General Laws

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Section 1Definitions
Section 1ARegistration of motor vehicles; liability insurance, failure to maintain; revocation of certificate of registration; exemptions; school buses
Section 1BMotorized bicycles; operation regulations
Section 1CMotorized bicycles and scooters; compliance with federal standards
Section 1DMotorized bicycles; sales; number sticker or plate
Section 1EMotorized scooters; operation regulations
Section 1FLow-speed motor vehicles; express state highway and public way restrictions; additional municipality restrictions
Section 1GNotice of disclosure required upon sale, lease or rental of low-speed motor vehicles
Section 1HRegistration of motor vehicles designed for operation on public ways but not capable of exceeding 40 miles per hour
Section 1I3-wheeled motor vehicle registered as motorcycle; qualification
Section 2Registration 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 2AMinors, application for registration of motor vehicle or trailer
Section 2BRemoval of registration upon transfer of ownership
Section 2CRepealed, 1973, 925, Sec. 11
Section 2DTemporary registration plates
Section 2EDistinctive registration plates; Environmental Trust Fund; Child Care Quality Fund; 9/11 victims and military heroes funds
Section 2FDistinctive registration plates; submission of applications; eligible organizations
Section 2GPassenger plates for low-speed motor vehicles; fee
Section 2HCertificates of registration and number plates for street rods, replica and other custom vehicles; determination of title year and make, model and model year
Section 2IRegistration prerequisites for certain custom vehicles; salvage inspection; state-assigned VIN; safety belts; air bags
Section 3Operation 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 31/2Commonwealth residency factors; access to information in nonpublic records; certification of facts; motor vehicle registration misrepresentations; penalties and fines
Section 3AAppointment of registrar as attorney as result of acceptance of rights and privileges of Sec. 3 by non-resident
Section 3BAppointment of registrar as attorney as result of operation of motor vehicle by any person
Section 3CService of process; notice of service; continuance
Section 3DAppointment of registrar as result of application for registration or license to operate motor vehicle; service of process on registrar
Section 3EFee paid to registrar; records of registrar
Section 3FSeparability of Secs. 3A to 3E; effect of unconstitutionality
Section 3GSecurity from nonresidents for damage caused by operation of motor vehicles; procedure; contents of motion
Section 4Repealed, 1931, 142, Sec. 3
Section 5General registrations; general registration number plates; eligibility
Section 5AApplication for general distinguishing mark for motor vehicles under control of military forces of commonwealth
Section 5BPersons in military service; vehicles purchased in another state; registration
Section 6Display of number plates; temporary number plates
Section 6ANumber plates for antique motor cars
Section 6BOne number plate; display
Section 6CReturn of number plates by repossessor; penalty
Section 7Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible warning systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers and emblems
Section 7ARules and regulations for periodic inspections of motor vehicles; school buses; fees
Section 7BEquipment and operation of school buses
Section 7CMinimum standards for construction and equipment of school buses
Section 7DApplication of Sec. 7B; additional equipment
Section 7D1/2Transportation of vocational school students; motor vehicle requirements; seat belts
Section 7EDisplay of red or blue lights on vehicles; permits; revocation; violations
Section 7FRepealed, 1973, 948, Sec. 5
Section 7GUsed brake drums; servicing, sale or grinding; prohibition
Section 7HBrake linings; minimum safety standards
Section 7IEmergency disaster service vehicles of charitable corporations; identification and equipment
Section 7JHandlebars on motorcycles; rules and regulations; penalty
Section 7KTires; minimum safety standards; penalty
Section 7LStanding in school buses; penalty
Section 7MRetread or recapped tires; sale; marking quality
Section 7NVoiding contracts of sale
Section 7N1/4Express warranty by dealer of used motor vehicle; issuance; consumer’s rights and remedies
Section 7N1/2Defective or malfunctioning new motor vehicles; sale and repair or replacement
Section 7OMotor vehicle pollutant control devices; removal
