protective equipment, hand sanitizers, hand washing, social distancing, and other measures to help customers know that you are doing what is expected to help keep them safe will show them that you are concerned for their well-being.

Waiting areas should be set up to maintain safe social distancing and offer outdoor seating, if possible. Providing a sanitizing wipe to the customer to clean their steering wheel, etc. may be beneficial in ensuring your customers feel safe and comfortable in returning to your facility.

Inspection Station and Inspector Applications Only Accepted Online ? Effective August 1, 2020

Please be advised that effective August 1st the RMV will no longer accept paper applications by mail for inspection station or inspector license renewal transactions. All requests must be submitted online by going to myRMV.

In order for inspection stations to submit a renewal request they must first sign-up use the RMV's eServices Portal by calling the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Check Program customer service call center at 844-358-0135 to request the required documents. You must then complete and email the documents to RMVbusinessPartner@dot.state.ma.us and your designated administrator will receive a username and password for access, as well as a link to a training video about how to use the portal.

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3 Inspection Update ? June 2020

Once you have accessed the business portal you simply visit myRMV, select the Business Services option. You then select Inspection Services and log into eService's and follow the steps to renew. You will need to upload a recent copy of the station's Certificate of Good Standing issued by the MA Dept. of Revenue. The certificate will not be accepted if it was issued more than 1 year from the station's date of expiration.

In order to renew your vehicle Inspector License you will also need to visit myRMV and select the Professional Licenses tab. You then select Renew My Vehicle Inspector Credential in the Inspector License section and follow the steps to renew. If you have an out-of-state driver's license, include a photocopy of the front and back of your out-of-state driver's license.

Inspection stations may also submit online transaction requests for an ownership change, location change, additional bay or license class change. However, you first must submit a Letter of Intent to RMVinspection@dot.state.ma and receive approval prior to submission.

Meet MassDEP's New Branch Chief

David Gallagher's career at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) began almost 20 years ago. After spending 6 ? years in the Air Force and then graduating from Boston College with a degree in Environmental Geoscience, Gallagher worked as a consultant before joining MassDEP in 2000 to manage Superfund related projects and contractors in the Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup.

In 2016, he moved to the Inspection & Maintenance Branch to work with the MA Vehicle Check program's network contractor and vehicle repair industry to implement the Vehicle Maintenance Initiative. During this time, Gallagher's responsibilities have included overseeing key program areas such as waivers and extensions for motorists, Motorist Assistance Centers (MACs) and training courses for Registered Emissions Repair Technicians.

At the end of July, Gallagher will become Branch Chief for the Bureau of Air and Waste's Inspection and Maintenance Program. For the past few months, he has been working closely with the current Branch Chief, Paul Davis, through a knowledge transfer program to help transition to his new responsibilities. Davis is retiring after over 15 years as Branch Chief and over 20 years with MassDEP.

As Branch Chief, Gallagher will lead a team of six department staff who oversee all aspects of MassDEP's responsibilities for the MA Vehicle Check program.

"I could not imagine stepping into a better situation, says Gallagher. "I've got a great mentor in Paul and a great team of professionals within the Bureau. Everyone has their own unique role. Collectively, they know the program inside and out and are very good at what they do."

That doesn't mean the job won't be without its challenges. With the state in the midst of a phased reopening resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gallagher's mindset will be to make sure all aspects of the program are up and running smoothly.

"Logistics will be a challenge," he says. "We expect a rush at the stations in June and July due to delayed inspections over the past several months. So, we have to make sure stations have all the inspection supplies they need such as stickers, printer ink, and other consumables, while also following `no contact' protocols for deliveries."

Looking ahead, Gallagher says he and his team will be focused on ensuring operational excellence and high-quality service to the MA Vehicle Check program's key constituents: motorists, station owners, inspectors and repair technicians.

Gallagher is a Massachusetts native and self-identifying rabid Patriots fan who grew up in Dorchester. He now resides in Walpole with his wife Stephanie and their three teenage sons.

