Mass inspection and a fuel cell

[toofun]

Tried doing a search on here but could not find anything... Is it legal or possible to get an inspection sticker in massachusetts if you use a fuel cell in your car instead of a steel gas tank? Are there any restrictions or requirements in using a fuel cell in the car? Mass sucks in every possible way so It would not surprise me in the least but want to know if it is possible and or how to get around it.

Thanks
Mark

[John Wright]

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/faq/inspection.htm#27

(may want to ask someone at MASSDOT for confirmation about what exactly they are looking for when they inspect the fuel tank so you can see if a fuel cell will meet the requirements)




What do they inspect on my passenger vehicle?

• VIN Number/Registration/License Plates
• Windshield
• Wipers/Windshield Washer
• Headlights/Headlight Aim
• Turn Signals/4-Way Flashers
• Tail Lamps/Brake Lights/Backup Lights/Other Lighting Devices
• Rear View Mirrors
• Horn
• Exhaust System
• Tires
• Body Panels/Fuel Tank
• Frame/Unibody
• Service Brake
• Parking/Emergency Brake
• Seat Belts/Air Bag Operation
• Ball Joints/Steering/Suspension
• Visible Smoke
• Emissions Test/Emissions Components (if applicable)

[79PonchoUK]

Here in the UK there is no regulation stating how the fuel is stored in the car. I don't believe they could even fail the car if you used a coke bottle as a fuel tank. lol.

I think this is because it's difficult to legislate. Most modern cars use plastic fuel tanks. A fuel cell is just that and because there is no regulation for marking standard fuel tanks, I don't believe they can legally seperate a fuel cell from an OEM tank.

I suppose they could legislate the position...but even then, if it's behind the firewall it shouldn't be an issue.