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PART I
TITLE XIV
CHAPTER 90
Massachusetts Laws
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PART I
ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
(Chapters 1 through 182)
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TITLE XIV
PUBLIC WAYS AND WORKS
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CHAPTER 90
MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT
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Section 1
Definitions
Section 1A
Registration of motor vehicles; liability insurance, failure to maintain; revocation of certificate of registration; exemptions; school buses
Section 1B
Motorized bicycles; operation regulations
Section 1C
Motorized bicycles and scooters; compliance with federal standards
Section 1D
Motorized bicycles; sales; number sticker or plate
Section 1E
Motorized scooters; operation regulations
Section 1F
Low-speed motor vehicles; express state highway and public way restrictions; additional municipality restrictions
Section 1G
Notice of disclosure required upon sale, lease or rental of low-speed motor vehicles
Section 1H
Registration of motor vehicles designed for operation on public ways but not capable of exceeding 40 miles per hour
Section 1I
3-wheeled motor vehicle registered as motorcycle; qualification
Section 2
Registration of motor vehicles and trailers; applications; reciprocal state agreements; transfer of ownership; plates; fraud or misrepresentation; penalties; license plate retention program for deployed residents
Section 2A
Minors, application for registration of motor vehicle or trailer
Section 2B
Removal of registration upon transfer of ownership
Section 2C
Repealed, 1973, 925, Sec. 11
Section 2D
Temporary registration plates
Section 2E
Distinctive registration plates; Environmental Trust Fund; Child Care Quality Fund; 9/11 victims and military heroes funds
Section 2F
Distinctive registration plates; submission of applications; eligible organizations
Section 2G
Passenger plates for low-speed motor vehicles; fee
Section 2H
Certificates of registration and number plates for street rods, replica and other custom vehicles; determination of title year and make, model and model year
Section 2I
Registration prerequisites for certain custom vehicles; salvage inspection; state-assigned VIN; safety belts; air bags
Section 3
Operation of motor vehicles owned by non-residents; liability insurance; vehicles used in connection with place of business; suspension or revocation of right to operate vehicle; registration
Section 31/2
Commonwealth residency factors; access to information in nonpublic records; certification of facts; motor vehicle registration misrepresentations; penalties and fines
Section 3A
Appointment of registrar as attorney as result of acceptance of rights and privileges of Sec. 3 by non-resident
Section 3B
Appointment of registrar as attorney as result of operation of motor vehicle by any person
Section 3C
Service of process; notice of service; continuance
Section 3D
Appointment of registrar as result of application for registration or license to operate motor vehicle; service of process on registrar
Section 3E
Fee paid to registrar; records of registrar
Section 3F
Separability of Secs. 3A to 3E; effect of unconstitutionality
Section 3G
Security from nonresidents for damage caused by operation of motor vehicles; procedure; contents of motion
Section 4
Repealed, 1931, 142, Sec. 3
Section 5
General registrations; general registration number plates; eligibility
Section 5A
Application for general distinguishing mark for motor vehicles under control of military forces of commonwealth
Section 5B
Persons in military service; vehicles purchased in another state; registration
Section 6
Display of number plates; temporary number plates
Section 6A
Number plates for antique motor cars
Section 6B
One number plate; display
Section 6C
Return of number plates by repossessor; penalty
Section 7
Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible warning systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers and emblems
Section 7A
Rules and regulations for periodic inspections of motor vehicles; school buses; fees
Section 7B
Equipment and operation of school buses
Section 7C
Minimum standards for construction and equipment of school buses
Section 7D
Application of Sec. 7B; additional equipment
Section 7D1/2
Transportation of vocational school students; motor vehicle requirements; seat belts
Section 7E
Display of red or blue lights on vehicles; permits; revocation; violations
Section 7F
Repealed, 1973, 948, Sec. 5
Section 7G
Used brake drums; servicing, sale or grinding; prohibition
Section 7H
Brake linings; minimum safety standards
Section 7I
Emergency disaster service vehicles of charitable corporations; identification and equipment
Section 7J
Handlebars on motorcycles; rules and regulations; penalty
Section 7K
Tires; minimum safety standards; penalty
Section 7L
Standing in school buses; penalty
Section 7M
