The Law

Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 89

Section 7C. (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.

 

Massachusetts Public Safety Urges Drivers to Move Over, Slow Down for Tow Trucks

In Massachusetts the Move Over Law aims to make police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance professionals safer on the job. The Move Over Law, which took effect March 22, 2009, requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move to the next adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, and, barring that, to reduce their speed. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $100.

Every year, first responders across the country are injured or killed on the job while providing emergency help and, this summer six Massachusetts state troopers were injured in as many weeks. One trooper died from his injuries. All citizens are asked to make a personal pledge to always move over to make Massachusetts roadways safer for everyone.