Chapter 90

---

Chapter 90: MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT

• 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• Section 2C Repealed, 1973, 925, Sec. 11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 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 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 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 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 7D1/2 Transportation of vocational school students; motor vehicle requirements; seat belts
• Section 7N1/2 Defective or malfunctioning new motor vehicles; sale and repair or replacement
• Section 7N1/4 Express warranty by dealer of used motor vehicle; issuance; consumer's rights and remedies
• Section 7R1/2 Dealers insignias, logos or plates; placement on motor vehicles; consent
• Section 8 Operator's licenses; applications; examinations
• Section 8A Operators of school buses; licensing; training; instructors
• 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 8A1/2 Operators of school buses under Sec. 7D; licensing; exceptions; timing
• 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 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 20A1/2 Cities of Boston and Cambridge; parking violations; tags; appearance; failure to appear; adjudication by mail
• 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 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 30B Interstate compact; motor vehicle convictions
• Section 30A1/2 Agreements with third party entities by registrar
• Section 31 Use and operation of motor vehicles or trailers; conduct of operators and chauffeurs; rules and regulations
• Section 31/2 Commonwealth residency factors; access to information in nonpublic records; certification of facts; motor vehicle registration misrepresentations; penalties and fines
• 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 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 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 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 32E7/8 Police training surcharge upon vehicular rental transaction contracts
• Section 32G1/2 Advanced driver training program certification
• 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 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
• Section 221/2 Suspension of right to operate based upon violation of Sec. 32E of chapter 94C
• 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 341/2 Repealed, 2009, 25, Sec. 82