4 Inspection Update ? June 2020

Who to Contact When You Have a Problem or Need Assistance

Have you ever had a question or concern, or you needed to advise a customer regarding the vehicle inspection program, and you didn't know who to call or where to go to get an appropriate answer? Below is a list of common topics and where you should direct your inquiries should you or a customer need assistance.

Applus Technologies

Vehicle Inspection Issue - If you are unable to get authorization to inspect a particular vehicle, are experiencing a vehicle with readiness issues, or have any other question pertaining to a recent inspection, call Applus Technologies at 1-844-358-0135.

Inspector Training - If you are an inspector and need to schedule training, or you have a question regarding initial training or recertification, call the Applus Customer Service Center at 844-358-0135.

Service Issues - If you are experiencing workstation or other inspection equipment related performance issues, or you have an issue regarding toner, paper or other consumable, please contact the Applus Technologies Customer Service Center at 844-358-0135.

Test Authorizations / Billing - If you are an Inspection Station and have a question or concern regarding test authorizations or other billing inquiries, please contact the Applus Technologies Customer Service Center at 844-358-0135.

Registry of Motor Vehicles

Inspection Station License Renewal - Effective August 1, 2020 all inspection station license renewals must be done online by using the RMV's eServices Portal at myRMV. If you do not have access to the eServices Portal call the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Check Program customer service call center at 844-358-0135 to request the required documents. If you have a general question regarding your station license please email the RMV's Vehicle Safety & Compliance Services section directly at RMVinspection@dot.state.ma.us.

Vehicle Inspector License Renewal - Effective August 1, 2020 all inspector license renewals must be submitted online in order to renew your inspector license. You will need to visit myRMV and select the Professional Licenses tab to renew your inspector license. If you have a general question regarding your inspector license please email the RMV's Vehicle Safety & Compliance Services section directly at RMVinspection@dot.state.ma.us.

Inspection Station Transaction - If you have a question regarding an inspection station license transaction such as a change of location of license class change please email RMVInspection@dot.state.ma.us. The inspection program network is at capacity and there are no station licenses currently available. If you would like to be put on the waiting list please go to our Inspection Program website at and enter your name on the list under the Stations Tab.

Motorcycle Sticker Order - If you are a motorcycle station ? 2020 Motorcycle stickers can be ordered online by using the RMV's eServices Portal at myRMV. Again, if you do not have access to the eServices Portal call the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Check Program customer service call center at 844-358-0135 to request the required documents.

Inspection Station Complaint - In order to file a complaint against an inspection station or inspector, or if a customer wants to challenge the results of their inspection, visit RMV and select the Inspection Station Complaint Form found in the RMV forms and applications section. You may also submit a complaint online at inspection-station-complaint-form

License Plates - Motorists that need to order replacement license plates due to a failed inspection, or your plates have been damaged, lost or stolen, should go directly to an RMV Service Center (when normal operations resume) or go to myRMV and select the Plates section. Please be sure to remind your customers to return with the plate order receipt when returning for their reinspection.

General Question or Inquiry - If you or customer have a general question or inquiry regarding the vehicle inspection program please email the RMV's Vehicle Safety & Compliance Services section directly at RMVinspection@dot.state. ma.us.

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Tips and Tricks

Customer Service Center Incoming Calls Recognition

When you receive a call from the Customer Service Center, you will likely see our 800 number in your call identifier screen. By following these steps, your phone will recognize the incoming call from the Ma Vehicle Check Customer Service Center:

1. Mobile phones - Enter the Customer Service Center phone number 844-358-0135 into your phone system and label it as Massachusetts Vehicle Check so that when an agent or technician places a call from the Customer Service Center system it will appear as indicated, not 800 Services.

2. Land lines - if your land line phone supports contact functionality, you may enter the number and label to the phone contacts so that it appears as Massachusetts Vehicle Check when receiving an incoming call from the Customer Service Center.

Save Time - Be Prepared When You Make a Call to the Customer Service Center In an effort to improve the response time, please have your Station ID (starts with PB or FL) and Inspector ID ("S" number) available when contacting the Customer Service Center.

