EV plates in MA for the Model 3

[AMIYY4YOU]

Hey Guys,
Don't know how many of you are from or knowledgeable on the rules for electric vehicle registration in MA, but I have a couple questions:

1) I'm pretty sure it's required to have both front and rear license plates mounted on the Model 3 - can someone confirm? If so, I don't want to drill the front in so I'm going to have to find one of those ones that are fixed to the lower front grill

2) If I currently have a license plate thats non-EV, can I transfer that over when I hand in my old lease? Or do I need to apply for a new EV specific plate which means new license plate, etc.?

3) Do I need to get my insurance activated before registration?

Any clarification would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Tdreamer]

First - Congratulations!

Yes - unfortunately regulations require both front and rear plates here in Mass. While in the past you might have been able to run with just the rear plate and risk a citation, now you need both plates attached in order pass the annual safety inspection.

Yes - you can transfer non-EV plates to EV's. I don't think the EV plate conveys any special status at this point in Mass.

Yes - you need to have the car insured as part of registration. Tesla should be able to take care of this for you as part of the purchase process. They will work with your agent to get the necessary information to them to update your policy.

 

[AMIYY4YOU]

First - Congratulations!

Yes - unfortunately regulations require both front and rear plates here in Mass. While in the past you might have been able to run with just the rear plate and risk a citation, now you need both plates attached in order pass the annual safety inspection.

Yes - you can transfer non-EV plates to EV's. I don't think the EV plate conveys any special status at this point in Mass.

Yes - you need to have the car insured as part of registration. Tesla should be able to take care of this for you as part of the purchase process. They will work with your agent to get the necessary information to them to update your policy.

Wow thanks for the fast reply! This is really helpful - thanks for the info

 

[EdA]

Unless you have the old green plate which are grandfathered in you need a front plate.
The EV plates don't cost more than the regular ones, they're "cheap" vanity plates as
far as I'm concerned.

 

[ModelNforNerd]

Can confirm all of the above.

The EV plate is nothing special, which is why I stuck with my Veteran plate. I had already paid the fee for that, so it was kinda pointless to drop those and move to EV plates.


If you're picking up your car in Dedham, Tesla is allowed to actually print your registration docs for you onsite, as long as you get your insurance set up beforehand (once you have a VIN, call your insurance company to get and save a quote, on delivery day, call them and say you'd like to activate that quote immediately).


When I picked up my CPO S, Tesla handed me my new registration on the spot, didn't have to use the Bill of Sale as a temporary reg.


(Pro-tip: they can't do inspections, but if you ask your delivery specialist, there is a shop up the street they recommend).

 

[AMIYY4YOU]

Can confirm all of the above.

The EV plate is nothing special, which is why I stuck with my Veteran plate. I had already paid the fee for that, so it was kinda pointless to drop those and move to EV plates.


If you're picking up your car in Dedham, Tesla is allowed to actually print your registration docs for you onsite, as long as you get your insurance set up beforehand (once you have a VIN, call your insurance company to get and save a quote, on delivery day, call them and say you'd like to activate that quote immediately).


When I picked up my CPO S, Tesla handed me my new registration on the spot, didn't have to use the Bill of Sale as a temporary reg.


(Pro-tip: they can't do inspections, but if you ask your delivery specialist, there is a shop up the street they recommend).

That's the info I was looking for - it sounds like if choosing between getting a new EV registration vs keeping the current non-EV reg, theres no added value in getting the EV plate.

Also I live in Brighton, MA so I'm not sure if I"ll be going to the Dedham store or the Prudential store or Watertown Service center.. Is it the service centers or the retail stores that are managing deliveries

Also what's the pro-tip about the inspection if you can get an inspection anywhere for the same price?

 

[ModelNforNerd]

That's the info I was looking for - it sounds like if choosing between getting a new EV registration vs keeping the current non-EV reg, theres no added value in getting the EV plate.

Also I live in Brighton, MA so I'm not sure if I"ll be going to the Dedham store or the Prudential store or Watertown Service center.. Is it the service centers or the retail stores that are managing deliveries

Also what's the pro-tip about the inspection if you can get an inspection anywhere for the same price?

All deliveries in MA, CPO or new, are currently in Dedham. Watertown is only for service. I don't think they do any deliveries from Stores/Galleries.


As far as inspection, just pointing out that Tesla can't do your inspection, like some dealers in MA can.

 

[AMIYY4YOU]

All deliveries in MA, CPO or new, are currently in Dedham. Watertown is only for service. I don't think they do any deliveries from Stores/Galleries.


As far as inspection, just pointing out that Tesla can't do your inspection, like some dealers in MA can.

Ohh I follow you. Thanks for the info!

 

[RyanDe]

If I want to get the EV plates will Tesla handle that for me, basically a swap? Do I have to ask bring this up before delivery?

 

[ModelNforNerd]

If I want to get the EV plates will Tesla handle that for me, basically a swap? Do I have to ask bring this up before delivery?

once you have a delivery appointment, I would ask, just to make sure they have plates on-hand, but yes, Tesla in Dedham, MA can do MA plates and print your new registration on the spot (no need to drive around with your bill of sale for a week).

 

[Warbird]

There is a bill in the Mass House to go back to requiring only one (rear) plate.
Let your rep know!
I have an old green plate, she looks soo much better without a front plate.

 

[EdA]

Where do you put your EZ-Pass?

 

[Warbird]

On my S, It works fine stuck to the bottom side of the rear deck lid. The existing velcro on the EZ-Pass sticks fine there.

 

[EdA]

a.) Do you have a picture of that?
b.) Does it work in NYC and environs?

 

[RyanDe]

When I had my 3 series for a decade I never put the front plate on. Well, that's not true, I put it on while I was inline for my inspection then removed it and drove away when done. I always had it within reach so if I got pulled over I could say it broke off and I'm waiting to get the part. I'll probably try the same for the tesla.."Sorry officer, I ordered the bracket but it hasn't come in, here's the plate right here..."

 

[Warbird]

I think one goal in life is never having to say "Sorry Officer".

 

[Warbird]

Works in Massachusetts.

 

[AMIYY4YOU]

View attachment 295523

Works in Massachusetts.

What works in MA? I don't see any license plate

 

[EdA]

The EZ-Pass is velcro-ed to the parcel shelf!
Novel idea, can't believe it works, ingenious.

 

[AMIYY4YOU]

There is a bill in the Mass House to go back to requiring only one (rear) plate.
Let your rep know!
I have an old green plate, she looks soo much better without a front plate.

Link please?