Skip to main content

Mass. General Laws c.90

Motor vehicles and aircraft

This page links to the current, accurate version of each section of G.L. c.90.

Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

You skipped the table of contents section.
§ 1 Definitions 

Amended by St.2022, c.358, §§ 4-7, effective April 2, 2023

§ 1A Registration of motor vehicles; liability insurance, failure to maintain; revocation of certificate of registration; exemptions; school buses 
§ 1B Motorized bicycles; operation regulations 
§ 1C Motorized bicycles and scooters; compliance with federal standards 
§ 1D Motorized bicycles; sales; number sticker or plate 
§ 1E Motorized scooters; operation regulations 
§ 1F Low-speed motor vehicles; express state highway and public way restrictions; additional municipality restrictions 
§ 1G Notice of disclosure required upon sale, lease or rental of low-speed motor vehicles 
§ 1H Registration of motor vehicles designed for operation on public ways but not capable of exceeding 40 miles per hour 
§ 1I 3-wheeled motor vehicle registered as motorcycle; qualification 
§ 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 

Amended by St.2023, c. 7, § 238, effective 30 days following enactment pursuant to subsection (c) of section 2 Article LXXXVII of the Amendments to the Constitution

§ 2A Minors, application for registration of motor vehicle or trailer 
§ 2B Removal of registration upon transfer of ownership 
§ 2D Temporary registration plates 

Amended by St.2022, c.423, § 1, effective April 5, 2023

§ 2E Distinctive registration plates; Environmental Trust Fund; Child Care Quality Fund; 9/11 victims and military heroes funds; Boston Marathon tragedy funds 

Amended by St.2023, c.28, §§ 38-39, effective July 1, 2023.

§ 2F Distinctive registration plates; submission of applications; eligible organizations 
§ 2G Passenger plates for low-speed motor vehicles; fee 
§ 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 
§ 2I Registration prerequisites for certain custom vehicles; salvage inspection; state-assigned VIN; safety belts; air bags 
§ 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 
§ 3 1/2 Commonwealth residency factors; access to information in nonpublic records; certification of facts; motor vehicle registration misrepresentations; penalties and fines 
§ 3A Appointment of registrar as attorney as result of acceptance of rights and privileges of Sec. 3 by non-resident 

Amended by St.1955, c. 196, § 1

§ 3B Appointment of registrar as attorney as result of operation of motor vehicle by any person 
§ 3C Service of process; notice of service; continuance 
§ 3D Appointment of registrar as result of application for registration or license to operate motor vehicle; service of process on registrar 
§ 3E Fee paid to registrar; records of registrar 
§ 3F Separability of Secs. 3A to 3E; effect of unconstitutionality 
§ 3G Security from nonresidents for damage caused by operation of motor vehicles; procedure; contents of motion 
§ 5 General registrations; general registration number plates; eligibility 
§ 5A Application for general distinguishing mark for motor vehicles under control of military forces of commonwealth 
§ 5B Persons in military service; vehicles purchased in another state; registration 
§ 6 Display of number plates; temporary number plates 

Amended by St.2022, c.358, § 8, effective April 2, 2023

§ 6A Number plates for antique motor cars 
§ 6B One number plate; display 
§ 6C Return of number plates by repossessor; penalty 
§ 7 Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible warning systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers and emblems 

Amended by St.2022, c.358, §§ 9 and 10, effective January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2025, respectively

§ 7A Rules and regulations for periodic inspections of motor vehicles; school buses; fees 
§ 7B Equipment and operation of school buses 
§ 7C Minimum standards for construction and equipment of school buses 
§ 7D Application of Sec. 7B; additional equipment 
§ 7D 1/2 Transportation of vocational school students; motor vehicle requirements; seat belts 
§ 7E Display of red or blue lights on vehicles; permits; revocation; violations 

Amended by St.2021, c.102, §§ 38-39, effective December 13, 2021.