Retread or recapped tires; sale; marking quality
Section 7N
Voiding contracts of sale
Section 7N1/4
Express warranty by dealer of used motor vehicle; issuance; consumer’s rights and remedies
Section 7N1/2
Defective or malfunctioning new motor vehicles; sale and repair or replacement
Section 7O
Motor vehicle pollutant control devices; removal
Section 7P
Height of motor vehicles; alteration restricted
Section 7Q
Tire tread depth regulations; compliance; operation of vehicle prohibited
Section 7R
Vehicle identification number; display in certain motor vehicles
Section 7R1/2
Dealers insignias, logos or plates; placement on motor vehicles; consent
Section 7S
Motorcycle sound emissions; definitions
Section 7T
Motorcycle sound levels; testing regulations
Section 7U
Motorcycles; maximum sound levels
Section 7V
Certificates of inspection; rules and regulations
Section 7W
Licensing of emissions repair facilities and technicians; rules and regulations; penalties; computerized communication system
Section 7X
Designation of referee stations
Section 7Y
Certification and training of inspectors; rules and regulations
Section 7Z
Entry on premises of inspection stations; examination of records
Section 7AA
Child passenger restraints; fine; violation as evidence in civil action
Section 7BB
Nullified by referendum by majority vote at the 1986 state election
Section 7CC
Transporting of special needs children
Section 8
Operator’s licenses; applications; examinations
Section 8A
Operators of school buses; licensing; training; instructors
Section 8A1/2
Operators of school buses under Sec. 7D; licensing; exceptions
Section 8B
Learner’s permits
Section 8C
Medical advisory board; standards of fitness for applicants for learner’s permits or licenses
Section 8D
Anatomical gifts; license renewal; donor cards; liability of registrar; availability of donor names to organ procurement organizations; driver training; education material; online renewal
Section 8E
Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; application; fee; organ donor status; provision of donor information to eye and tissue banks; expiration
Section 8F
Repealed, 1980, 329, Sec. 57
Section 8G
Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; lost, destroyed or mutilated cards; change of name; duplicate cards
Section 8H
Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; fictitious, fraudulent, or altered cards; possession
Section 8I
Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; description
Section 8J
Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; change of address
Section 8K
Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; cancellation
Section 8L
Voter registration agency
Section 8M
Use of mobile telephone, hands-free mobile telephone or mobile electronic device by person under 18 years of age while operating motor vehicle prohibited; penalties;affirmative defenses
Section 9
Operation of unregistered or improperly equipped motor vehicles, tractors, trailers, etc.
Section 9A
Safety glass; windshields, windows
Section 9B
Registration of vehicles; display of number plates; application of law
Section 9C
Repair of tires on trucks, etc.
Section 9D
Windshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials
Section 10
Operation of motor vehicle without license; members of armed forces; nonresidents; suspension or revocation of license
Section 10A
Repealed, 1953, 276
Section 11
Carrying certificate of registration and license; presentation after accident upon request
Section 12
Employing unlicensed motor vehicle operator; permitting person with suspended or revoked license to operate motor vehicle; permitting person with ignition interlock devise license restriction to operate motor vehicle without devise; penalties
Section 12A
Use of mobile telephone, hands-free mobile telephone or other mobile electronic device by operator of vehicle or vessel used in public transportation prohibited; penalties; affirmative defenses
Section 13
Safety precautions for proper operation and parking of vehicles and buses
Section 13A
Seat belt use required; exemptions; penalty
Section 13B
Composing, sending or reading of electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle prohibited; penalties
Section 14
Precautions for safety of other travelers
Section 14A
Protection of blind pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross ways
Section 14B
Uniform stopping and turning signals on ways
Section 15
Precautions at railroad crossings
Section 16
Offensive or illegal operation of motor vehicles
Section 16A
Stopped motor vehicles; operation of engine; time limit; penalty
Section 16B
Idling of a motor vehicle engine on school property; penalties; adoption of regulations
Section 17
Speed limits
Section 17A
Speed limit; Massachusetts Turnpike
Section 17B
Drag racing; penalties
Section 18
Special regulations, speed and use of vehicles
Section 18A
Pedestrians, use of ways; rules and regulations; violations; notice
Section 19
Dimensions and weights of motor vehicles, trucks and trailers
Section 19A