Section 7PHeight of motor vehicles; alteration restricted
Section 7QTire tread depth regulations; compliance; operation of vehicle prohibited
Section 7RVehicle identification number; display in certain motor vehicles
Section 7R1/2Dealers insignias, logos or plates; placement on motor vehicles; consent
Section 7SMotorcycle sound emissions; definitions
Section 7TMotorcycle sound levels; testing regulations
Section 7UMotorcycles; maximum sound levels
Section 7VCertificates of inspection; rules and regulations
Section 7WLicensing of emissions repair facilities and technicians; rules and regulations; penalties; computerized communication system
Section 7XDesignation of referee stations
Section 7YCertification and training of inspectors; rules and regulations
Section 7ZEntry on premises of inspection stations; examination of records
Section 7AAChild passenger restraints; fine; violation as evidence in civil action
Section 7BBNullified by referendum by majority vote at the 1986 state election
Section 7CCTransporting of special needs children
Section 8Operator's licenses; applications; examinations
Section 8AOperators of school buses; licensing; training; instructors
Section 8A1/2Operators of school buses under Sec. 7D; licensing; exceptions
Section 8BLearner’s permits
Section 8CMedical advisory board; standards of fitness for applicants for learner’s permits or licenses
Section 8DDonor registry and anatomical gift act; information to be included with notice of license and registration renewal; symbol on license; charitable donations; liability of government employees; transmission of information to organ procurement organizations; educational materials
Section 8EIdentification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; application; fee; organ donor status; provision of donor information to eye and tissue banks; expiration
Section 8FRepealed, 1980, 329, Sec. 57
Section 8GIdentification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; lost, destroyed or mutilated cards; change of name; duplicate cards
Section 8HIdentification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; fictitious, fraudulent, or altered cards; possession
Section 8IIdentification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; description
Section 8JIdentification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; change of address
Section 8KIdentification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; cancellation
Section 8LVoter registration agency
Section 8MUse 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 9Operation of unregistered or improperly equipped motor vehicles, tractors, trailers, etc.
Section 9ASafety glass; windshields, windows
Section 9BRegistration of vehicles; display of number plates; application of law
Section 9CRepair of tires on trucks, etc.
Section 9DWindshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials
Section 10Operation of motor vehicle without license; members of armed forces; nonresidents; suspension or revocation of license
Section 10ARepealed, 1953, 276
Section 11Carrying certificate of registration and license; presentation after accident upon request
Section 12Employing 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 12AUse 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 13Safety precautions for proper operation and parking of vehicles and buses
Section 13ASeat belt use required; exemptions; penalty
Section 13BComposing, sending or reading of electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle prohibited; penalties
Section 14Precautions for safety of other travelers
Section 14AProtection of blind pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross ways
Section 14BUniform stopping and turning signals on ways
Section 15Precautions at railroad crossings
Section 16Offensive or illegal operation of motor vehicles
Section 16AStopped motor vehicles; operation of engine; time limit; penalty
Section 16BIdling of a motor vehicle engine on school property; penalties; adoption of regulations
Section 17Speed limits
Section 17ASpeed limit; Massachusetts Turnpike
Section 17BDrag racing; penalties
Section 18Special regulations, speed and use of vehicles
Section 18APedestrians, use of ways; rules and regulations; violations; notice
Section 19Dimensions and weights of motor vehicles, trucks and trailers
Section 19AWeight limitations for certain motor vehicles, semi-trailers, etc.; scales; penalties for violations
Section 19BRepealed, 1967, 395, Sec. 2
Section 19CRepealed, 1993, 305, Sec. 6
Section 19DPermit stickers; issuance; application; certificate of gross vehicle weight rating; violations; penalties
