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March 29, 2024 Rain | 45°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE USE OF OFF-HIGHWAY AND RECREATION VEHICLES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 21 of chapter 90B of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the first sentence the following sentence:-

The director may exempt a participant of a sanctioned race, rally or event who is not a resident of the commonwealth from the requirements of this section.
SECTION 2. Section 22 of said chapter 90B, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the first paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

No person shall operate a snow vehicle or recreation vehicle unless the vehicle has been registered in accordance with this chapter and a registration number assigned by the director is displayed on the vehicle; provided, however, that the director may exempt a participant of a sanctioned race, rally or event who is not a resident of the commonwealth from the requirements of this section. The registration number shall be painted on or displayed by means of a decal or sticker firmly attached to both sides of the cowling of the vehicle and located so that both are clearly visible and not obstructed. A snow vehicle or recreation vehicle without suitable cowling may locate the registration number on the forward suspension components or other suitable location as determined by the director so that it is clearly visible on both sides of the vehicle. The registration number displayed shall be not less than 3 inches in height and not less than 1/2 inch in width and shall be in a color that is in marked and distinct contrast to the background to which the number is applied. The registration number shall be maintained in a legible condition at all times. A motor vehicle license or learner's permit shall not be required for the operation of a snow vehicle or a recreation vehicle.

SECTION 3. Section 24 of said chapter 90B, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

No snow vehicle or recreation vehicle shall be operated which emits noxious fumes or makes unusual or excessive noise. No snow vehicle or recreation vehicle manufactured on or after January 1, 1998, shall be operated that produces a sound pressure level of more than 96 decibels when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Standard J1287 JUL98. No snow vehicle or recreation vehicle manufactured before January 1, 1998, shall be operated that produces a sound pressure level of more than 101 decibels when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under said Standard J1287 JUL98. This paragraph shall not apply to a snow vehicle or recreation vehicle being operated on a privately-owned track or closed course as permitted by local municipal authority; provided, however, that a snow vehicle or recreation vehicle manufactured before January 28, 1985, and substantially maintained in its original or restored condition shall meet the sound and emission specifications in place at the time of its manufacture.

Approved, October 4, 2012.