Massachusetts driving law, answered
Every answer here comes from Massachusetts Driver's Manual and, where the manual is silent, the Massachusetts General Laws: Chapter 89: Law of the Road, Chapter 90 (§§ 1–34R, 62–63): Motor Vehicles, Chapter 90C: Procedure for Motor Vehicle Offenses, Chapter 85 (§§ 2E, 10A–11E, 14A–17B, 36): Ways and Bridges, Chapter 138 (§§ 34–34C): Alcoholic Liquors and Persons under 21, with the page or the section it is in.
Statutes fetched on 7 October 2026; manuals fetched on 14 September 2026. How the answers are made
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
You may not park within ten feet of a fire hydrant or a fire lane. A hose has to reach the hydrant, and a fire truck has to reach the hose. Ten feet is the working room.
Within ten feet of a fire hydrant or fire lane
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you park in or near an intersection?
You may not park within 20 feet of an intersection. A car parked at the corner hides the cross traffic from everybody approaching. Twenty feet is what it takes to see around it.
In Massachusetts, you may not park your vehicle in certain places: • In a zone posted with a NO PARKING, NO STANDING, or NO STOPPING sign • In a bicycle lane • In a bus stop (the penalty for parking in a posted bus stop is $100) • In a taxi stand • In a zone and at a time posted for street cleaning • In a posted loading zone • Within 20 feet of an intersection
As of 14 Sep 2026
How close to the curb must you park?
Parking in a business or residential district means your vehicle must be no more than 12 inches from the curb, unless angled parking is allowed. Twelve inches is a hand span. Further out and the car sticks into the lane traffic uses.
If you park in a business or residential district, your vehicle must be no more than 12 inches from the curb.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
If a school bus has its lights flashing and a stop sign extended you must stop, whichever side of the road you are on. Children cross in front of the bus to get to the other side. Passing it is arriving where they are walking.
If a school bus or a school pupil transport vehicle has its lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you must stop. It is the law. It does not matter which side of the road you are traveling on.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What must you do when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
Approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, you must proceed with caution and reduce your speed to one that is reasonable and safe. The speed comes down whether or not you can change lanes. Somebody is standing beside that vehicle.
The “move-over law” (Chapter 418 of the Acts of 2008) requires that if you are approaching a stationary emergency vehicle and it is displaying its flashing lights, you must proceed with caution and reduce your speed to that of a reasonable and safe speed for the road conditions.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far behind a fire truck answering an alarm may you follow?
It is illegal to follow closer than 300 feet behind an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm. Following one to get through traffic puts you inside the space it may need to stop or turn.
It is illegal to follow closer than 300 feet behind an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you turn on your headlights?
You must use headlights and taillights from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. The half hour either side is the part drivers forget. Dusk is when the eye is worst and the lights are still off.
You must use your headlights and taillights: • From one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
You must lower your high beams to low beam within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead of you. The two distances are different because the mirror throws the light straight back into the other driver's eyes from closer in.
You must lower your high beam headlights to low beam when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet of a vehicle traveling ahead of you.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a seat belt?
Massachusetts law requires every person in a passenger vehicle to wear a safety belt or sit in a child passenger restraint. It reaches everybody in the car, not only the front seats. An unbelted passenger in the back is a loose weight that hits whoever is in front of them.
Massachusetts law requires every person in a passenger motor vehicle (including vans and small trucks under 18,000 lbs.) to wear a safety belt or sit in a child passenger restraint.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must a child ride in a car seat?
A child must sit in a federally approved child passenger restraint until they are at least eight years old or at least 57 inches tall. Either one ends the requirement, whichever comes first. An adult belt on a small child crosses the neck instead of the chest.
Infants and small children must sit in federally approved child passenger restraints until they... 1. Are at least eight years old or 2. At least fifty-seven inches tall
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?
You are operating above the legal limit if you have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. It is the number every other alcohol rule hangs from. Above it, nothing about how well you feel matters.
You are operating above the legal limit if you have a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21?
Massachusetts has a zero-tolerance law: a driver under 21 caught with a blood alcohol content as low as 0.02 loses their license. One drink can reach 0.02 in an average person. For a driver under 21 that is the whole margin.