§ 7G Used brake drums; servicing, sale or grinding; prohibition 
§ 7H Brake linings; minimum safety standards 
§ 7I Emergency disaster service vehicles of charitable corporations; identification and equipment 
§ 7J Handlebars on motorcycles; rules and regulations; penalty 
§ 7K Tires; minimum safety standards; penalty 
§ 7L Standing in school buses; penalty 
§ 7M Retread or recapped tires; sale; marking quality 
§ 7N Voiding contracts of sale 

Amended by St.1997, c. 210, § 10

§ 7N 1/4 Express warranty by dealer of used motor vehicle; issuance; consumer's rights and remedies 

Amended by St.1998, c. 161, § 315

§ 7N 1/2 Defective or malfunctioning new motor vehicles; sale and repair or replacement 

Amended by St.1998, c. 161, § 315

§ 7O Motor vehicle pollutant control devices; removal 
§ 7P Height of motor vehicles; alteration restricted 
§ 7Q Tire tread depth regulations; compliance; operation of vehicle prohibited 
§ 7R Vehicle identification number; display in certain motor vehicles 
§ 7R 1/2 Dealers insignias, logos or plates; placement on motor vehicles; consent 
§ 7S Motorcycle sound emissions; definitions 
§ 7T Motorcycle sound levels; testing regulations 
§ 7U Motorcycles; maximum sound levels 
§ 7V Certificates of inspection; rules and regulations 
§ 7W Licensing of safety and emissions inspection facilities and technicians; rules and regulations; penalties; computerized communication system 
§ 7X Designation of referee stations 
§ 7Y Certification and training of inspectors; rules and regulations 
§ 7Z Entry on premises of inspection stations; examination of records 
§ 7AA Child passenger restraints; fine; violation as evidence in civil action 
§ 7CC Transporting of special needs children 
§ 8 Operator's licenses; applications; examinations 

Amended by St.2023, c.28, §§ 40-41, effective January 1, 2024.

§ 8A Operators of school buses; licensing; training; instructors 
§ 8A 1/2 Operators of school buses under Sec. 7D; licensing; exceptions 

Amended by St.2022, c.198, § 12, effective November 24, 2022

§ 8B Learner's permits 

Amended by St.2022, c. 81, § 6, effective July 1, 2023

§ 8C Medical advisory board; standards of fitness for applicants for learner's permits or licenses 
§ 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 

Amended by St.2019, c.142, § 13, effective December 13, 2019

§ 8E Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; application; fee; organ donor status; provision of donor information to eye and tissue banks; expiration 
§ 8G Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; lost, destroyed or mutilated cards; change of name; duplicate cards 
§ 8H Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; fictitious, fraudulent, or altered cards; possession 
§ 8I Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; description 
§ 8J Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; change of address  
§ 8K Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses; cancellation 
§ 8L Voter registration agency 
§ 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 
§ 9 Operation of unregistered or improperly equipped motor vehicles, tractors, trailers, etc. 
§ 9A Safety glass; windshields, windows 
§ 9B Registration of vehicles; display of number plates; application of law 
§ 9C Repair of tires on trucks, etc. 
§ 9D Windshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials 
§ 10 Operation of motor vehicle without license; members of armed forces; nonresidents; suspension or revocation of license 
§ 11 Carrying certificate of registration and license; presentation after accident upon request 
§ 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 
§ 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 
§ 13 Safety precautions for proper operation and parking of vehicles and buses 
§ 13A Seat belt use required; exemptions; penalty 
§ 13B Hand-held devices 
§ 13C Amphibious sight-seeing vehicles; operation on public ways; penalties  
§ 14 Precautions for safety of other travelers 

Amended by St.2022, c.358, §§ 11-12, effective April 2, 2023

§ 14A Protection of blind pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross ways 
§ 14B Uniform stopping and turning signals on ways 
§ 15 Precautions at railroad crossings 
§ 16 Offensive or illegal operation of motor vehicles 
§ 16A Stopped motor vehicles; operation of engine; time limit; penalty 
§ 16B Idling of a motor vehicle engine on school property; penalties; adoption of regulations 
§ 17 Speed limits 
§ 17A Speed limit; Massachusetts Turnpike 
§ 17B Drag racing; penalties 
§ 17C Establishment of 25-miles-per-hour speed limit in thickly settled or business district in city or town; violation 
§ 17D Active construction zone speed limit 