Section 19EOperation of motor vehicles and certain trailers and semi-trailers on Interstate and Defense Highways
Section 19FVehicles authorized to operate on national network
Section 19GVehicles authorized to operate on routes of reasonable access; safety evaluations
Section 19HRepealed, 1991, 129, Sec. 11
Section 19IMaximum width and weight limitations and minimum speed limits; exception for certain construction vehicles
Section 19JMaximum vehicle widths, axle weights and minimum speed limits; exception for certain snow clearing duties
Section 19KHitching mechanism
Section 19LRegulations to ensure compliance of interstate and intrastate motor carriers with federal and state laws; inspection of records; penalties
Section 20Penalties and punishments
Section 20AParking regulations; violations; notice to appear; failure to appear; adjudication by mail
Section 20A1/2Cities of Boston and Cambridge; parking violations; tags; appearance; failure to appear; adjudication by mail
Section 20BRepealed, 1967, 405, Sec. 2
Section 20CNature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines
Section 20DTampering or destruction of parking tags; penalty
Section 20ELiability of lessors of motor vehicles for parking violations
Section 20FRepealed, 1982, 586, Sec. 1
Section 20GFailure 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 20HFailure to pay required toll; Tobin Bridge; motor vehicle license renewals; registration of motor vehicles
Section 21Arrest without warrant
Section 22Suspension or revocation of certificate of registration or license; notice
Section 22ASuspension of operator’s license or registration certificates, unsatisfied judgment; reinstatement of license
Section 22BAbandonment of motor vehicles; penalties; non-criminal proceedings
Section 22CAbandoned motor vehicles; removal and disposal
Section 22DSuspension of license for automobile law violation; reinstatement
Section 22EAbandoned vehicles; removal of parts; penalty
Section 22FHabitual traffic offender; revocation of license; reinstatement
Section 22GLittering; suspension of license
Section 22HSafe transportation of animals
Section 22ISuspension 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 23Operation of motor vehicle after suspension or revocation of license; concealment of identity of motor vehicle
Section 24Driving while under influence of intoxicating liquor, etc.; second and subsequent offenses; punishment; treatment programs; reckless and unauthorized driving; failure to stop after collision
Section 241/2Ignition 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 24AUse of motor vehicles in commission of felony, larceny or other crimes
Section 24BStealing, 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 24CRepealed, 1966, 317, Sec. 1
Section 24DProbation of persons convicted of driving under the influence; driver alcohol education program; alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs; fees; indigents; gifts and grants; report
Section 24EDismissal of charges upon compliance with terms of probation; records; reports
Section 24FCivil liability to owner for unauthorized use of motor vehicle
Section 24GHomicide by motor vehicle; punishment
Section 24HRemoval 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 24IPossession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles
Section 24JInquiry of defendant convicted of driving under influence of intoxicating liquors as to establishment serving alcohol
Section 24KChemical breath analysis; validity; testing procedures; report forms
Section 24LSerious bodily injury by motor vehicle while under influence of intoxicating substance; penalties
Section 24MTraining for law enforcement personnel regarding alcohol-related offenses; alcohol sensitive selective traffic enforcement program
Section 24NSuspension of operator’s license upon issuance of complaint; hearing
Section 24OStatement to defendant regarding further violations
Section 24PMinors; further violations; education and treatment programs
Section 24QAlcohol or drug assessment as condition for certain sentences imposed under chapter
Section 24RRevocation for life of license or right to operate
Section 24SOperation of motor vehicle on public way in violation of ignition interlock device license restriction; penalties
Section 24TTampering with ignition interlock device; penalties
Section 24UStarting motor vehicle equipped with ignition interlock device for another person under a restricted license
Section 24VChild endangerment while operating a motor vehicle or vessel under the influence; penalties; suspension of license
