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General Laws

2. Part I

3. Title XIV

4. Chapter 90

Section 2
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 Part I: ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
o Title I: JURISDICTION AND EMBLEMS OF THE COMMONWEALTH, THE GENERAL COURT,
STATUTES AND PUBLIC DOCUMENTS
o Title II: EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH
o Title III: LAWS RELATING TO STATE OFFICERS
o Title IV: CIVIL SERVICE, RETIREMENTS AND PENSIONS
o Title V: MILITIA
o Title VI: COUNTIES AND COUNTY OFFICERS
o Title VII: CITIES, TOWNS AND DISTRICTS
o Title VIII: ELECTIONS
o Title IX: TAXATION
o Title X: PUBLIC RECORDS
o Title XI: CERTAIN RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE MATTERS
o Title XII: EDUCATION
o Title XIII: EMINENT DOMAIN AND BETTERMENTS
o Title XIV: PUBLIC WAYS AND WORKS
 Chapter 81: STATE HIGHWAYS
 Chapter 81A: THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE AUTHORITY AND THE
METROPOLITAN HIGHWAY SYSTEM
 Chapter 82: THE LAYING OUT, ALTERATION, RELOCATION AND DISCONTINUANCE OF
PUBLIC WAYS, AND SPECIFIC REPAIRS THEREON
 Chapter 82A: EXCAVATION AND TRENCH SAFETY
 Chapter 83: SEWERS, DRAINS AND SIDEWALKS
 Chapter 84: REPAIR OF WAYS AND BRIDGES
 Chapter 85: REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS RELATIVE TO WAYS AND BRIDGES
 Chapter 86: BOUNDARIES OF HIGHWAYS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES, AND
ENCROACHMENTS THEREON
 Chapter 87: SHADE TREES
 Chapter 88: FERRIES, CANALS AND PUBLIC LANDINGS
 Chapter 89: LAW OF THE ROAD
 Chapter 90: MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT
 Section 1: Definitions
 Section 1A: Registration of motor vehicles; liability insurance, failure to maintain;
revocation of certificate of registration; exemptions; school buses
 Section 1B: Motorized bicycles; operation regulations
 Section 1C: Motorized bicycles and scooters; compliance with federal standards
 Section 1D: Motorized bicycles; sales; number sticker or plate
 Section 1E: Motorized scooters; operation regulations
 Section 1F: Low-speed motor vehicles; express state highway and public way
restrictions; additional municipality restrictions
 Section 1G: Notice of disclosure required upon sale, lease or rental of low-speed
motor vehicles
 Section 1H: Registration of motor vehicles designed for operation on public ways
but not capable of exceeding 40 miles per hour
 Section 1I: 3–wheeled motor vehicle registered as motorcycle; qualification
 Section 2: Registration of motor vehicles and trailers; applications; reciprocal state
agreements; transfer of ownership; plates; fraud or misrepresentation; penalties;
license plate retention program for deployed residents
 Section 2A: Minors, application for registration of motor vehicle or trailer
 Section 2B: Removal of registration upon transfer of ownership
 Section 2C: Repealed, 1973, 925, Sec. 11
 Section 2D: Temporary registration plates
 Section 2E: Distinctive registration plates; Environmental Trust Fund; Child Care
Quality Fund; 9/11 victims and military heroes funds; Boston Marathon tragedy
funds
 Section 2F: Distinctive registration plates; submission of applications; eligible
organizations
 Section 2G: Passenger plates for low-speed motor vehicles; fee
 Section 2H: Certificates of registration and number plates for street rods, replica and
other custom vehicles; determination of title year and make, model and model year
 Section 2I: Registration prerequisites for certain custom vehicles; salvage
inspection; state-assigned VIN; safety belts; air bags
 Section 3: Operation of motor vehicles owned by non-residents; liability insurance;
vehicles used in connection with place of business; suspension or revocation of
right to operate vehicle; registration
 Section 31/2: Commonwealth residency factors; access to information in nonpublic
records; certification of facts; motor vehicle registration misrepresentations;
penalties and fines
 Section 3A: Appointment of registrar as attorney as result of acceptance of rights
and privileges of Sec. 3 by non-resident
 Section 3B: Appointment of registrar as attorney as result of operation of motor
vehicle by any person
 Section 3C: Service of process; notice of service; continuance
 Section 3D: Appointment of registrar as result of application for registration or
license to operate motor vehicle; service of process on registrar
 Section 3E: Fee paid to registrar; records of registrar
 Section 3F: Separability of Secs. 3A to 3E; effect of unconstitutionality
 Section 3G: Security from nonresidents for damage caused by operation of motor
vehicles; procedure; contents of motion
 Section 4: Repealed, 1931, 142, Sec. 3
 Section 5: General registrations; general registration number plates; eligibility
