Transportation in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 31, 2025

S 2434: An Act relative to motor vehicle leasing parity

This bill gives car lessees (people leasing vehicles for personal or family use) the right to cancel their lease if the vehicle fails a required safety/emissions inspection within seven days of signing. To cancel, the lessee must show repair costs exceed 10% of the total lease payments and notify the dealer within 14 days, providing inspection reports. It updates existing consumer protection laws to apply equally to leased vehicles, not just purchased ones, by adding "leased" to key definitions and requiring dealers to honor this right. The law specifically excludes business vehicles and private sales, focusing on protecting individual consumers in long-term leases.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 3641: An Act relative to educational requirements for class 2 motor vehicle licenses

This bill requires Class 2 motor vehicle license applicants in Massachusetts to complete eight hours of training on used car industry rules and laws from NIADA-certified organizations, including a standardized test. Upon passing, they receive a certificate needed to obtain or renew their license, with continuing education of four hours every two years also required. The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) sets the curriculum and test, consulting with the Massachusetts Independent Automobile Association. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 18, 2025

H 3675: An Act relative to the move over law

HD 1356 expands Massachusetts' "Move Over Law" to require drivers to move over for utility vehicles during emergencies. It defines "utility vehicle" as those operated by employees or contractors of communications, electric, or gas companies during service restoration (e.g., power line repairs). The bill increases fines for violations: $250 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,500 for third or subsequent offenses (up to $5,000 if injury occurs). It also mandates driver behavior programs for second offenses and clarifies that first/second violations don’t affect insurance surcharges. Additionally, it requires an annual public awareness campaign about distracted driving and traffic laws.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 678: An Act relative to motor vehicle liability insurance requirements

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 678) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to increase motor vehicle liability insurance requirements. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 23, 2025

H 4284: An Act relative to vehicle recalls

H 4284 requires Massachusetts vehicle registration offices to check for active safety recalls before issuing or renewing registrations. If a vehicle has an open recall requiring repairs, owners receive written notice and must complete repairs before the next registration renewal; the registry may deny renewal until this is done. Exemptions apply if parts are unavailable, repairs require non-recall fixes, or the owner faces hardship. This bill directly affects vehicle owners by linking registration renewal to safety recall compliance.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 15, 2026

S 2542: An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities

Senate, June 26, 2025 -- Message from Her Excellency the Governor recommending legislation to strengthen the commonwealth's infrastructure, protect the commonwealth's water and nature, and to invest in the farms and local economies of the commonwealth

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2386: An Act relative to the sale of zero-emission vehicles

HD 2386 requires Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection to annually review automakers' compliance with zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales targets starting January 1, 2025. The review examines each manufacturer's ZEV sales volume and mix compared to their total inventory, specifically tracking performance against California's Advanced Clean Cars II Rule (310 CMR 7.40). The department may postpone ZEV sales requirements for a model year if (1) top manufacturers (collectively 70% of market share) miss annual ZEV goals, or (2) insufficient public charging infrastructure exists statewide to support required ZEV sales. The bill also repeals related provisions in Chapter 179 if delays occur, effective upon passage.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1859: An Act establishing speed limits on portions of state highway route 28 and Chickatawbut road in the town of Milton

SD 1859 establishes a 25 miles per hour speed limit for the approaches to and intersection of State Highway Route 28 and Chickatawbut Road (a Department of Conservation and Recreation park road) in Milton. This bill overrides existing speed limit laws (Chapter 90 of the General Laws) to implement the lower speed limit. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Department of Conservation and Recreation must post signs and take necessary actions to enforce the new limit. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage and directly affects drivers using this specific intersection in Milton.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1822: An Act relative to electronic toll payments

HD 1822 requires Massachusetts' toll authority to create an online database providing toll information to drivers. The database must allow searches by vehicle registration number or toll assessment date, with all toll details (including fees and fines) accessible within one business day of the toll being charged. Drivers must see a sign at toll points directing them to the online database, and the department cannot mail toll invoices to vehicle owners until at least seven days after the toll is assessed. This bill directly affects drivers who use toll roads and the state department managing toll collections.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2630: An Act relative to primary enforcement of seatbelt violations

HD 2442 would change New Hampshire law to allow police to stop drivers solely for not wearing a seatbelt, without needing another reason for the stop. Currently, seatbelt violations are enforced only as a "secondary offense," meaning officers could only issue tickets if they had already stopped the driver for a different violation. This bill removes the restriction that limited enforcement to such situations, making seatbelt compliance a "primary enforcement" offense. The policy change directly affects drivers who may be stopped for seatbelt violations alone and gives law enforcement that authority statewide. If passed, it would shift how seatbelt laws are enforced in New Hampshire.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

All transportation bills