Massachusetts · Elevators

The elevator code and inspection rules in force in Massachusetts now.

524 CMR (effective Jun 1, 2018): ch. 35 adopts ASME A17.1-2013 and ch. 38 adopts ASME A18.1-2014, each with Massachusetts modifications; no ASME A17.3 adoption found. Enforced by Board of Elevator Regulations and Office of Public Safety and Inspections (Division of Occupational Licensure); state inspectors witness tests by licensed mechanics; exclusive statewide enforcement under MGL c.143. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Elevators in Massachusetts

Checked on the source

In force

524 CMR (effective Jun 1, 2018): ch. 35 adopts ASME A17.1-2013 and ch. 38 adopts ASME A18.1-2014, each with Massachusetts modifications; no ASME A17.3 adoption found

Elevators need inspection and safety tests at least yearly; limited-use units (e.g., wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters) every 2 years; full-load safety test every fifth periodic inspection. Existing units follow the 524 CMR version in force when permitted.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Board of Elevator Regulations and Office of Public Safety and Inspections (Division of Occupational Licensure); state inspectors witness tests by licensed mechanics; exclusive statewide enforcement under MGL c.143

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

Rulemaking pending

524 CMR 35 (Secretary of the Commonwealth copy read Nov 9, 2026) still adopts ASME A17.1-2013 with Massachusetts modifications. The Board of Elevator Regulations Oct 27, 2026 agenda lists variances only and no 524 CMR amendment; no proposed text or effective date published after the Oct 7, 2026 hearing notice

The federal layer

There is no federal elevator inspection program; the state or city program below is the whole obligation, with ASME A17.1 and A17.3 as the referenced standards.

What a building has to do

2 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Annual

Elevator: periodic inspection and certificateState elevator law; ASME A17.1 Part 8 · State elevator authority · Not yet checked line by line against the source.

Monthly

Elevator: firefighters’ emergency operation (Phase I and II) testASME A17.1, 8.6.11 · Owner; log kept on site · Not yet checked line by line against the source.

Questions about the elevator code and inspection rules in Massachusetts

Which elevator rules apply in Massachusetts today?

524 CMR (effective Jun 1, 2018): ch. 35 adopts ASME A17.1-2013 and ch. 38 adopts ASME A18.1-2014, each with Massachusetts modifications; no ASME A17.3 adoption found. Elevators need inspection and safety tests at least yearly; limited-use units (e.g., wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters) every 2 years; full-load safety test every fifth periodic inspection. Existing units follow the 524 CMR version in force when permitted.

Who enforces the elevator code and inspection rules in Massachusetts?

Board of Elevator Regulations and Office of Public Safety and Inspections (Division of Occupational Licensure); state inspectors witness tests by licensed mechanics; exclusive statewide enforcement under MGL c.143.

What changes next for the elevator code and inspection rules in Massachusetts?

Rulemaking pending. 524 CMR 35 (Secretary of the Commonwealth copy read Nov 9, 2026) still adopts ASME A17.1-2013 with Massachusetts modifications. The Board of Elevator Regulations Oct 27, 2026 agenda lists variances only and no 524 CMR amendment; no proposed text or effective date published after the Oct 7, 2026 hearing notice