Section 24WForfeiture of motor vehicle owned by certain drunk driving offenders; procedure; Operating Under the Influence Deterrent Trust Fund
Section 24XCancellation of registration for motor vehicles owned by certain drunk driving offenders
Section 25Refusal to submit to police officer
Section 26Accident reports; supplemental report; penalty for violation
Section 26ALicenses and learner’s permits; reporting changes of name and address
Section 27Court records; motor vehicle violations
Section 28Appeals and hearings
Section 29Deputy registrar, chief deputy registrar, etc.; appointment; duties; investigation of motor vehicle accidents; suspension or revocation of licenses
Section 29ARepealed, 1961, 592, Sec. 2
Section 30Records of registrar; certified copies; destruction
Section 30AComputer terminals under control of registrar; restricted use
Section 30A1/2Agreements with third party entities by registrar
Section 30BInterstate compact; motor vehicle convictions
Section 31Use and operation of motor vehicles or trailers; conduct of operators and chauffeurs; rules and regulations
Section 31ATransportation by motor vehicle of personal property; rules and regulations
Section 32Records; manufacturers and dealers of motor vehicles or trailers; garages and open air parking spaces
Section 32ARestoration of original identifying number of motor vehicle; certificate
Section 32BRepealed, 1934, 209, Sec. 2
Section 32CLeasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; registration of distance by mechanical devices; deception by lessor or lessee; leasing to intoxicated or unlicensed persons; redelivery
Section 32DLeasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; records
Section 32ELeasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; operation of vehicles or use of trailers; insurance coverage
Section 32E1/2Rental agreements; collision damage waivers; notices; exclusions; penalties
Section 32E3/4Rental agreements; separately stated surcharges, fees or charges; vehicle license cost recovery fee
Section 32FLeasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; fraud; violations; penalties
Section 32GInstruction 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 32G1/2Advanced driver training program certification
Section 32HLessors of motorcycles; licensing
Section 32IRepealed, 1991, 489, Sec. 16
Section 32JVehicles in fleet of car-sharing organization; display of registration plates
Section 33Fees
Section 33AMotor vehicles; certificates of registration; signatures
Section 33BTraffic control signs, safety devices and improvements; installation and construction costs; high-accident locations; funding limits
Section 34Disposition of fees
Section 341/2Repealed, 2009, 25, Sec. 82
Section 34ADefinitions applicable to Secs. 34A to 34N
Section 34BCertificates of insurance or surety companies; contents; copies
Section 34CSingle motor vehicle liability policy or bond covering several motor vehicles
Section 34DRegistration application; cash deposit in lieu of liability bond or policy; satisfaction of judgment
Section 34EReceipt for and retention of cash or securities deposited
Section 34FNotice to registrar upon service of writ or summons in action against depositor
Section 34GActions against surety company
Section 34HRevocation of registration of motor vehicle upon notice of cancellation of motor vehicle liability policy or bond; notice to owner; new certificate
Section 34IRecords and books of registrar
Section 34JOperating motor vehicle without liability policy, bond or security deposit
Section 34KCancellation of policies; notice
Section 34LRepealed, 1968, 643, Sec. 6
Section 34MPersonal injury protection
Section 34NAssigned claims plan
Section 34OProperty damage liability insurance or bonds
Section 34PNotice to law enforcement officials; failure to provide or maintain liability policy, bond or deposit; seizure of registration plates
Section 34QNonowner operators, hired motor vehicles; insurance coverage by endorsements
Section 34REstimate of cost of exterior repairs; notice
Section 35Definitions applicable to Secs. 35 to 52
Section 35AStructures within airport approaches; regulation of location and height
Section 35BStructures within airport approaches; permits for erection or addition
Section 35CStructures within airport approaches; application for permit; notice of denial; hearing
Section 35DStructures within airport approaches; maintenance, repair or replacement; initial approval
Section 36 to 38Repealed, 1946, 583, Sec. 2
Section 39Aeronautics commission; powers; rules and regulations
