Massachusetts General Laws

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has put up a web site with the General Laws of Massachusetts.

Here are links to selected laws that apply to highway and road safety:
 

Chap 89, Sec 1 Meeting vehicles
Chap 89, Sec 2 Passing vehicle traveling in the same direction
Chap 89, Sec 4 Keeping to the right while view is obstructed
Chap 89, Sec 4B Driving in the lane nearest the right side of the road
Chap 89, Sec 5 PENALTIES
Chap 89, Sec 7 Right of way of fire engines, patrol vehicles and ambulances
Chap 89, Sec 7A Restriction on use of ways upon approach of emergency vehicles
Chap 89, Sec 8 Right-of-way at intersecting ways; turning on red signals
Chap 89, Sec 9 Designation of highways as trough ways; erection and maintenance of stop and yield signs and other traffic control device; obedience to traffic control signs and devices; PENALTIES
Chap 89, Sec 11 Marked crosswalks; yielding right of way to pedestrians; PENALTIES
Chap 90, Sec 7AA Child passenger restraints; FINES; violation as evidence in civil action
Chap 90, Sec 13A Seat belt use requirement; exceptions; FINES; effect of violation
Chap 90, Sec 14 Precautions for safety of other travelers
Chap 90, Sec 14A Protection of blind pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross ways
Chap 90, Sec 14B Uniform stopping and turning signals on ways.
Chap 90, Sec 16 Offensive or illegal operation of motor vehicles
Chap 90, Sec 17 Speed limits
Chap 90, Sec 17A Speed limit on certain interstate highways.
Chap 90, Sec 18 Special regulations as to speed and as to use of vehicles
Chap 90, Sec 18A Use of ways by pedestrians; rules and regulations; violations
Chap 90, Sec 20 PENALTIES and PUNISHMENTS
Chap 90, Sec 22F Habitual traffic offender; revocation of license; requirements for reinstatement
Chap 90, Sec 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
   
 

If you have any questions about what these or other highway safety-related laws mean, please e-mail us. We will add the questions/answers to our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page.