Added by St.2020, c.383 § 6, effective January 15, 2021

§ 18 Special regulations, speed and use of vehicles 

Amended by St.2022, c.358, § 13, effective April 2, 2023

§ 18A Pedestrians, use of ways; rules and regulations; violations; notice 
§ 18B Establishment of designated safety zones for ways in city or town; violation 
§ 19 Dimensions and weights of motor vehicles, trucks and trailers 
§ 19A Weight limitations for certain motor vehicles, semi-trailers, etc.; scales; penalties for violations 
§ 19D Permit stickers; issuance; application; certificate of gross vehicle weight rating; violations; penalties 
§ 19E Operation of motor vehicles and certain trailers and semi-trailers on Interstate and Defense Highways 
§ 19F Vehicles authorized to operate on national network 
§ 19G Vehicles authorized to operate on routes of reasonable access; safety evaluations 
§ 19I Maximum width and weight limitations and minimum speed limits; exception for certain construction vehicles 
§ 19J Maximum vehicle widths, axle weights and minimum speed limits; exception for certain snow clearing duties 
§ 19K Hitching mechanism 
§ 19L Regulations to ensure compliance of interstate and intrastate motor carriers with federal and state laws; inspection of records; penalties 
§ 20 Penalties and punishments 
§ 20A Parking regulations; violations; notice to appear; failure to appear; adjudication by mail 
§ 20A 1/2 Cities of Boston and Cambridge; parking violations; tags; appearance; failure to appear; adjudication by mail 
§ 20C Nature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines 
§ 20D Tampering or destruction of parking tags; penalty 
§ 20E Liability of lessors of motor vehicles for parking violations 
§ 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 
§ 20H Failure to pay required toll; Tobin Bridge; motor vehicle license renewals; registration of motor vehicles 
§ 21 Arrest without warrant 
§ 22 Suspension or revocation of certificate of registration or license; notice 
§ 22 1/2 Suspension of right to operate based upon violation of Sec. 32E of chapter 94C 
§ 22A Suspension of operator's license or registration certificates, unsatisfied judgment; reinstatement of license 
§ 22B Abandonment of motor vehicles; penalties; non-criminal proceedings 
§ 22C Abandoned motor vehicles; removal and disposal 
§ 22D Suspension of license for automobile law violation; reinstatement 
§ 22E Abandoned vehicles; removal of parts; penalty 
§ 22F Habitual traffic offender; revocation of license; reinstatement 
§ 22G Littering; suspension of license 
§ 22H Safe transportation of animals 
§ 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 
§ 23 Operation of motor vehicle after suspension or revocation of license; concealment of identity of motor vehicle 
§ 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 
§ 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 
§ 24A Use of motor vehicles in commission of felony, larceny or other crimes 
§ 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 
§ 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 
§ 24E Dismissal of charges upon compliance with terms of probation; records; reports 
§ 24F Civil liability to owner for unauthorized use of motor vehicle 
§ 24G Homicide by motor vehicle; punishment 
§ 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 
§ 24I Possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles 
§ 24J Inquiry of defendant convicted of driving under influence of intoxicating liquors as to establishment serving alcohol 
§ 24K Chemical breath analysis; validity; testing procedures; report forms 
§ 24L Serious bodily injury by motor vehicle while under influence of intoxicating substance; penalties 
§ 24M Training for law enforcement personnel regarding alcohol-related offenses; alcohol sensitive selective traffic enforcement program 
§ 24N Suspension of operator's license upon issuance of complaint; hearing 
§ 24O Statement to defendant regarding further violations 
§ 24P Minors; further violations; education and treatment programs 
§ 24Q Alcohol or drug assessment as condition for certain sentences imposed under chapter 
§ 24R Revocation for life of license or right to operate 
§ 24S Operation of motor vehicle on public way in violation of ignition interlock device license restriction; penalties 
§ 24T Tampering with ignition interlock device; penalties 
§ 24U Starting motor vehicle equipped with ignition interlock device for another person under a restricted license 
§ 24V Child endangerment while operating a motor vehicle or vessel under the influence; penalties; suspension of license 
§ 24W Forfeiture of motor vehicle owned by certain drunk driving offenders; procedure; Operating Under the Influence Deterrent Trust Fund 
§ 24X Cancellation of registration for motor vehicles owned by certain drunk driving offenders 
§ 25 Refusal to submit to police officer 
§ 26 Accident reports; supplemental report; penalty for violation 
§ 26A Licenses and learner's permits; reporting changes of name and address 
§ 27 Court records; motor vehicle violations 
§ 28 Appeals and hearings 
§ 29 Deputy registrar, chief deputy registrar, etc.; appointment; duties; investigation of motor vehicle accidents; suspension or revocation of licenses 
§ 30 Records of registrar; certified copies; destruction 
§ 30A Computer terminals under control of registrar; restricted use 
§ 30A 1/2 Agreements with third party entities by registrar 
§ 30B Interstate compact; motor vehicle convictions 
§ 31 Use and operation of motor vehicles or trailers; conduct of operators and chauffeurs; rules and regulations 
§ 31A Transportation by motor vehicle of personal property; rules and regulations 
§ 32 Records; manufacturers and dealers of motor vehicles or trailers; garages and open air parking spaces 
§ 32A Restoration of original identifying number of motor vehicle; certificate 
§ 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 
§ 32D Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; records 
§ 32E Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; operation of vehicles or use of trailers; insurance coverage 
§ 32E 1/2 Rental agreements; collision damage waivers; notices; exclusions; penalties 
§ 32E 3/4 Rental agreements; separately stated surcharges, fees or charges; vehicle license cost recovery fee 
§ 32E 7/8 Police training surcharge upon vehicular rental transaction contracts 
§ 32F Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; fraud; violations; penalties 
§ 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 
§ 32G 1/2 Advanced driver training program certification 
§ 32H Lessors of motorcycles; licensing 
§ 32J Vehicles in fleet of car-sharing organization; display of registration plates 
§ 33 Fees 