Weight limitations for certain motor vehicles, semi-trailers, etc.; scales; penalties for violations
Section 19B
Repealed, 1967, 395, Sec. 2
Section 19C
Repealed, 1993, 305, Sec. 6
Section 19D
Permit stickers; issuance; application; certificate of gross vehicle weight rating; violations; penalties
Section 19E
Operation of motor vehicles and certain trailers and semi-trailers on Interstate and Defense Highways
Section 19F
Vehicles authorized to operate on national network
Section 19G
Vehicles authorized to operate on routes of reasonable access; safety evaluations
Section 19H
Repealed, 1991, 129, Sec. 11
Section 19I
Maximum width and weight limitations and minimum speed limits; exception for certain construction vehicles
Section 19J
Maximum vehicle widths, axle weights and minimum speed limits; exception for certain snow clearing duties
Section 19K
Hitching mechanism
Section 19L
Regulations to ensure compliance of interstate and intrastate motor carriers with federal and state laws; inspection of records; penalties
Section 20
Penalties and punishments
Section 20A
Parking regulations; violations; notice to appear; failure to appear; adjudication by mail
Section 20A1/2
Cities of Boston and Cambridge; parking violations; tags; appearance; failure to appear; adjudication by mail
Section 20B
Repealed, 1967, 405, Sec. 2
Section 20C
Nature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines
Section 20D
Tampering or destruction of parking tags; penalty
Section 20E
Liability of lessors of motor vehicles for parking violations
Section 20F
Repealed, 1982, 586, Sec. 1
Section 20G
Failure to appear in accordance with notice issued pursuant to Department of Transportation regulation; failure to pay violation; motor vehicle license renewals; registration of motor vehicles
Section 20H
Failure to pay required toll; Tobin Bridge; motor vehicle license renewals; registration of motor vehicles
Section 21
Arrest without warrant
Section 22
Suspension or revocation of certificate of registration or license; notice
Section 22A
Suspension of operator’s license or registration certificates, unsatisfied judgment; reinstatement of license
Section 22B
Abandonment of motor vehicles; penalties; non-criminal proceedings
Section 22C
Abandoned motor vehicles; removal and disposal
Section 22D
Suspension of license for automobile law violation; reinstatement
Section 22E
Abandoned vehicles; removal of parts; penalty
Section 22F
Habitual traffic offender; revocation of license; reinstatement
Section 22G
Littering; suspension of license
Section 22H
Safe transportation of animals
Section 22I
Suspension of license upon report of health care provider or law enforcement officer of operator’s cognitive or functional impairment or incapability to operate motor vehicle safely; contents of report; immunity from liability; review by registrar; confidentiality of report
Section 23
Operation of motor vehicle after suspension or revocation of license; concealment of identity of motor vehicle
Section 24
Driving while under influence of intoxicating liquor, etc.; second and subsequent offenses; punishment; treatment programs; reckless and unauthorized driving; failure to stop after collision
Section 241/2
Ignition interlock device license restriction; revocation of license for failure to install or maintain device; revocation of license for attempt to operate motor vehicle with elevated blood alcohol level
Section 24A
Use of motor vehicles in commission of felony, larceny or other crimes
Section 24B
Stealing, forging or other falsification of learner's permit, operator's license, disability placard certificate of registration or inspection sticker; use or possession; penalties; suspension and reinstatement of license or right to operate motor vehicle
Section 24C
Repealed, 1966, 317, Sec. 1
Section 24D
Probation of persons convicted of driving under the influence; driver alcohol education program; alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs; fees; indigents; gifts and grants; report
Section 24E
Dismissal of charges upon compliance with terms of probation; records; reports
Section 24F
Civil liability to owner for unauthorized use of motor vehicle
Section 24G
Homicide by motor vehicle; punishment
Section 24H
Removal of abandoned or stolen vehicles from public places; towing vehicles; machines that crush, mutilate or destroy vehicles; salvage or junk yard owners or agents
Section 24I
Possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles
Section 24J
Inquiry of defendant convicted of driving under influence of intoxicating liquors as to establishment serving alcohol
Section 24K
Chemical breath analysis; validity; testing procedures; report forms
Section 24L
Serious bodily injury by motor vehicle while under influence of intoxicating substance; penalties
Section 24M
Training for law enforcement personnel regarding alcohol-related offenses; alcohol sensitive selective traffic enforcement program
Section 24N
Suspension of operator’s license upon issuance of complaint; hearing
Section 24O
Statement to defendant regarding further violations
