Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 89 § 7C

Current through Chapter 223 of the 2024 Legislative Session

Section 89:7C - Operation of motor vehicle when approaching stationary emergency vehicles

(a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:

"Emergency response vehicle", a fire apparatus, police vehicle, ambulance, or disaster vehicle.

"Highway maintenance vehicle", a vehicle used for the maintenance of highways and roadways: (1) that is owned or operated by the executive office of transportation and public works, a county, a municipality or any political subdivision thereof; or (2) that is owned or operated by a person under contract with the executive office of transportation and public works, a county, a municipality or any political subdivision thereof.

"Operator", any person who operates a motor vehicle as defined in section 1 of chapter 90.

"Person", a natural person, corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity.

"Recovery vehicle", a vehicle that is specifically designed to assist a disabled vehicle or to tow a disabled vehicle.

(b) Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle with flashing lights an operator shall:

(1) proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions, and, if practicable and on a highway having at least 4 lanes with not less than 2 lanes proceeding in the same direction as the operator's vehicle, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency response vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle; or

(2) if changing lanes is impracticable, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions.

(c) Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 89, § 7C

Added by Acts 2008, c. 418,§ 1, eff. 3/22/2009.