Diesel trucks five tons and over are now subject to biannual emissions tests in Massachusetts.

The emissions are measured at 130 truck safety and emissions inspection stations, which measure the opacity of diesel exhaust. Trucks that fail the test have two months to make repairs to meet the standards. The regulations went into effect Feb. 1.
Authorized stations also can send and inspector and a van containing testing equipment into the field to conduct tests. Trucking fleets can also have employees licensed as inspectors so they can perform tests on their own premises.
Don Holmes told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette that of the approximately 60 trucks he had tested since Feb. 1 at Mid-State International Trucks on Route 20, more than 80 percent have passed the test.
The tests, which can take up to 45 minutes to complete, cost truck owners $29 each. Those doing the tests note that the fee does not cover the costs of doing the tests. Mid-State International is doing the tests as a courtesy to its customers.