Chapter 90

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Section 2C Repealed, 1973, 925, Sec. 11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; Boston Marathon tragedy 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 2J Commercial motor carriers prohibited from operating in interstate commerce by federal agency
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 3 1/2 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 7D 1/2 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 7N 1/2 Defective or malfunctioning new motor vehicles; sale and repair or replacement
Section 7N 1/4 Express warranty by dealer of used motor vehicle; issuance; consumer's rights and remedies
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 7R 1/2 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 safety and emissions inspection 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 8A 1/2 Operators of school buses under Sec. 7D; licensing; exceptions; timing
Section 8B Learner's permits
Section 8C Medical advisory board; standards of fitness for applicants for learner's permits or licenses
Section 8D Donor 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 8E Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; application; REAL ID–compliance; 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 8N Gender designations on applications for license, permit or identification card
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; emergencies; penalties
Section 13C Amphibious sight-seeing vehicles; operation on public ways; 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 14C School bus violation detection monitoring systems; taking of photographic and video images; production of evidence files; reporting
Section 14D School bus violation detection monitoring systems; review of evidence file by law enforcement officer; issuance of citation; sworn certificate as prima facie evidence; availability of photographic and video images for inspection in proceedings
Section 14E School bus violation detection monitoring systems; liability of registered owner of violating vehicle; liability of corporate owner or lessee of violating vehicle; effect of penalties imposed for violations; issuance of citation
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 17C Establishment of 25-miles-per-hour speed limit in thickly settled or business district in city or town; violation
Section 17D Speed limits in active construction zones
Section 18 Special regulations, speed and use of vehicles
Section 18A Pedestrians, use of ways; rules and regulations; violations; notice
Section 18B Establishment of designated safety zones for ways in city or town; violation
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 20A 1/2 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 22 1/2 Suspension of right to operate based upon violation of Sec. 32E of chapter 94C
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 24 1/2 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 30A 1/2 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 32E 0.875 Police training surcharge upon vehicular rental transaction contracts
Section 32E 1/2 Rental agreements; collision damage waivers; notices; exclusions; penalties
Section 32E 3/4 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 32G 1/2 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 34 1/2 Repealed, 2009, 25, Sec. 82
Section 34A Definitions applicable to Secs. 34A to 34N
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 applicable to Secs. 35 to 52
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 of Secs. 35 to 52; abstracts
Section 49B Definitions applicable to 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
Section 62 Notice to police department regarding suspensions or revocations pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of Sec. 22, Secs. 22F, 22I, 24, 241/2, 24D, 24G or 24L
Section 63 Collection and maintenance of traffic stop data; use and storage of data; preparation of analysis and report; annual public report; public hearings

Chapter 90

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Chapter 90: MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT