Transportation in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 345: Resolve establishing a special commission to investigate and study the protection of junior operators

SD 345 establishes a special commission to study laws and regulations related to junior operator licenses and vehicle safety for minors, aiming to improve driver safety and reduce traffic fatalities. The commission, composed of state safety and transportation officials, legislative leaders, and a driver education instructor, will examine specific provisions like passenger restrictions for junior drivers, increased penalties for violations, and expanded driver education requirements. The commission must submit findings and legislative recommendations to the Joint Committee on Public Safety by December 1, 2026. This bill does not enact new laws but creates a study group to evaluate potential safety improvements for teen drivers.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1151: An Act relative to spare tires

This bill prohibits vehicles operating on a temporary spare tire from driving in the leftmost lane of the road, regardless of whether that lane is otherwise available. It directly affects drivers using spare tires (typically temporary, low-speed replacements) by restricting their lane choice while driving. The key provision amends traffic law to require these vehicles to stay out of the left lane, aiming to improve safety given the reduced stability of spare tires. The rule takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1138: An Act relative to roadways and road markings

HD 1138 requires public utilities (like gas or water companies) and private construction contractors to repair road damage within 30 days after digging, including patching road surfaces and restoring road markings like crosswalks and bike lanes. If they miss this deadline, local public works officials can issue notices and impose penalties: $100 for the first month of delay after the initial 30 days, plus $100 per week for each additional week until repairs are completed. The law directly affects entities that dig in public roads, aiming to reduce long-term road damage and improve safety from faded markings. It applies to all roadways in Massachusetts under the General Laws, with enforcement handled by local town or city public works commissioners.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1148: An Act relative to bicycle safety

HD 1148 amends Massachusetts traffic law to explicitly include bicycles and skateboards under the definition of "vehicle" in Chapter 90. It also clarifies that using headphones on public roadways or sidewalks is subject to the same rules as other vehicles. This change directly affects cyclists, skateboarders, and pedestrians using these modes of transportation in public spaces. The bill updates existing definitions without creating new restrictions or requirements.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1106: An Act relative to electric vehicle charging stations

HD 1106 requires drivers parking non-compatible vehicles in publicly available electric vehicle (EV) charging spots to pay fines ($50 for first offense, $100 for repeat). It also grants the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) authority to lease land near highways - including safety rest areas and inspection stations - for installing new EV charging stations. The bill directly affects EV drivers using public charging infrastructure and DOT in planning station locations. It takes effect immediately upon passage, creating concrete rules for station access and expansion.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 758: An Act relative to the purchase of zero-emission vehicles in green communities

SD 758 requires Massachusetts municipalities and local government bodies to purchase only zero-emission vehicles (as defined in Chapter 25A) for official use when such vehicles are commercially available and practical. If zero-emission vehicles aren't available or practical, the bill allows purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles instead. This amendment to Section 10 of Chapter 25A changes existing requirements that previously only mandated fuel-efficient vehicles. The bill directly affects all local governments purchasing vehicles for municipal operations. It establishes a clear policy shift toward zero-emission transportation for public fleets where feasible.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 782: An Act relative to fairness in public contracting

This bill requires the state highway division to update all standard contracts and specifications to include a minimum 15% cost allowance for additional work on highway projects. It directly affects contractors performing extra tasks beyond original project scopes, such as unexpected repairs or scope changes. The key mechanism mandates that all contract documents explicitly include this 15% overhead, ensuring contractors are compensated for managing unforeseen work without needing separate negotiations. This change standardizes payment for extra work across state highway projects.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 757: An Act promoting access to zero-emission school buses

This bill creates a state program to help school districts afford zero-emission school buses by offsetting the higher upfront costs compared to diesel buses. It prioritizes funding for districts in communities with lower median household income or higher rates of childhood asthma emergencies. The program requires the Department of Energy Resources to administer grants, publish application details, and regularly report on grant usage, bus types, locations, and estimated emissions reductions. The bill also establishes a statewide contract to simplify purchasing or leasing zero-emission buses for municipalities and school districts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Procurement School Transportation Electric Vehicles Public Transit

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1357: An Act relative to improved headlight safety

This bill requires all new automobiles sold in Massachusetts after January 1, 2028, to include adaptive beam headlight technology. It directly affects car manufacturers selling new vehicles in the state and new car buyers. The key provision mandates that these headlights must meet federal safety standards authorized by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The law ties Massachusetts requirements to the existing federal standard, avoiding new state-specific rules.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 770: An Act to create no cost parking at MBTA commuter rail stations

This bill requires all MBTA commuter rail station parking lots and garages to offer free parking for commuters for up to 24 hours per day. Vehicles parked beyond 24 hours would incur a $20 daily charge. Stations that also provide rapid transit service (like subway connections) are exempt from this requirement. The policy directly affects commuters who park at MBTA commuter rail stations, ensuring short-term parking is free while implementing fees for extended stays.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

All transportation bills