Section 24P
Minors; further violations; education and treatment programs
Section 24Q
Alcohol or drug assessment as condition for certain sentences imposed under chapter
Section 24R
Revocation for life of license or right to operate
Section 24S
Operation of motor vehicle on public way in violation of ignition interlock device license restriction; penalties
Section 24T
Tampering with ignition interlock device; penalties
Section 24U
Starting motor vehicle equipped with ignition interlock device for another person under a restricted license
Section 24V
Child endangerment while operating a motor vehicle or vessel under the influence; penalties; suspension of license
Section 24W
Forfeiture of motor vehicle owned by certain drunk driving offenders; procedure; Operating Under the Influence Deterrent Trust Fund
Section 24X
Cancellation of registration for motor vehicles owned by certain drunk driving offenders
Section 25
Refusal to submit to police officer
Section 26
Accident reports; supplemental report; penalty for violation
Section 26A
Licenses and learner’s permits; reporting changes of name and address
Section 27
Court records; motor vehicle violations
Section 28
Appeals and hearings
Section 29
Deputy registrar, chief deputy registrar, etc.; appointment; duties; investigation of motor vehicle accidents; suspension or revocation of licenses
Section 29A
Repealed, 1961, 592, Sec. 2
Section 30
Records of registrar; certified copies; destruction
Section 30A
Computer terminals under control of registrar; restricted use
Section 30A1/2
Agreements with third party entities by registrar
Section 30B
Interstate compact; motor vehicle convictions
Section 31
Use and operation of motor vehicles or trailers; conduct of operators and chauffeurs; rules and regulations
Section 31A
Transportation by motor vehicle of personal property; rules and regulations
Section 32
Records; manufacturers and dealers of motor vehicles or trailers; garages and open air parking spaces
Section 32A
Restoration of original identifying number of motor vehicle; certificate
Section 32B
Repealed, 1934, 209, Sec. 2
Section 32C
Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; registration of distance by mechanical devices; deception by lessor or lessee; leasing to intoxicated or unlicensed persons; redelivery
Section 32D
Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; records
Section 32E
Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; operation of vehicles or use of trailers; insurance coverage
Section 32E1/2
Rental agreements; collision damage waivers; notices; exclusions; penalties
Section 32E3/4
Rental agreements; separately stated surcharges, fees or charges; vehicle license cost recovery fee
Section 32F
Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; fraud; violations; penalties
Section 32G
Instruction for hire in operation of motor vehicles; driver school; licensing; application; fees; qualifications of applicant; suspension or revocation of license or instructor’s certificate; procedures
Section 32G1/2
Advanced driver training program certification
Section 32H
Lessors of motorcycles; licensing
Section 32I
Repealed, 1991, 489, Sec. 16
Section 32J
Vehicles in fleet of car-sharing organization; display of registration plates
Section 33
Fees
Section 33A
Motor vehicles; certificates of registration; signatures
Section 33B
Traffic control signs, safety devices and improvements; installation and construction costs; high-accident locations; funding limits
Section 34
Disposition of fees
Section 341/2
Repealed, 2009, 25, Sec. 82
Section 34A
Definitions
Section 34B
Certificates of insurance or surety companies; contents; copies
Section 34C
Single motor vehicle liability policy or bond covering several motor vehicles
Section 34D
Registration application; cash deposit in lieu of liability bond or policy; satisfaction of judgment
Section 34E
Receipt for and retention of cash or securities deposited
Section 34F
Notice to registrar upon service of writ or summons in action against depositor
Section 34G
Actions against surety company
Section 34H
Revocation of registration of motor vehicle upon notice of cancellation of motor vehicle liability policy or bond; notice to owner; new certificate
Section 34I
Records and books of registrar
Section 34J
Operating motor vehicle without liability policy, bond or security deposit
Section 34K
Cancellation of policies; notice
Section 34L
Repealed, 1968, 643, Sec. 6
Section 34M
Personal injury protection
Section 34N
Assigned claims plan
Section 34O
Property damage liability insurance or bonds
Section 34P
Notice to law enforcement officials; failure to provide or maintain liability policy, bond or deposit; seizure of registration plates
Section 34Q
Nonowner operators, hired motor vehicles; insurance coverage by endorsements
Section 34R
Estimate of cost of exterior repairs; notice
Section 35
Definitions
Section 35A
Structures within airport approaches; regulation of location and height
Section 35B