Section 39APlan for development of airports and air navigation facilities
Section 39BCertificate of approval; municipal airport site or restricted landing area; application; hearing; issuance
Section 39CReimbursement of towns and cities for airport construction; federal funds
Section 39DRepealed, 1948, 637, Sec. 11
Section 39EEngineering or technical services of commission to cities and towns
Section 39FReimbursement of city or town constructing, establishing or enlarging airport
Section 39GApplicability of Secs. 35 to 52 to counties
Section 40Purposes of aeronautics commission; discretionary powers of commission; enforcement of laws
Section 40AAirport approach regulations by cities or towns
Section 40BReasonableness of airport approach regulations
Section 40CAdoption, amendment or repeal of airport approach regulations; public hearing
Section 40DErection, replacement or alteration of structures or trees; variance
Section 40EAdministrative agency
Section 40FRemoval of structures erected in violation of regulations; trees; procedure
Section 40GProtection of airport approaches; removal of structures and trees; compensation
Section 40HAppeal by aggrieved corporations
Section 40IApproval of regulations by commission
Section 41Investigations or hearings; accidents
Section 42Equitable jurisdiction of superior court
Section 43Public inspection of copies of orders, rules and regulations
Section 44Penalties
Section 45Appeals
Section 46Altitude of aircraft flights
Section 47Federal pilot’s license, permit or certificate
Section 48Aircraft license, permit or certificate
Section 49Registration of federal certificates; fees; exceptions
Section 49ARetention of court records of cases involving violations of Secs. 35 to 52; abstracts
Section 49BDefinitions applicable to Secs. 49B to 49R
Section 49CAdministration and enforcement of Secs. 49B to 49R; hearings; judicial review
Section 49DAccident reports; security; suspension of aircraft registration; waiver
Section 49EPolicy or bond of insurer or surety company
Section 49FRestoration or renewal of registration or non-resident’s operating privilege
Section 49GCertificate of self-insurance
Section 49HCertificate of registration or non-resident’s operating privilege; allowance; suspension; notice
Section 49ISecurity; form; limits; reduction or increase
Section 49JDelivery and release of security
Section 49KCommission; availability of information and material
Section 49LTransfer of aircraft registration following suspension of owner’s registration
Section 49MReturn of suspended registration certificate
Section 49NIllegal operation of aircraft; failure to return suspended registration certificate
Section 49OApplication of Secs. 49B to 49R to certain aircraft
Section 49PAvailability of other legal processes; enforcement
Section 49QService of process; proof of service
Section 49RDischarge in bankruptcy
Section 49SSeverability; constitutionality
Section 49TInterpretation and construction of uniform aircraft financial responsibility act
Section 50Appointment of administrator for aeronautics as attorney for service of process
Section 50A to 50LInoperative February 17, 1959 upon title vesting in the Massachusetts Port Authority. See 1956, 465, Sec. 32; 1958, 599, Sec. 12
Section 51Repealed, 1946, 613, Sec. 1
Section 51A to 51CRepealed, 1948, 637, Sec. 11
Section 51DMunicipal airports and air navigation facilities
Section 51EAirport commissions for municipal airports; members; vacancies; airport managers
Section 51FLeasing of land at airports
Section 51GAcquisition of property to establish airport; eminent domain; purchase; lease
Section 51HCharges or rentals for use of properties, facilities, installations; terms and conditions of contracts
Section 51IPower of commission; expenditure of funds; contracts for maintenance, operation, construction and enlargement of airports
Section 51JRules and regulations; use of airports; safety of public
Section 51KFederal funds; receipt by aeronautics commission; bids; contracts; loans in anticipation of funds
Section 51LContracts for construction, enlargement or improvement of airports by airport commission
Section 51MExclusive contracts, permits or licenses to transport persons for hire or to receive or deliver passengers at airports
Section 51NEstablishment, maintenance and operation of airport by municipalities as joint enterprise; contents of agreement; joint airport commission
Section 52Partial unconstitutionality and invalidity of Secs. 35 to 51
Section 53 to 60Repealed, 1935, 418, Sec. 2
Section 61Logan Airport security zone; access; penalties