 Section 5A: Application for general distinguishing mark for motor vehicles under
control of military forces of commonwealth
 Section 5B: Persons in military service; vehicles purchased in another state;
registration
 Section 6: Display of number plates; temporary number plates
 Section 6A: Number plates for antique motor cars
 Section 6B: One number plate; display
 Section 6C: Return of number plates by repossessor; penalty
 Section 7: Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible warning
systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers and
emblems
 Section 7A: Rules and regulations for periodic inspections of motor vehicles; school
buses; fees
 Section 7B: Equipment and operation of school buses
 Section 7C: Minimum standards for construction and equipment of school buses
 Section 7D: Application of Sec. 7B; additional equipment
 Section 7D1/2: Transportation of vocational school students; motor vehicle
requirements; seat belts
 Section 7E: Display of red or blue lights on vehicles; permits; revocation; violations
 Section 7F: Repealed, 1973, 948, Sec. 5
 Section 7G: Used brake drums; servicing, sale or grinding; prohibition
 Section 7H: Brake linings; minimum safety standards
 Section 7I: Emergency disaster service vehicles of charitable corporations;
identification and equipment
 Section 7J: Handlebars on motorcycles; rules and regulations; penalty
 Section 7K: Tires; minimum safety standards; penalty
 Section 7L: Standing in school buses; penalty
 Section 7M: Retread or recapped tires; sale; marking quality
 Section 7N: Voiding contracts of sale
 Section 7N1/4: Express warranty by dealer of used motor vehicle; issuance;
consumer's rights and remedies
 Section 7N1/2: Defective or malfunctioning new motor vehicles; sale and repair or
replacement
 Section 7O: Motor vehicle pollutant control devices; removal
 Section 7P: Height of motor vehicles; alteration restricted
 Section 7Q: Tire tread depth regulations; compliance; operation of vehicle prohibited
 Section 7R: Vehicle identification number; display in certain motor vehicles
 Section 7R1/2: Dealers insignias, logos or plates; placement on motor vehicles;
consent
 Section 7S: Motorcycle sound emissions; definitions
 Section 7T: Motorcycle sound levels; testing regulations
 Section 7U: Motorcycles; maximum sound levels
 Section 7V: Certificates of inspection; rules and regulations
 Section 7W: Licensing of emissions repair facilities and technicians; rules and
regulations; penalties; computerized communication system
 Section 7X: Designation of referee stations
 Section 7Y: Certification and training of inspectors; rules and regulations
 Section 7Z: Entry on premises of inspection stations; examination of records
 Section 7AA: Child passenger restraints; fine; violation as evidence in civil action
 Section 7BB: Nullified by referendum by majority vote at the 1986 state election
 Section 7CC: Transporting of special needs children
 Section 8: Operator's licenses; applications; examinations
 Section 8A: Operators of school buses; licensing; training; instructors
 Section 8A1/2: Operators of school buses under Sec. 7D; licensing; exceptions
 Section 8B: Learner's permits
 Section 8C: Medical advisory board; standards of fitness for applicants for learner's
permits or licenses
 Section 8D: Donor registry and anatomical gift act; information to be included with
notice of license and registration renewal; symbol on license; charitable donations;
liability of government employees; transmission of information to organ
procurement organizations; educational materials
 Section 8E: Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses;
application; fee; organ donor status; provision of donor information to eye and
tissue banks; expiration
 Section 8F: Repealed, 1980, 329, Sec. 57
 Section 8G: Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses;
lost, destroyed or mutilated cards; change of name; duplicate cards
 Section 8H: Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses;
fictitious, fraudulent, or altered cards; possession
 Section 8I: Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses;
description
 Section 8J: Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses;
change of address
 Section 8K: Identification cards for persons not possessing motor vehicle licenses;
cancellation
 Section 8L: Voter registration agency
 Section 8M: Use of mobile telephone, hands-free mobile telephone or mobile
electronic device by person under 18 years of age while operating motor vehicle
prohibited; penalties;affirmative defenses
 Section 9: Operation of unregistered or improperly equipped motor vehicles,
tractors, trailers, etc.
 Section 9A: Safety glass; windshields, windows
 Section 9B: Registration of vehicles; display of number plates; application of law
 Section 9C: Repair of tires on trucks, etc.