Workstation Locked? When you click on the lock icon in the upper right-hand corner of the workstation screen, the reason the workstation is locked will be displayed.

MACs are Open We wanted to remind you that the MACs are still available to assist you and motorists. Motorists should call the Customer Service Center (844-358-0135) to make an appointment.

Coming Soon - Engine Temperature and RP Readings with Your Diesel Opacity Test

Model year 2005 and newer heavy-duty trucks have On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) systems with basic functionality to track critical parameters like engine temperature and RPM. The official test procedure for the Diesel Opacity test (SAE J-1667 Snap Acceleration Smoke Test Procedure) requires the truck to be warmed-up and snapped to its maximum-governed RPM. Gathering this data will help ensure these trucks are getting tested as the procedure requires.

Heavy-duty trucks can use any one of three styles of OBD connectors: 6-pin, 9-pin, or 16-pin.

Your workstation came with two (one 6 pin and one 9 pin) OBD adaptor cables that will be needed to connect your OBD scan tool to the heavy-duty truck's connector. If you cannot locate your 6-pin or the 9-pin adaptor cables, please call the "Help Desk" .

The software will guide you through the process to connect to the truck. For the 9-pin connector, it's helpful to check the notch on the center pin to get it aligned correctly. You may need to turn the outer ring on the adapter cable connector to get it to seat properly. Once a connection is made:

Step 1: Read engine coolant temperature. The temperature should be at least 140 degrees F before proceeding with the opacity test.

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Step 2: Perform the governor check with on-screen RPM readings. Slowly push the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold for 5 seconds.

If you are unable to get the temperature or RPM readings, you should first check the OBD connection. If a connection still cannot be made, you can select "Bypass" to proceed.

RPM readings will be gathered throughout the test. If RPM readings are lost during the test, a message will appear on the screen to check the OBD connection and repeat the snaps.

Gathering the OBD temperature and RPM readings is the first step of a larger project to transition to full OBD tests on newer trucks and eventually phase out the Diesel Opacity test.

Upcoming Applus Holiday

The Applus Offices, MACs, Customer Service Center and Station Services will be closed for the following holiday:

Independence Day July 3, 2020 - Applus Shrewsbury HQ office July 4, 2020 - Customer Service Center, MACs and Station Services (equipment, supplies, etc.)

Reminders

Studded Tires

All studded tires were required to be removed from vehicles as of April 30, 2020. Studded tires are permitted on vehicles in Massachusetts, but only from November 1 through April 30. Vehicles with studded snow tires that are being inspected between May 1 and October 31, 2020, should be rejected.

VIN Tag

PictureThe required photo needs to be a clear image of the VIN tag that is attached to the vehicle. This image will assist you when it comes time to confirm the vehicle information displayed on the workstation.

Clearing DTCs

Inspectors continue to clear trouble codes before or after inspecting vehicles. While you may believe you are helping customers by doing this, in most cases, it is not helpful and will only prolong the inspection process. Modern OBD systems have robust software logic that will turn the malfunction indicator light (MIL) off should the underlying issue be just a glitch. Remember that when you shut the MIL off, you also clear all meaningful sensor data that your technician may have used to diagnose the reason(s) behind the MIL illumination.

Emissions Repair Success Ratings Reminder

Each Registered Emissions Repair Facility is responsible for entering vehicle repair information, preferably during the month the repair is performed. For more information about repair data entry visit:

Inspection Procedure Consistency

Each vehicle inspection has numerous steps that require attention to detail and consistency. Your work environment is busy and loaded with possible distractions. To make sure each inspection and test you perform is accurate, complete and consistent, develop a regular, repeatable routine that you can use on every vehicle inspection. It has been said that a routine or habit occurs after 21 consecutive repetitions. In fact, it may take more or less times, depending on the individual. What is important is that you inspect a vehicle the same way each time, only allowing for variations based on manufacturer recommendations for the vehicle you are inspecting. Maintaining a routine will result in consistent, wellpaced inspections.