If you are under 21 and are caught with a BAC as low as 0.02 while driving, you will lose your license.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood alcohol test?
If your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit or you refuse a test, the officer must take your license and give you a notice of suspension effective immediately. There is no waiting for a court date. The license goes at the roadside.
the police officer must take away your license. You will be given a notice of suspension, which is effective immediately
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you use a handheld phone while driving?
Using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving is prohibited in Massachusetts. The ban is on holding it at all, not on typing. A phone in the hand is a hand off the wheel and eyes off the road.
The use of hand-held mobile electronic devices (including cell phones) while driving is prohibited in Massachusetts
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you text while driving?
Section 13B. (a) No operator of a motor vehicle shall hold a mobile electronic device. No operator of a motor vehicle shall use a mobile electronic device unless the device is being used in hands-free mode. No operator of a motor vehicle shall read or view text, images or video displayed on a mobile electronic device; provided, however, that an operator may view a map generated by a navigation system or application on a mobile electronic device that is mounted on or affixed to a vehicle's windshield, dashboard or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this section, an operator shall not be considered to be operating a motor vehicle if the vehicle is stationary and not located in a part of the public way intended for travel by a motor vehicle or bicycle.
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 13B
As of 7 Oct 2026
How far before a turn must you signal?
Signal your turn at least 100 feet before making it, and at least 500 feet before a turn on a highway. A hundred feet is about seven car lengths. Signaling as you begin to brake is signaling too late.
Signal your turn at least 100 feet before making the turn. On a highway, signal at least 500 feet before a turn.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn right on a red light?
You must come to a complete stop at a red light, and may then turn right unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. The stop comes first and is not optional. The turn is a permission that the sign can take away.
You must come to a complete stop at a red traffic light. You may then turn right unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn left on a red light onto a one-way street?
You can turn left on a red light only when driving on a one-way street and turning onto another one-way street. Both streets have to be one-way. On any other pair of streets a left on red is simply running the light.
You can turn left on a red light when driving on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Where are U-turns not allowed?
Do not make a U-turn at the crest of a hill, near a curve, or anywhere you or other drivers cannot see 500 feet away. Five hundred feet is how far a car at highway speed travels while you are still sideways in the road.
Do not make a U-turn at the crest of a hill, near a curve, or anyplace where you or other drivers cannot see 500 feet away.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a residential street when no sign is posted?
Unless posted otherwise, your speed is not reasonable and proper above 30 mph in a thickly settled or business district. Thirty is the default where the buildings are close together, and some towns post twenty-five instead.
Unless posted otherwise, your speed would not be reasonable and proper if you drive over... • 20 mph in a school zone • 30 mph in a thickly settled or business district (unless there are signs showing a 25 mph limit)
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a highway outside town when no sign is posted?
Unless posted otherwise, your speed is not reasonable and proper above 50 mph on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district. Fifty is the highest of the four defaults, and it applies only on a highway away from the buildings.
Unless posted otherwise, your speed would not be reasonable and proper if you drive over... • 20 mph in a school zone • 30 mph in a thickly settled or business district (unless there are signs showing a 25 mph limit) • 40 mph outside a thickly settled or business district • 50 mph on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit in a school zone?
The speed limit on roads near schools is 20 mph. It is the same twenty as the speed list, said again, because drivers forget it when school is out.
The speed limit on roads near schools is 20 mph.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
You may pass on the right when the vehicle you are passing is making, or is about to make, a left turn. The left-turning car has left the right side of its lane free. That is the only reason the pass is allowed.
The vehicle you are passing is making, or is about to make, a left turn.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you wear headphones while driving?
It is illegal to wear a radio headset or headphones while driving, though a driver 18 or older may use one earplug with a cell phone. Two covered ears take away the siren behind you. The single earplug is allowed because one ear is still listening to the road.
If you are 18 or older, you can use one earplug for use with a cell phone.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you have an open container of alcohol in the car?
You may not have an open alcoholic drink inside your vehicle, even if someone else is holding it. Whose drink it is does not matter. An open container in the car is the offense.
You may not have an open alcoholic drink inside your vehicle, even if someone else is holding it.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How old must you be to get a learner's permit?
You must be at least 16 to apply for a Class D or Class M learner's permit. Sixteen is where the whole process starts. Nothing before it counts, and a birthday is the only thing that moves it.
To apply for a Class D (passenger vehicle) or a Class M (motorcycle) learner's permit, you must be at least 16.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long must you hold a learner's permit before a license?
To obtain a Junior Operator's License you must have held a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months before the road test. The six months are consecutive, so a suspension does not pause them, it restarts them. That is the trap a driver finds out about the week of the test.
Have a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must ride with you when you drive on a learner's permit?
A permit holder may drive while accompanied by a licensed operator who is at least 21 years old. The supervising driver is there to catch what a beginner misses. Alone, the permit is not a license to drive; it is a license to practice.
A learner's permit gives you permission to drive (accompanied by a licensed operator at least 21 years old) while you practice your driving skills and prepare for your road test.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What hours may a provisional driver not drive?
A Junior Operator may not drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless a parent or legal guardian is with them. Half past midnight is the line for a license, and midnight is the line for a permit. Thirty minutes is the whole of the difference between them.
you may not operate a motor vehicle between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How many passengers may a new provisional driver carry?
For the first six months after getting a Junior Operator's License you may not carry anyone under 18 other than an immediate family member. Friends in the car are the single biggest thing that distracts a new driver. The six months are there to get the driving solid before the car fills up.
You may not operate a motor vehicle within the first six months after receiving your JOL while any person under age 18 is in the vehicle (other than you or an immediate family member)
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the penalty for littering from a vehicle?
Section 22G. The registrar may, after due hearing, suspend for a period not exceeding seven days the license or permit to operate motor vehicles or the right of a person to operate motor vehicles in the commonwealth of any person who litters, or who knowingly permits, as the operator, occupants of his vehicle to litter, public or private property through the disposal of trash or garbage from said motor vehicle.
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 22G
As of 7 Oct 2026
What is the fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first conviction for operating under the influence brings a fine of $500 to $5,000, up to 2 1/2 years in prison, and a one year license suspension. The first offense is already a year off the road. Nothing about it is a warning.
First Offense $500–$5,000 Maximum 2 1/2 years One Year
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long can you be jailed for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first conviction for operating under the influence brings a fine of $500 to $5,000, up to 2 1/2 years in prison, and a one year license suspension. The first offense is already a year off the road. Nothing about it is a warning.
First Offense $500–$5,000 Maximum 2 1/2 years One Year
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long is your license suspended for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first conviction for operating under the influence brings a fine of $500 to $5,000, up to 2 1/2 years in prison, and a one year license suspension. The first offense is already a year off the road. Nothing about it is a warning.
First Offense $500–$5,000 Maximum 2 1/2 years One Year
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you install an ignition interlock after a drunk-driving conviction?
A driver with two or more operating under the influence offenses who becomes eligible for a hardship license or reinstatement must have an Ignition Interlock Device. It is not optional and the driver pays for it. The device is what a second offense buys.
If you had two or more operating under the influence offenses and are eligible for a hardship license or for license reinstatement, you must have an Ignition Interlock Device.
As of 14 Sep 2026
At what blood alcohol level do drunk-driving penalties increase?
Section 24Q. A mandatory condition of any sentence imposed for: (1) a conviction or an assignment to an alcohol or controlled substance education, treatment or rehabilitation program if evidence in the prosecution of a violation of this chapter or chapter 90B was that a person's blood alcohol percentage, by weight, was not less.20 or (2) an assignment to an alcohol or controlled substance education, treatment or rehabilitation program or a conviction for violating paragraph (a) of subdivision (1) of section 24, subsection (a) of section 24G, operating a motor vehicle with a percentage by weight of blood alcohol of eight one-hundredths or greater, or while under the influence of intoxicating liquor in violation of subsection (b) of said section 24G, section 24L, subsection (a) of section 8 of chapter 90B, section 8A or 8B of chapter 90B, or section 131/2 of chapter 265 or, in the case of any other jurisdiction, for any like offense, if the person being sentenced has previously been so assigned or convicted of a like offense, shall be that such person complete an alcohol or drug assessment conducted by the department of public health or other court-approved program. The assessment shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment of the level of the offender's addiction to alcohol or drugs, and the department's recommended course of treatment. Such assessment and recommended course of treatment shall be reported to the offender's probation or parole officer. No person shall be excluded from an assessment for inability to pay if the offender files an affidavit of indigency or inability to pay with the court and an investigation by the probation or parole officer confirms such indigency or establishes that such payment would cause a grave and serious hardship to the offender or his family, and the court enters written findings relative thereto. The commissioner of public health may make such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper to carry out this section.
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 24Q
As of 7 Oct 2026
How many points on your license lead to a suspension?
Three surchargeable events within a two-year period may bring a suspension, and the Registry will send you to a Driver Retraining course. The course is the way out. Ignoring the letter turns a warning into an indefinite suspension.
If you have three surchargeable events within a two-year period, your license may be suspended.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the fine for texting while driving?
(d) A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of $100 for a first offense, by a fine of $250 for a second offense and by a fine of $500 for a third or subsequent offense. In addition to any fines pursuant to this subsection, an operator who commits a second or subsequent offense under this section or section 8M shall be required to complete a program selected by the registrar of motor vehicles that encourages a change in driver behavior and attitude about distracted driving. Nothing in this subsection shall authorize the seizure or forfeiture of a hands-free mobile telephone or a mobile electronic device.
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 13B(d)
As of 7 Oct 2026
Who must wear a protective helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle?
Section 7. Every motor vehicle operated in or upon any way shall be provided with brakes adequate to control the movement of such vehicle and conforming to rules and regulations made by the registrar, and such brakes shall at all times be maintained in good working order. Every automobile shall be provided with at least two braking systems, one of which shall be the service brake system, and the other shall be the parking brake system, each with a separate means of application, each operating directly or indirectly on at least two wheels and each of which shall suffice alone to stop said automobile within a proper distance as defined in said rules and regulations; provided, that if such systems are connected, combined or have any part in common, such systems shall be so constructed that a breaking of any one element thereof will not leave the automobile without brakes acting directly or indirectly on at least two wheels; and provided, further, that a tractor having a draw-bar pull rating of ten horse power or less and capable of a maximum speed of not more than eighteen miles an hour and designed specially for use elsewhere than on the traveled part of ways may be operated thereon if equipped with a single braking system which shall suffice to stop such tractor within a proper distance as aforesaid. Every automobile equipped with an hydraulic braking system whether or not assisted by other means, which provides braking action on four or more wheels, shall be equipped with a service brake system so arranged as to provide separate systems for at least two wheels and so designed and constructed that rupture or leakage-type failure of any single pressure component of the service brake system, except structural failures of the brake master cylinder body, effectiveness indicator body, or other housing common to the divided system, will not result in complete loss of function of the vehicle brakes when force on the brake pedal is continued. ''Pressure component'' means any internal component of the brake master cylinder or master control unit, wheel brake cylinder, brake line, brake hose, or equivalent, except vacuum assist components. Except in the case of a school bus or fire apparatus, every motor vehicle and every tractor which is designed and used for drawing another vehicle, having an unladen weight of more than ten thousand pounds, shall be equipped with full air brakes or hydraulic brakes with vacuum power assist or air power assist. All braking systems shall be constructed and designed so as to permit modulated control of brake application and release by the operator from the normal operating position. Every trailer or semi-trailer having an unladen weight of more than ten thousand pounds shall be equipped with air or electric brakes. One braking system shall be so constructed that it can be set to hold the automobile stationary. Each motorcycle shall have either a split service brake system or two independently actuated service brake systems. Any motorcycle which has a number or registration plate issued under the provisions of section six A of said chapter ninety or which was not manufactured with either a split service brake system or two independently actuated service brake systems, shall be required to have one brake system adequate to stop said motorcycle within a proper distance, as defined in rules and regulations made by the registrar. Every automobile used on a way by a person in giving driving instruction for compensation shall be equipped with dual brake controls whereby he may apply the brake while the pupil is driving. Every motor vehicle so operated shall be provided with a muffler or other suitable device to prevent unnecessary noise and with a suitable bell, horn or other means of signalling, with suitable lamps, and with a lock, key or other device to prevent such vehicle from being set in motion by unauthorized persons, or otherwise contrary to the will of the owner or person in charge thereof. Every automobile operated during the period from one half an hour after sunset to one half an hour before sunrise, and during any other period when visibility is reduced by atmospheric conditions so as to render dangerous further operation without lights being displayed, shall display at least two lighted white headlamps with at least one mounted at each side of the front of the vehicle or if parked within the limits of a way at least one white or amber light on the side of the automobile nearer the center of the way, and every motorcycle so operated at least one white headlamp and every such motorcycle with a sidecar attached, in addition, one such light on the front of the sidecar, and every motor truck, trailer and commercial motor vehicle used solely as such, having a carrying capacity of three tons or over, in addition, an amber light attached to the extreme left of the front of such vehicle, so attached and adjusted as to indicate the extreme left lateral extension of the vehicle or load, which shall in all cases aforesaid be visible not less than two hundred feet in the direction toward which the vehicle is proceeding or facing; provided, that an automobile need display no light when parked within the limits of a way in a space in which unlighted parking is permitted by the rules or regulations of the board or officer having control of such way. Every motor vehicle and trailer so operated shall be equipped with two rear lights mounted one at each side of the rear of the vehicle so as to show two red lights from behind and a white light so arranged as to illuminate and not obscure the rear number plate and shall be equipped with two stop lights mounted and displayed in a like manner of a type complying with minimum standards for construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe; provided, however, that a two-wheeled motorcycle, an antique motor car and a farm tractor need be equipped with only one such rear red light and one suitable stop light in addition to the number plate illuminator; and provided, further, that a trailer having a gross weight of three thousand pounds or less which does not obscure the required lights of the towing vehicle need be equipped with only one such rear red light and one white light so arranged as to illuminate and not obscure the rear number plate. No motor vehicle so operated shall mount or display a flashing, rotating or oscillating light in any direction except pursuant to section seven E of this chapter; provided, however, that this shall not apply to the use of rear directional signals nor to the proper use of vehicle hazard warning signals as provided for by this section. In no event, however, shall the registrar prohibit any commercial auto parts dealer, motor vehicle repair shop or station from selling, offering for sale or installing quartz-halogen headlamps which receive a certificate of approval from the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators or which meet the standards of the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) nor shall any provision of this section prohibit any person from using, purchasing or installing a quartz-halogen headlamp as herein described. Every motor vehicle or trailer so operated which carries a load or object extending four feet or more beyond the cab or body of such vehicle shall display at the extreme rear end of such load or object a red light plainly visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the sides and rear, and shall display in place thereof a red flag or cloth not less than twelve inches square during the period when motor vehicles are not required to display lights. Every commercial motor vehicle or trailer weighing, with its load, more than twelve thousand pounds, shall, in addition to such rear light, be equipped with a red reflector of a type complying with such minimum standards for construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe, so placed at the rear of such vehicle as to reflect rays of light thrown upon such reflector from behind. No headlamp or rear lamp shall be used on any motor vehicle so operated unless such headlamp or rear lamp is of a type complying with such minimum standards for construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least one mirror so placed and adjusted as to afford the operator a clear, reflected view of the highway to the rear and left side of the vehicle. Every motor vehicle or trailer, excepting passenger motor vehicles, operated in or upon any way shall be equipped with suitable guards which will effectively reduce the spray or splash to the rear of mud, water or slush caused by the rear wheels thereof. Every passenger motor vehicle which is equipped with tires which extend beyond the fenders or body of such vehicle and which is operated in or upon any way shall be equipped with flaps or suitable guards to reduce such spray or splash to the rear and sides. Every motor vehicle registered in the commonwealth which is privately owned and operated and designed for the carriage of passengers and which is used primarily for pleasure or for pleasure and business, including every such vehicle furnished for hire by a rental car agency but excluding every such vehicle used for public or commercial purposes, shall be equipped with two seat safety belts for the use of occupants of the front seats. No safety belt installed in a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this section or in accordance with the provisions of federal law or the rules or regulations issued by the United States Department of Transportation, shall be removed from said motor vehicle except for the purpose of repairs. Every motor vehicle registered in the commonwealth shall be equipped with a device to permit the front and rear directional signals to flash simultaneously, said device to be operated only when the vehicle is disabled or stopped in the event of emergency on or at the side of any way. Every person operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle shall wear protective head gear conforming with such minimum standards of construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe, and no person operating a motorcycle shall permit any other person to ride as a passenger on such motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to such motorcycle unless such passenger is wearing such protective head gear, except that no protective head gear shall be required if the motorcyclist is participating in a properly permitted public parade and is 18 years of age or older. If a motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen, the operator of such motorcycle shall wear eye glasses, goggles or a protective face shield when operating such vehicle. Every motor vehicle truck with dump bodies shall be equipped with an adequate audible warning system to alert the operator when the dump body is in an upright and elevated position. No person operating a motorcycle shall permit any person to ride as a passenger, unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person; and no person operating a motorcycle shall permit a passenger to ride in front of said operator.