 Section 9D: Windshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials
 Section 10: Operation of motor vehicle without license; members of armed forces;
nonresidents; suspension or revocation of license
 Section 10A: Repealed, 1953, 276
 Section 11: Carrying certificate of registration and license; presentation after
accident upon request
 Section 12: Employing unlicensed motor vehicle operator; permitting person with
suspended or revoked license to operate motor vehicle; permitting person with
ignition interlock devise license restriction to operate motor vehicle without devise;
penalties
 Section 12A: Use of mobile telephone, hands-free mobile telephone or other mobile
electronic device by operator of vehicle or vessel used in public transportation
prohibited; penalties; affirmative defenses
 Section 13: Safety precautions for proper operation and parking of vehicles and
buses
 Section 13A: Seat belt use required; exemptions; penalty
 Section 13B: Composing, sending or reading of electronic messages while operating
a motor vehicle prohibited; penalties
 Section 13C: Amphibious sight-seeing vehicles; operation on public ways; penalties
 Section 14: Precautions for safety of other travelers
 Section 14A: Protection of blind pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross ways
 Section 14B: Uniform stopping and turning signals on ways
 Section 15: Precautions at railroad crossings
 Section 16: Offensive or illegal operation of motor vehicles
 Section 16A: Stopped motor vehicles; operation of engine; time limit; penalty
 Section 16B: Idling of a motor vehicle engine on school property; penalties; adoption
of regulations
 Section 17: Speed limits
 Section 17A: Speed limit; Massachusetts Turnpike
 Section 17B: Drag racing; penalties
 Section 17C: Establishment of 25-miles-per-hour speed limit in thickly settled or
business district in city or town; violation
 Section 18: Special regulations, speed and use of vehicles
 Section 18A: Pedestrians, use of ways; rules and regulations; violations; notice
 Section 18B: Establishment of designated safety zones for ways in city or town;
violation
 Section 19: Dimensions and weights of motor vehicles, trucks and trailers
 Section 19A: Weight limitations for certain motor vehicles, semi-trailers, etc.; scales;
penalties for violations
 Section 19B: Repealed, 1967, 395, Sec. 2
 Section 19C: Repealed, 1993, 305, Sec. 6
 Section 19D: Permit stickers; issuance; application; certificate of gross vehicle
weight rating; violations; penalties
 Section 19E: Operation of motor vehicles and certain trailers and semi-trailers on
Interstate and Defense Highways
 Section 19F: Vehicles authorized to operate on national network
 Section 19G: Vehicles authorized to operate on routes of reasonable access; safety
evaluations
 Section 19H: Repealed, 1991, 129, Sec. 11
 Section 19I: Maximum width and weight limitations and minimum speed limits;
exception for certain construction vehicles
 Section 19J: Maximum vehicle widths, axle weights and minimum speed limits;
exception for certain snow clearing duties
 Section 19K: Hitching mechanism
 Section 19L: Regulations to ensure compliance of interstate and intrastate motor
carriers with federal and state laws; inspection of records; penalties
 Section 20: Penalties and punishments
 Section 20A: Parking regulations; violations; notice to appear; failure to appear;
adjudication by mail
 Section 20A1/2: Cities of Boston and Cambridge; parking violations; tags;
appearance; failure to appear; adjudication by mail
 Section 20B: Repealed, 1967, 405, Sec. 2
 Section 20C: Nature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines
 Section 20D: Tampering or destruction of parking tags; penalty
 Section 20E: Liability of lessors of motor vehicles for parking violations
 Section 20F: Repealed, 1982, 586, Sec. 1
 Section 20G: Failure to appear in accordance with notice issued pursuant to
Department of Transportation regulation; failure to pay violation; motor vehicle
license renewals; registration of motor vehicles
 Section 20H: Failure to pay required toll; Tobin Bridge; motor vehicle license
renewals; registration of motor vehicles
 Section 21: Arrest without warrant
 Section 22: Suspension or revocation of certificate of registration or license; notice
 Section 221/2: Suspension of right to operate based upon violation of Sec. 32E of
chapter 94C
 Section 22A: Suspension of operator's license or registration certificates, unsatisfied
judgment; reinstatement of license
 Section 22B: Abandonment of motor vehicles; penalties; non-criminal proceedings
 Section 22C: Abandoned motor vehicles; removal and disposal
 Section 22D: Suspension of license for automobile law violation; reinstatement
 Section 22E: Abandoned vehicles; removal of parts; penalty
 Section 22F: Habitual traffic offender; revocation of license; reinstatement
 Section 22G: Littering; suspension of license
 Section 22H: Safe transportation of animals
 Section 22I: Suspension of license upon report of health care provider or law
enforcement officer of operator's cognitive or functional impairment or incapability
to operate motor vehicle safely; contents of report; immunity from liability; review by
registrar; confidentiality of report
 Section 23: Operation of motor vehicle after suspension or revocation of license;
concealment of identity of motor vehicle
 Section 24: Driving while under influence of intoxicating liquor, etc.; second and
subsequent offenses; punishment; treatment programs; reckless and unauthorized
driving; failure to stop after collision
 Section 241/2: Ignition interlock device license restriction; revocation of license for
