Highway Code for Massachusetts Drivers

While you may be familiar with your state's driving laws and those based on common sense, this does not mean that the rules will be the same in other states. If you are planning to visit or move to Massachusetts, you need to be aware of the driving regulations, which may differ from those you are used to. The following Massachusetts Highway Code for Drivers will help you understand laws that may differ from those in your state.

Licenses

Massachusetts provides two different passenger vehicle licenses for those who qualify for a driver's license and progress to an actual driver's license.

Junior Operator License (JOL)

• Any driver under the age of 18 with a learner's license for at least 6 months can apply for a JOL.

• The JOL requires drivers to have a licensed driver 21 years of age or older sit next to them while driving.

• Drivers with JOL cannot have anyone under the age of 18 as a passenger in the car, unless they are next of kin within the first 6 months after the license is issued.

• JOL owners are not allowed to drive between 12:30 pm and 5:XNUMX pm without a parent or guardian in the vehicle.

• If a junior operator receives a speeding violation, the license will be suspended for 90 days on the first violation. Additional offenses will result in a one-year disqualification each.

Necessary equipment

• Silencers are essential and should be in good working order on all vehicles.

• All vehicles must have an engine ignition lock.

• Requires license plate light with white bulbs.

Seat Belts and Seats

• All drivers and passengers in vehicles weighing less than 18,000 pounds are required to wear seat belts.

• Children under the age of 8 and less than 57 inches must be in a safety seat that is federally designed and approved for their height and weight.

Cell phones and electronics

• Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a mobile phone or any other electronic device.

• All drivers are prohibited from reading, writing or sending text messages or emails, or accessing the Internet while driving.

• Drivers over the age of 18 are allowed to make and receive phone calls, provided one hand is on the steering wheel at all times.

• If a driver causes an accident that results in property damage or injury due to the use of a mobile phone or electronic device, this is called negligence and will result in loss of license and criminal prosecution.

Headlamps

• Headlights should be used whenever visibility decreases to 500 feet in front of the vehicle.

• Headlights are essential during periods of fog, rain and snow, and when driving through dust or smoke.

• All drivers must use headlights in the tunnel.

• The headlights must be on if the windshield wipers are being used due to the weather.

Fundamental rules

• Marijuana Although Massachusetts laws allow the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and the use of medical marijuana, driving under the influence of drugs is still illegal.

• Headphones - It is forbidden to wear headphones while driving. However, persons over the age of 18 are only allowed to wear headphones or a headset in one ear.

• Cargo platforms - Children under 12 are not allowed to ride in the back of a pickup truck.

• Offered - Televisions in vehicles must be positioned so that the driver cannot see them when looking ahead or turning his head to look in any direction of the vehicle.

• Next - In Massachusetts, drivers are required to use the two-second rule when following another vehicle. If the road or weather conditions are not ideal, you need to increase the space to provide enough room to stop or avoid an accident.

• Minimum speeds — Drivers are required to observe the established minimum speed limit signs in the absence of dangerous road conditions. It is also illegal to delay traffic by moving too slowly, even if there are no posted minimum speed signs.

• right of way - Pedestrians always have the right of way, if you do not give way to them, an accident can occur.

• Signaling All drivers are required to use signals when turning, stopping or changing lanes. If the vehicle's turn signals are not working, hand signals must be used.

Understanding and obeying these Massachusetts traffic rules, as well as those that are the same in every state, will keep you within the law while driving. For more information, see the Massachusetts Driver's Guide.