QandAs: Autos

What are the Massachusetts State Driving Laws?

Answer:
In the state of Massachusetts, you must always

follow the posted speed limit. The speed limit in a school zone is 20 mph. In residential or business districts the limit is 30 mph. Other roads that are not highways have a speed limit of 40 mph. Highways typically have a speed limit of 50 mph. Limited access highways have a varied speed limit, usually 55 mph, and interstates have a speed limit of 65 mph. Failure to follow the speed limit will result in a ticket and a fine.

Massachusetts uses a specific formula to determine the amount of the fine for speeding violations. For the first 10 mph over the speed limit, you are charged $100. For every mph above 10 that you are traveling over the posted speed limit, you will be charged an additional $10. So, if you are traveling 18 mph over the speed limit, you will be charged $180. Three speeding violations in any year results in a 30-day license suspension.

Massachusetts does not have a statewide ban on cell phone usage, except for school bus drivers. However, several cities and towns in Massachusetts do have a ban on the use of cell phones.

When an emergency vehicle is flashing its lights or sounding it siren, you must yield the right of way. If you can, pull to the right hand side of the road and come to a complete stop until the vehicle has passed. However, you should not stop in an intersection. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, note that it is illegal to follow closer than 300 feet. If you are approaching an emergency vehicle that is parked on the shoulder of a divided four-lane highway, you should pull out of the right hand lane if you can.

Massachusetts has a seatbelt law that requires all passengers in a vehicle to be restrained with a seatbelt. The driver is responsible to make sure that this happens for children. The fine for failing to wear your seatbelt is $25 per person. Children under the age of 12 must be in a child safety restraint until they are over 40 pounds and they are five years old. After they reach these two milestones they must use a seatbelt or booster seat. The fine for violating this law is also $25. All persons on a motorcycle must be wearing a helmet.


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