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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.

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Table of Contents

§ 1 Definitions 
§ 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 
§ 2A Minors, application for registration of motor vehicle or trailer 
§ 2B Removal of registration upon transfer of ownership 
§ 2D Temporary registration plates 
§ 2E Distinctive registration plates; Environmental Trust Fund; Child Care Quality Fund; 9/11 victims and military heroes funds; Boston Marathon tragedy funds 
§ 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 
§ 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.2008, c. 523, § 5, effective July 31, 2009

§ 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 
§ 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 
§ 8A Operators of school buses; licensing; training; instructors 
§ 8A 1/2 Operators of school buses under Sec. 7D; licensing; exceptions 
§ 8B Learner's permits 
§ 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 
§ 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 Composing, sending or reading of electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle prohibited; penalties 
§ 13C Amphibious sight-seeing vehicles; operation on public ways; penalties  
§ 14 Precautions for safety of other travelers 
§ 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 
§ 18 Special regulations, speed and use of vehicles 
§ 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 
§ 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 

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