Structures within airport approaches; permits for erection or addition
Section 35C
Structures within airport approaches; application for permit; notice of denial; hearing
Section 35D
Structures within airport approaches; maintenance, repair or replacement; initial approval
Section 36 to 38
Repealed, 1946, 583, Sec. 2
Section 39
Aeronautics commission; powers; rules and regulations
Section 39A
Plan for development of airports and air navigation facilities
Section 39B
Certificate of approval; municipal airport site or restricted landing area; application; hearing; issuance
Section 39C
Reimbursement of towns and cities for airport construction; federal funds
Section 39D
Repealed, 1948, 637, Sec. 11
Section 39E
Engineering or technical services of commission to cities and towns
Section 39F
Reimbursement of city or town constructing, establishing or enlarging airport
Section 39G
Applicability of Secs. 35 to 52 to counties
Section 40
Purposes of aeronautics commission; discretionary powers of commission; enforcement of laws
Section 40A
Airport approach regulations by cities or towns
Section 40B
Reasonableness of airport approach regulations
Section 40C
Adoption, amendment or repeal of airport approach regulations; public hearing
Section 40D
Erection, replacement or alteration of structures or trees; variance
Section 40E
Administrative agency
Section 40F
Removal of structures erected in violation of regulations; trees; procedure
Section 40G
Protection of airport approaches; removal of structures and trees; compensation
Section 40H
Appeal by aggrieved corporations
Section 40I
Approval of regulations by commission
Section 41
Investigations or hearings; accidents
Section 42
Equitable jurisdiction of superior court
Section 43
Public inspection of copies of orders, rules and regulations
Section 44
Penalties
Section 45
Appeals
Section 46
Altitude of aircraft flights
Section 47
Federal pilot’s license, permit or certificate
Section 48
Aircraft license, permit or certificate
Section 49
Registration of federal certificates; fees; exceptions
Section 49A
Retention of court records of cases involving violations; abstracts
Section 49B
Definitions of terms used in Secs. 49B to 49R
Section 49C
Administration and enforcement of Secs. 49B to 49R; hearings; judicial review
Section 49D
Accident reports; security; suspension of aircraft registration; waiver
Section 49E
Policy or bond of insurer or surety company
Section 49F
Restoration or renewal of registration or non-resident’s operating privilege
Section 49G
Certificate of self-insurance
Section 49H
Certificate of registration or non-resident’s operating privilege; allowance; suspension; notice
Section 49I
Security; form; limits; reduction or increase
Section 49J
Delivery and release of security
Section 49K
Commission; availability of information and material
Section 49L
Transfer of aircraft registration following suspension of owner’s registration
Section 49M
Return of suspended registration certificate
Section 49N
Illegal operation of aircraft; failure to return suspended registration certificate
Section 49O
Application of Secs. 49B to 49R to certain aircraft
Section 49P
Availability of other legal processes; enforcement
Section 49Q
Service of process; proof of service
Section 49R
Discharge in bankruptcy
Section 49S
Severability; constitutionality
Section 49T
Interpretation and construction of uniform aircraft financial responsibility act
Section 50
Appointment of administrator for aeronautics as attorney for service of process
Section 50A to 50L
Inoperative February 17, 1959 upon title vesting in the Massachusetts Port Authority. See 1956, 465, Sec. 32; 1958, 599, Sec. 12
Section 51
Repealed, 1946, 613, Sec. 1
Section 51A to 51C
Repealed, 1948, 637, Sec. 11
Section 51D
Municipal airports and air navigation facilities
Section 51E
Airport commissions for municipal airports; members; vacancies; airport managers
Section 51F
Leasing of land at airports
Section 51G
Acquisition of property to establish airport; eminent domain; purchase; lease
Section 51H
Charges or rentals for use of properties, facilities, installations; terms and conditions of contracts
Section 51I
Power of commission; expenditure of funds; contracts for maintenance, operation, construction and enlargement of airports
Section 51J
Rules and regulations; use of airports; safety of public
Section 51K
Federal funds; receipt by aeronautics commission; bids; contracts; loans in anticipation of funds
Section 51L
Contracts for construction, enlargement or improvement of airports by airport commission
Section 51M
Exclusive contracts, permits or licenses to transport persons for hire or to receive or deliver passengers at airports
Section 51N
Establishment, maintenance and operation of airport by municipalities as joint enterprise; contents of agreement; joint airport commission
Section 52
Partial unconstitutionality and invalidity of Secs. 35 to 51
Section 53 to 60
Repealed, 1935, 418, Sec. 2
Section 61
Logan Airport security zone; access; penalties
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