Transportation in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1630: An Act to clarify penalties for violations occurring while driving with a hardship license

This bill (HD 1630) amends Massachusetts law to clarify penalties for drivers violating the terms of a hardship license. It specifically adds two key clarifications: (1) penalties now apply to violations of "similar or like statutes" from other states, and (2) penalties explicitly cover drivers operating a vehicle in violation of hardship license terms. It directly affects drivers who hold hardship licenses (special permits for those with suspended licenses) and commit traffic violations while operating under those restricted licenses. The bill makes existing penalty language more precise without changing the core policy.

Topics ✓ 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 · House

HD 276: An Act to allow hardship licenses and interlocking ignition devices on motorcycles

HD 276 allows motorcycle operators with suspended licenses to request hardship licenses through existing hearing processes, expanding eligibility beyond cars. It also clarifies that motorcycles qualify as "vehicles" for alcohol interlock device requirements, meaning riders with DUI convictions could install these devices on motorcycles. The bill directly affects motorcycle owners facing license suspensions due to DUI or similar violations. It amends two sections of Massachusetts motor vehicle law (Sections 24 and 24½) to include motorcycles in these provisions without changing existing eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1001: An Act relative to the certification of inspection for new motor vehicles

This bill (SD 1001) changes Massachusetts law to require that new motor vehicle owners receive a decal showing when their next annual inspection is due, instead of allowing optional waiver. The state vehicle office must provide this decal with the registration, and the fee for it cannot exceed the standard annual emissions testing fee. The waiver for the first inspection applies to most new cars but does not cover buses or transportation network vehicles (like ride-sharing services). This creates a standardized process for new vehicle inspections while limiting associated fees.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2609: An Act relative to the availability of prescription medication during an emergency

HD 2609 requires Massachusetts to create a statewide plan ensuring prescription medication access during a governor-declared emergency. The plan mandates early refills when patients have less than 10 days' supply left (with pharmacist prescriber confirmation), grants medication delivery vehicles equal road access as emergency vehicles, and coordinates pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to avoid supply chain duplication. It also establishes a safety net with a toll-free hotline and website to help residents locate medications if local supplies run out. This bill directly affects patients relying on prescriptions during crises, pharmacies, and emergency response systems. The plan becomes active during declared emergencies under state law.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2364: An Act aligning state electric vehicle charger reliability regulations with the national electric vehicle infrastructure program

This bill (SD 2364) requires Massachusetts state agencies to finalize electric vehicle (EV) charger reliability regulations by February 1, 2026. The regulations must align with federal standards under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. They will apply to all EV chargers installed on or after March 30, 2023, directly affecting the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Division of Standards. The key change is setting a specific deadline for agencies to adopt rules ensuring charger reliability, matching federal program requirements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2120: An Act further regulating junior operator licenses

HD 2120 requires all high schools to hold annual seminars on texting and driving dangers for every student. It adds a requirement that junior driver license applicants provide a "letter of good standing" from their school principal. The bill increases penalties for junior drivers (16-18 year olds) who text while driving: $100 fine and 180-day license suspension for a first offense, $250 fine and 1-year suspension for a second offense, and $500 fine with 1-year suspension for third or subsequent offenses. These provisions directly affect teen drivers and their schools, focusing on reducing distracted driving through education and stricter consequences.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3580: An Act relative to certain easements

This bill clarifies property rights for Native American-owned lots in five specific Massachusetts districts: Chappaquiddick, Dudley, Gay Head, Herring Pond, and Mashpee. It establishes that these lots are held in "fee simple absolute" (full ownership without restrictions), and if they lack existing access, courts must create 40-foot-wide easements for vehicle access and utilities to the nearest public road. The easements must meet standard requirements for residential use, safety, and utility installation, and courts will resolve disputes by involving all necessary parties. This directly affects Native American property owners in these districts who currently face access challenges due to missing or inadequate easements.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 744: An Act establishing a pilot program allowing for in-person payment of daily parking fees at certain commuter rail stations operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

This bill establishes an 18-month pilot program at three MBTA commuter rail stations (Canton Junction, Canton Center, and Stoughton) to allow in-person payment for daily parking fees using cash or credit cards. The MBTA must install and maintain two payment machines at each location that do not require mobile devices or portable electronics. After 12-18 months, the MBTA must report to state legislators on the program’s effectiveness, including fee collection rates and recommendations for expanding the machines to other stations. The program directly affects MBTA parking users at these specific locations who prefer cash or card payments over mobile apps.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1156: An Act relative to littering

HD 1156 prohibits littering from motor vehicles, making it illegal for drivers to discard trash or garbage from their vehicle onto public or private property. It directly affects vehicle operators who litter or allow occupants to litter, imposing escalating civil fines: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses. Violations are treated as civil motor vehicle infractions, issued via civil citation under Chapter 90C, and count as surchargeable offenses under Chapter 175. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Transportation

All transportation bills