Amended by St.2022, c.423, § 2, effective April 5, 2023

§ 33A Motor vehicles; certificates of registration; signatures 
§ 33B Traffic control signs, safety devices and improvements; installation and construction costs; high-accident locations; funding limits 
§ 34 Disposition of fees 
§ 34A Definitions applicable to Secs. 34A to 34N 
§ 34B Certificates of insurance or surety companies; contents; copies 
§ 34C Single motor vehicle liability policy or bond covering several motor vehicles 
§ 34D Registration application; cash deposit in lieu of liability bond or policy; satisfaction of judgment 
§ 34E Receipt for and retention of cash or securities deposited 
§ 34F Notice to registrar upon service of writ or summons in action against depositor 
§ 34G Actions against surety company 
§ 34H Revocation of registration of motor vehicle upon notice of cancellation of motor vehicle liability policy or bond; notice to owner; new certificate 
§ 34I Records and books of registrar 
§ 34J Operating motor vehicle without liability policy, bond or security deposit 
§ 34K Cancellation of policies; notice 
§ 34M Personal injury protection 

Amended by St.1989, c. 271

§ 34N Assigned claims plan 
§ 34O Property damage liability insurance or bonds 
§ 34P Notice to law enforcement officials; failure to provide or maintain liability policy, bond or deposit; seizure of registration plates 
§ 34Q Nonowner operators, hired motor vehicles; insurance coverage by endorsements 
§ 34R Estimate of cost of exterior repairs; notice 
§ 35 Definitions applicable to Secs. 35 to 52 
§ 35A Structures within airport approaches; regulation of location and height 
§ 35B Structures within airport approaches; permits for erection or addition 
§ 35C Structures within airport approaches; application for permit; notice of denial; hearing 
§ 35D Structures within airport approaches; maintenance, repair or replacement; initial approval 
§ 39 Aeronautics commission; powers; rules and regulations 
§ 39A Plan for development of airports and air navigation facilities 
§ 39B Certificate of approval; municipal airport site or restricted landing area; application; hearing; issuance 
§ 39C Reimbursement of towns and cities for airport construction; federal funds 
§ 39E Engineering or technical services of commission to cities and towns 
§ 39F Reimbursement of city or town constructing, establishing or enlarging airport 
§ 39G Applicability of Secs. 35 to 52 to counties 
§ 40 Purposes of aeronautics commission; discretionary powers of commission; enforcement of laws 
§ 40A Airport approach regulations by cities or towns 
§ 40B Reasonableness of airport approach regulations 
§ 40C Adoption, amendment or repeal of airport approach regulations; public hearing 
§ 40D Erection, replacement or alteration of structures or trees; variance 
§ 40E Administrative agency 
§ 40F Removal of structures erected in violation of regulations; trees; procedure 
§ 40G Protection of airport approaches; removal of structures and trees; compensation 
§ 40H Appeal by aggrieved corporations 
§ 40I Approval of regulations by commission 
§ 41 Investigations or hearings; accidents 
§ 42 Equitable jurisdiction of superior court 
