This bill (HD 1203) amends Massachusetts law by adding snow and ice to the legal definition of "debris" in motor vehicle negligence statutes. It directly affects drivers and courts handling negligence cases involving road hazards in Massachusetts. The key change clarifies that snow and ice accumulation on roads will now be explicitly considered "debris" under the law, potentially influencing how negligence claims are evaluated in such cases. The amendment does not change penalties or create new requirements, only refining the existing definition.
This bill prohibits drivers from recording, broadcasting, or using augmented reality devices while operating a vehicle. It also bans viewing non-essential video, images, or text on in-vehicle displays or wearable devices, with exceptions for hands-free features, audio systems, manufacturer-installed equipment, dispatch systems, or footage of other vehicle occupants. The law applies to all motor vehicle operators and specifically targets distractions from devices or displays unrelated to driving. Enforcement is limited to situations where a driver is already stopped for another traffic violation.
This bill makes it illegal to aim laser pointers at aircraft or operate drones in their flight paths within Massachusetts, directly affecting individuals using such devices near airports or in the air. It imposes fines up to $1,500 for basic interference and up to $5,000 or 5 years in prison for causing significant safety disruptions to flights. Key exemptions include authorized FAA testing, military operations, emergency signaling devices, and drone use complying with federal guidelines. The law specifically targets actions that threaten aircraft safety while clarifying that legitimate aviation activities remain permitted.
HD 3432 prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of devices used to steal cars through digital means, specifically targeting "motor vehicle key programming or emulating devices" and "relay attack devices" designed to intercept key fob signals. The bill directly affects individuals who create, distribute, or use these tools for vehicle theft or property theft from vehicles. Key provisions define these devices and ban their use with intent to steal, including aiding others in such activities. Violations carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison or fines plus up to 2.5 years in jail.
This bill creates a monthly payment plan for drivers with $250 or more in unpaid tolls, fines, or fees through Massachusetts' EZ-Pass or Pay By Plate systems. It requires the Department of Transportation to contact account holders owing over $100 monthly and establishes a minimum $25 monthly payment option. Crucially, drivers on this plan cannot face additional fees for late payments, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles must not suspend licenses or registrations for unpaid tolls while payments are current. The plan applies only to debts exceeding $250, with conditional license reinstatement allowed after the first payment.
SD 542 creates a Medical Advisory Board within the driver's license registry to strengthen reviews for medically conditioned licenses. The board, made of 15 medical professionals appointed by the registrar, provides advisory opinions on fitness to drive, especially for applicants with conditions requiring ongoing medical management or those whose licenses were suspended due to medical reasons. It mandates a stricter review process examining driving and criminal records for these applicants, allowing the registrar to deny or conditionally approve licenses based on the board's recommendation. Conditional licenses require applicants to demonstrate ongoing management of their medical condition, and the board also grants medical exemptions for vision-related window treatments.
This bill allows lessees (people leasing vehicles for at least one year) and buyers to cancel a vehicle purchase or lease if the vehicle fails a required safety/emissions inspection within seven days due to defects not caused by the buyer/lessee, and repair costs exceed 10% of the purchase price or total lease payments. To cancel, the buyer/lessee must notify the dealer within 14 days, provide inspection documentation, and may receive a full refund unless the dealer agrees to cover repairs. The law updates definitions to explicitly include "leased" vehicles in existing consumer protection provisions for used motor vehicles. It applies only to personal/family vehicle use, excluding business vehicles, off-road vehicles, and motorcycles.
This bill prohibits most video screens and displays in motor vehicles while driving in Massachusetts. It bans television receivers, video monitors, or entertainment-focused screens visible to the driver forward of the back seat, and adds a restriction against using mobile devices for social media or camera functions while operating a vehicle. Exceptions include navigation systems, rear-view safety monitors, government vehicle use, and factory-installed systems with interlock features that disable screens during driving tasks like steering or lane changes. The law directly affects all drivers of registered vehicles in Massachusetts, with specific exemptions for safety, navigation, and certain official vehicle uses.
This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand when law enforcement may require blood alcohol testing. It removes the requirement that a driver must be "arrested" for a violation before testing can occur. Instead, testing can now be administered to drivers involved in any motor vehicle accident causing personal injury or death, regardless of whether an arrest was made. The changes specifically update legal language throughout the statute to include these accident scenarios alongside existing DUI provisions. This directly affects drivers involved in serious collisions where injury or death occurs.
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.
