Massachusetts driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Massachusetts asks, answered in two or three sentences from Massachusetts’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
You must carry a valid license on you or within easy reach in the car. If you refuse to show your license, the officer may arrest you. Massachusetts law sets a $100 fine for refusing to show your license without a reasonable excuse.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual pp. 27, 58 · Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 25 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
Under Massachusetts law, you can be ticketed for holding or reading your phone while driving. The fine is $100 the first time, $250 the second, and $500 after that, plus a distracted-driving program from the second offense. It's a defense if you were reporting an emergency, like a crash or needing medical help.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual p. 39 · Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 13B · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
You can be charged with driving without a license, which is a criminal offense. Your license is suspended 60 days the first time, 180 days the second, 1 year after that.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual p. 11 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
For your first 6 months with a Junior Operator's License, you can't carry anyone under 18 except immediate family. That's lifted when someone at least 21 with at least 1 year of driving experience sits beside you.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual p. 10 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
You have to wait 2 weeks after failing your road test before you can take another one.
Sources: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles — Schedule your road test | Mass.gov · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
You need to hold a valid learner's permit for at least 6 consecutive months before you take the road test.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual p. 9 · Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles — Junior Operator License (JOL) requirements | Mass.gov · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
Massachusetts law says a car can't be registered without compulsory liability insurance. You must also carry property damage liability insurance of at least $30,000 per accident.
Sources: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 1A · Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 34O · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
You must stop, even after a small crash, because leaving the scene is against the law. You must report it if anyone is killed or hurt, or the damage is $1,000 or more. Not filing that report can bring a fine and a suspended or revoked license.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual pp. 129, 131 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual p. 111 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, you can't hold your phone at a red light. You can only use a hand-held device when you're stopped and out of a public travel lane.
Sources: Massachusetts driver’s manual p. 39 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Massachusetts law, speeding in a school zone is a fine of at least $50, plus $10 for each mph over 10 mph above the limit. A $50 surcharge is added on top. With a learner's permit, your permit is also suspended for 90 days on a first offense.
Sources: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 17 · Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 20 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Under Massachusetts law, driving without a licensed driver who is 21 or older, with at least 1 year of experience, beside you counts as driving without a license. On top of any fine, your permit is suspended for 60 days the first time, 180 days the second time, and 1 year after that. You also have to reapply for your permit before you can get a license, and the suspension notice goes to you and your parent or guardian.
Sources: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 8B · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Massachusetts driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Massachusetts’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question