§ 43 Public inspection of copies of orders, rules and regulations 
§ 44 Penalties 
§ 45 Appeals 
§ 46 Altitude of aircraft flights 
§ 47 Federal pilot's license, permit or certificate 
§ 48 Aircraft license, permit or certificate 
§ 49 Registration of federal certificates; fees; exceptions 
§ 49A Retention of court records of cases involving violations of Secs. 35 to 52; abstracts 
§ 49B Definitions applicable to Secs. 49B to 49R 
§ 49C Administration and enforcement of Secs. 49B to 49R; hearings; judicial review 
§ 49D Accident reports; security; suspension of aircraft registration; waiver 
§ 49E Policy or bond of insurer or surety company 
§ 49F Restoration or renewal of registration or non-resident's operating privilege 
§ 49G Certificate of self-insurance 
§ 49H Certificate of registration or non-resident's operating privilege; allowance; suspension; notice 
§ 49I Security; form; limits; reduction or increase 
§ 49J Delivery and release of security 
§ 49K Commission; availability of information and material 
§ 49L Transfer of aircraft registration following suspension of owner's registration 
§ 49M Return of suspended registration certificate 
§ 49N Illegal operation of aircraft; failure to return suspended registration certificate 
§ 49O Application of Secs. 49B to 49R to certain aircraft 
§ 49P Availability of other legal processes; enforcement 
§ 49Q Service of process; proof of service 
§ 49R Discharge in bankruptcy 
§ 49S Severability; constitutionality 
§ 49T Interpretation and construction of uniform aircraft financial responsibility act 
§ 50 Appointment of administrator for aeronautics as attorney for service of process 
§ 51D Municipal airports and air navigation facilities 
§ 51E Airport commissions for municipal airports; members; vacancies; airport managers 
§ 51F Leasing of land at airports 
§ 51G Acquisition of property to establish airport; eminent domain; purchase; lease 
§ 51H Charges or rentals for use of properties, facilities, installations; terms and conditions of contracts 
§ 51I Power of commission; expenditure of funds; contracts for maintenance, operation, construction and enlargement of airports 
§ 51J Rules and regulations; use of airports; safety of public 
§ 51K Federal funds; receipt by aeronautics commission; bids; contracts; loans in anticipation of funds 
§ 51L Contracts for construction, enlargement or improvement of airports by airport commission 
§ 51M Exclusive contracts, permits or licenses to transport persons for hire or to receive or deliver passengers at airports 
§ 51N Establishment, maintenance and operation of airport by municipalities as joint enterprise; contents of agreement; joint airport commission 
§ 52 Partial unconstitutionality and invalidity of Secs. 35 to 51 
§ 61 Logan Airport security zone; access; penalties 
§ 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 
§ 63 Data collection on age, race and gender for statistical purposes 

Amended by St.2020, c.253, § 83, effective December 31, 2020

Contact

Online

Library locations and phone numbers 
Chat with a law librarian online 
Email a reference librarian: masslawlib@gmail.com

Help Us Improve Mass.gov with your feedback

Feedback