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 7
As of 7 Oct 2026
How much light must a tinted side or rear window let through?
(4) the use of nontransparent or sunscreen material or window application which has a total visible light reflectance of not more than thirty-five per cent or a visible light transmittance of not less than thirty-five per cent on the side windows immediately adjacent to the right and left of the operator's seat, the side windows immediately to the rear of the operator's seat and the front passenger seat or on the rear window if the vehicle is equipped with two outside mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so that the driver has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle.
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 9D(4)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How much distance must you leave when passing a bicycle?
When you pass a vulnerable road user you must leave a safe passing distance of at least four feet. Four feet is the room a cyclist needs to swerve around a pothole without being hit. Passing closer gives them nowhere to go.
you must leave a safe passing distance of at least four feet between your vehicle and the road user
As of 14 Sep 2026
Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane?
On roadways with two or more lanes in your direction, use the right lane for driving unless you are passing, turning left, or the right lane is blocked. The left lane is for getting past somebody. Sitting in it is what makes everybody else pass on the right.
On roadways with two or more lanes in your travel direction, use the right lane for driving unless... • You are passing another vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and property damage?
''Motor vehicle liability policy'', a policy of liability insurance which provides indemnity for or protection to the insured and any person responsible for the operation of the insured's motor vehicle with his express or implied consent against loss by reason of the liability to pay damages to others for bodily injuries, including death at any time resulting therefrom, or consequential damages consisting of expenses incurred by a husband, wife, parent or guardian for medical, nursing, hospital or surgical services, or for indemnity, in connection with or on account of such bodily injuries or death, or by reason of the liability for contribution as a joint tortfeasor, in connection with or on account of such bodily injuries, sustained during the term of said policy by any person, other than a guest occupant of such motor vehicle or of any employee of the owner or registrant of such vehicle or of such other person responsible as aforesaid who is entitled to payments or benefits under the provisions of chapter one hundred and fifty-two, and arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance, control or use of such motor vehicle upon the ways of the commonwealth or in any place therein to which the public has a right of access, other than by an employee of the federal government while acting within the scope of his office or employment and covered by the provisions of section 2679 of Title 28, United States Code, to the amount or limit of not less than $25,000 on account of injury to or death of any one person, and, subject to such limits as respects injury to or death of one person, of not less than $50,000 on account of any one accident resulting in injury to or death of more than one person, or a binder as defined in section one hundred and thirteen A of said chapter one hundred and seventy-five providing indemnity or protection as aforesaid pending the issue of such a policy; provided, however, that in the case of a person who is engaged in the business of leasing motor vehicles under any system referred to in section thirty-two C, the words ''motor vehicle liability policy'' shall mean a policy of liability insurance as described herein and providing, in addition, except in the case of vehicles leased for a term of more than thirty days, indemnity for or protection to the insured and any person responsible for the operation of the insured's motor vehicle with his express or implied consent, including such consent imputed under section thirty-two E, against loss by reason of the liability to pay damages to others for injury to property or by reason of the liability for indemnity, or for contribution as a joint tortfeasor, in connection with or on account of such injury to property, other than by an employee of the federal government while acting within the scope of his office or employment and covered by the provisions of section 2679 of Title 28, United States Code, sustained during the term of the policy by any person, and arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance, control or use upon the ways of the commonwealth of such motor vehicle, to the amount or limit of at least one thousand dollars on account of any such injury to property.
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 34A
As of 7 Oct 2026
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