Green Driver State Incentives in Massachusetts

Massachusetts encourages eco-friendly driving by offering its residents a handful of green driver incentives. To learn more on how these perks can save you time and money, keep reading.

As MA increases its focus on the environment, more incentives might pop up. For info on the latest opportunities to save money by helping to save the planet, refer back to this page along with your your Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) local and the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC).

Massachusetts Vehicle Emissions Exemptions

To maintain valid Massachusetts vehicle registration, all vehicles must undergo an annual safety inspection, and in some cases an emissions test. However, if you drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, you might be off the hook. The following are exempt from the emissions inspection:

  • Vehicles that run exclusively on electricity.
  • Motorcycles and Mopeds.
  • Tactical military vehicles.
  • New vehicles delivered to Massachusetts owners.
  • Light-duty diesel vehicles manufactured before 2010 that weigh fewer than 8,500 lbs.
  • Medium-duty diesel vehicles manufactured before 2010 that weigh up to 10,000 lbs.
  • Medium-duty diesel vehicles 15 years old and older that weigh up to 10,000 lbs.
  • Medium duty non diesel vehicles manufactured before 2010 or are 15 years old or older.
  • New vehicles that have been delivered to a Massachusetts owner.

For more on whether your vehicle requires either the on-board diagnostic (OBD) test or the opacity test, check the government resources on which vehicles require an emissions check and our page on MA smog checks. To learn more on Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program, consult the state site.

To find the nearest emissions station, scroll down to the bottom of this page to the inspection locator widget.

Federal Tax Credits

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers federal tax credits to those who buy fuel-efficient vehicles. Eligible alternative energy vehicles include:

  • Electric cars (EV).
  • Hybrids.
  • Plug-in hybrids (PEV).
  • Diesels.
  • Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).

For additional information, refer to the Tax Incentive Information Center at fueleconomy.gov.

If you need additional help taking advantage of federal tax incentives, consider contacting a professional tax advisor or your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

MA Rebates for Buying a Natural Gas Vehicle

According to the AFDC, National Grid offers rebates to customers who purchase a natural gas vehicle (NGV). For specifics, contact customer support.

Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOREV) Program

If you purchase a plug-in hybrid (PEV) or electric vehicle (EV), you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $6,000 through the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOREV) program. To qualify, you must:

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources plans to launch the MOREV program in the summer of 2014. For the latest, contact the Department at (617) 626-7300.

Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Driving and Green Vehicles

Some Massachusetts auto insurance providers reward green driving habits and/or driving a fuel-efficient vehicle with green vehicle insurance discounts. These can include:

  • Hybrid auto discounts.
  • Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
  • Economy car discounts.
  • Low-mileage discounts.
  • Pay as you drive discounts.

Which discounts you may qualify for is going to vary by provider and your specific circumstances. It is possible to get a discount up to 10% for owning or leasing a hybrid car. If you maintain low mileage can earn higher discounts

If your current MA auto insurance carrier doesn't offer perks for economy friendly driving, shop around for one that does by comparing auto insurance rates online.

Transportation & Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States

The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) is a collaboration of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions. Massachusetts is one of the states that participates. The goal of the TCI is to grow the economy of clean energy, lower oil dependence, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation. To learn more please visit theTCI website.

Find a Nearby Massachusetts Emissions Testing Station

Locate the closest MA smog and emissions testing station with the widget below:

Please enter your ZIP code OR city and state abbreviation

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