Transportation in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2972: An Act relative to the use of green lights for municipal emergency management vehicles

HD 2972 permits municipal emergency management and public works vehicles to display flashing green lights only during emergencies or official public works duties, requiring a permit from the motor vehicle registrar. The permit must be applied for by the municipal director (emergency management or public works) and includes written consent from the vehicle owner if the operator isn't the owner. Operators must carry the permit while using the lights, and the permit is revoked once the emergency or duty ends. Unauthorized use of green lights can result in a $500-$1,000 fine.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Tags Emergency Management

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 · Senate

SD 1211: An Act to establish a monthly payment plan and protect motorists from excessive EZ-Pass fees and fines

SD 1211 establishes a monthly payment plan for Massachusetts motorists with $250 or more in unpaid tolls, fines, or fees through the E-ZPass MA or Pay By Plate systems. It requires the Department of Transportation to contact account holders with over $100 in debt monthly and prohibits additional fines while a payment plan is active. The bill also prevents the Registry of Motor Vehicles from suspending licenses or registrations for participants in the plan who make at least one $25 minimum payment and remain current. Motorists who fall more than 30 days behind on payments risk losing their conditional license reinstatement. This bill directly affects drivers with significant toll debt under the state's electronic toll collection systems.

Topics ✓ Transportation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2516: An Act relative to the sale of electric vehicles

This bill amends Chapter 179 of Massachusetts law by removing a 2035 deadline that would have ended in-state sales of non-zero-emission vehicles. It deletes a specific requirement (section 46) and modifies another provision (section 81) to eliminate the sales cessation mandate while retaining language about advancing EV charging access and affordability. The bill directly affects vehicle dealerships, manufacturers, and consumers by removing a future sales restriction. Key change: shifting focus from a mandated sales cutoff to prioritizing infrastructure development for electric vehicles.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3058: An Act establishing parking cash-out

HD 3058 requires employers with 10 or more employees to offer a "parking cash-out" program instead of providing free or subsidized parking. Under this law, employees who choose not to use employer-provided parking can receive equivalent financial benefits - such as transit subsidies, cash, or a mix - equal to the current market cost of parking. Employers must calculate this cost based on nearby public parking rates or, if unavailable, the lowest-priced transit option within a quarter-mile, adjusting annually using the Consumer Price Index. The bill directly affects employers (excluding those with union contracts requiring parking or vehicle-reimbursed roles) and their employees who currently receive parking benefits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1799: An Act relative to class 3 electric bicycles

This bill defines "Class 3 electric bicycles" as those with pedal-assist only and a 28 mph speed limit, while updating the overall definition of "electric bicycle" to include all classes. It changes trail regulations to allow municipalities to create local rules (including speed limits) for e-bike use on natural-surface trails after public notice and hearings, replacing a previous automatic ban. The bill directly affects e-bike riders (especially Class 3 users), local governments managing trails, and trail users by shifting regulation authority to municipalities. These changes clarify e-bike classifications and give communities flexibility to manage trail access.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1780: An Act relative to roadway safety

This bill requires drivers in Massachusetts to remove ice or snow from their vehicles - including the hood, trunk, and roof - within 24 hours after snow or ice stops falling. It directly affects all drivers, including commercial vehicle operators, but includes exceptions for those en route to clear snow or if compliance would violate safety laws. Police may stop vehicles if ice/snow poses an immediate threat to people or property. Violations carry standard traffic fines under existing Chapter 85, Section 36 penalties. The law focuses on preventing hazards from ice/snow accumulation during winter weather.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4571: An Act authorizing the town of Brookline to adopt green zoning by-laws and regulations

This bill allows the town of Brookline to create its own zoning rules focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in buildings. It directly affects Brookline residents, property owners, and developers by enabling local regulations on building materials, solar systems, heating/cooling equipment, and utility connections (like electric vehicle charging). Key provisions protect these local rules from being blocked by the state Attorney General, covering areas like emissions from construction, building energy use, and renewable energy infrastructure. The bill specifically authorizes Brookline to implement measures addressing climate impacts through zoning, without conflicting with state building codes or utility regulations.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Solar Climate Change Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1845: An Act providing for the ownership and maintenance of the Town Line Brook and Linden Brook culverts and dams

HD 1845 assigns responsibility for maintaining specific water control structures in Revere. The Department of Conservation and Recreation will maintain flood gates and tide gates controlling Town Line and Linden brooks, while the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will maintain the Cutler Highway Bridge and its associated 8 box culverts and trash racks. Both agencies must conduct biannual inspections and report results to Revere, Malden, and Everett officials within 90 days. Costs for maintenance, repairs, and inspections will be covered by the respective state agency managing each structure.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bridges

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3276: An Act relative to high speed chases

This bill (HD 3276) makes it a crime to ignore a police officer's stop signal and then drive more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit for at least one mile. It directly affects drivers who flee police during high-speed pursuits. The law imposes penalties including fines up to $1,000, up to 2.5 years in jail or a house of correction, or up to 5 years in state prison. The key provision defines the specific speed threshold (20 mph over limit) and distance (one mile) that trigger these penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Policing

All transportation bills