Avoiding distractions during the vehicle inspection and testing process helps you maintain your routine and remain focused on the task at hand. Keep your tools arranged in the same location for each inspection. Think of yourself as a surgeon, with the operation you are performing as the only thing that you are doing until it is completed.

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? Collect the keys and registration from your customer. Confirm the data on the vehicle registration documentation

exactly matches the vehicle you are about to inspect . Over 10% of the procedural calls received by the Customer

Service Center are related to data entry of vehicle information.

? As you drive the vehicle into the inspection bay, listen to the exhaust for potential leaks on acceleration. Simultaneously

feel and hear how the vehicle performs while being steered into the bay.

? Carefully read and follow each screen prompt on the workstation.

? Taking clear and accurate pictures will save you time when the workstation prompts you for the information.

? Follow the workstation prompts for the OBD inspection process, especially when the vehicle fails to communicate with

the workstation's OBD scan tool. Following the screen prompts will give the workstation the best chance to establish a proper communication with the vehicle's OBD system. Vehicles can and do fail the OBD test for lack of communication with the workstation OBD scan tool. When this happens, please do not abort the inspection; follow the workstation onscreen prompts to completion.

? Perform all of the required safety inspection items in a consistent, repeatable order. You can use the workstation safety

fields or the safety inspection checklists located near the end of the Inspector Training Manual as a guide. Start at the front bumper and inspect all the required items as you move from the front to the rear bumper of each side of the vehicle. Inspectors are reminded that they must jack up every vehicle on both sides to look for steering and suspension items that have excessive wear or are out-of-specification.

At the conclusion of every inspection, be sure to scan both the 1D and 2D sticker barcodes immediately so that the correct sticker is assigned to the vehicle's test record. Any error at this point will likely cause an automatic workstation QA (quality assurance) lockout, which will lead to preventable downtime for you and your station and inconvenience your customers. Look at the VIR before it is given to the motorist. This last verification confirms you have done everything correctly and the customer receives an accurate document.

Remember that if you have questions with the program, you are always welcome to contact your Motorist Assistance Center. We are not here just to help the motorist; we are also here to help you!

Refer to MAC

With the release of the latest workstation software (version 19.3), a dormant feature has been re-activated. This feature is the MAC referral for multiple turnaways for readiness. Experienced inspectors may recall this from the prior program, but for the benefit of new inspectors and those that may need a re-fresher, this article is for you.

What is a Motorist Assistance Center (MAC) referral result? A MAC monitor readiness referral is designed to provide an opportunity for the Mass Vehicle Check (MVC) program to assist with vehicles that continue to receive repeated OBD emissions readiness turnaways. In other words, the motorist has attempted to retest their vehicle multiple times and it continues to receive a readiness turnaway. The goal for the readiness feature is to offer motorists an opportunity for MAC assistance before their 60-day inspection window closes.

Our intention is to assist the motorist so that when they return to you for their retest, the monitors have completed. When assisting the motorist, the MAC technician does not repair their vehicle; he/she helps the motorist with any confusion related to monitor readiness and the struggles to initiate the monitor(s). The MAC is available to work with the repair community on the shared goals of identifying the underlying `monitor blocker' and working collaboratively towards a resolution.

How Do I Know When There is a MAC Readiness Referral? At the top of the first page of the vehicle inspection report (VIR), there will be bold print that states "Inspection Cannot Proceed". If you read on, the VIR provides guidance directing the motorist to contact the MAC. Please be sure to point out this section when explaining the inspection results. The Overall and Emissions Result will display "TURNAWAY".

For the specific monitors not ready, you'll need to review the second page that shows the OBD test results. If the vehicle has been turned away with "not ready" monitors after three inspection attempts in a two-week period, the MVC workstation software will automatically apply a Refer-To-MAC flag and the vehicle cannot return to an inspection station until a MAC technician removes the flag.

How Does a Vehicle with a MAC Referral Get Through the Inspection Process? After the vehicle receives a MAC referral, the vehicle cannot be re-inspected until the referral flag has been cleared by

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