failure to install or maintain device; revocation of license for attempt to operate
motor vehicle with elevated blood alcohol level
 Section 24A: Use of motor vehicles in commission of felony, larceny or other crimes
 Section 24B: Stealing, forging or other falsification of learner's permit, operator's
license, disability placard certificate of registration or inspection sticker; use or
 possession; penalties; suspension and reinstatement of license or right to operate
motor vehicle
 Section 24C: Repealed, 1966, 317, Sec. 1
 Section 24D: Probation of persons convicted of driving under the influence; driver
alcohol education program; alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs; fees;
indigents; gifts and grants; report
 Section 24E: Dismissal of charges upon compliance with terms of probation;
records; reports
 Section 24F: Civil liability to owner for unauthorized use of motor vehicle
 Section 24G: Homicide by motor vehicle; punishment
 Section 24H: Removal of abandoned or stolen vehicles from public places; towing
vehicles; machines that crush, mutilate or destroy vehicles; salvage or junk yard
owners or agents
 Section 24I: Possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles
 Section 24J: Inquiry of defendant convicted of driving under influence of intoxicating
liquors as to establishment serving alcohol
 Section 24K: Chemical breath analysis; validity; testing procedures; report forms
 Section 24L: Serious bodily injury by motor vehicle while under influence of
intoxicating substance; penalties
 Section 24M: Training for law enforcement personnel regarding alcohol-related
offenses; alcohol sensitive selective traffic enforcement program
 Section 24N: Suspension of operator's license upon issuance of complaint; hearing
 Section 24O: Statement to defendant regarding further violations
 Section 24P: Minors; further violations; education and treatment programs
 Section 24Q: Alcohol or drug assessment as condition for certain sentences
imposed under chapter
 Section 24R: Revocation for life of license or right to operate
 Section 24S: Operation of motor vehicle on public way in violation of ignition
interlock device license restriction; penalties
 Section 24T: Tampering with ignition interlock device; penalties
 Section 24U: Starting motor vehicle equipped with ignition interlock device for
another person under a restricted license
 Section 24V: Child endangerment while operating a motor vehicle or vessel under
the influence; penalties; suspension of license
 Section 24W: Forfeiture of motor vehicle owned by certain drunk driving offenders;
procedure; Operating Under the Influence Deterrent Trust Fund
 Section 24X: Cancellation of registration for motor vehicles owned by certain drunk
driving offenders
 Section 25: Refusal to submit to police officer
 Section 26: Accident reports; supplemental report; penalty for violation
 Section 26A: Licenses and learner's permits; reporting changes of name and
address
 Section 27: Court records; motor vehicle violations
 Section 28: Appeals and hearings
 Section 29: Deputy registrar, chief deputy registrar, etc.; appointment; duties;
investigation of motor vehicle accidents; suspension or revocation of licenses
 Section 29A: Repealed, 1961, 592, Sec. 2
 Section 30: Records of registrar; certified copies; destruction
 Section 30A: Computer terminals under control of registrar; restricted use
 Section 30A1/2: Agreements with third party entities by registrar
 Section 30B: Interstate compact; motor vehicle convictions
 Section 31: Use and operation of motor vehicles or trailers; conduct of operators and
chauffeurs; rules and regulations
 Section 31A: Transportation by motor vehicle of personal property; rules and
regulations
 Section 32: Records; manufacturers and dealers of motor vehicles or trailers;
garages and open air parking spaces
 Section 32A: Restoration of original identifying number of motor vehicle; certificate
 Section 32B: Repealed, 1934, 209, Sec. 2
 Section 32C: Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; registration of distance by
mechanical devices; deception by lessor or lessee; leasing to intoxicated or
unlicensed persons; redelivery
 Section 32D: Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; records
 Section 32E: Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; operation of vehicles or use
of trailers; insurance coverage
 Section 32E1/2: Rental agreements; collision damage waivers; notices; exclusions;
penalties
 Section 32E3/4: Rental agreements; separately stated surcharges, fees or charges;
vehicle license cost recovery fee
 Section 32F: Leasing motor vehicles on mileage basis; fraud; violations; penalties
 Section 32G: Instruction for hire in operation of motor vehicles; driver school;
licensing; application; fees; qualifications of applicant; suspension or revocation of
license or instructor's certificate; procedures
 Section 32G1/2: Advanced driver training program certification
 Section 32H: Lessors of motorcycles; licensing
 Section 32I: Repealed, 1991, 489, Sec. 16
 Section 32J: Vehicles in fleet of car-sharing organization; display of registration
plates
 Section 33: Fees
 Section 33A: Motor vehicles; certificates of registration; signatures
 Section 33B: Traffic control signs, safety devices and improvements; installation and
construction costs; high-accident locations; funding limits
 Section 34: Disposition of fees
 Section 341/2: Repealed, 2009, 25, Sec. 82
 Section 34A: Definitions applicable to Secs. 34A to 34N
 Section 34B: Certificates of insurance or surety companies; contents; copies
 Section 34C: Single motor vehicle liability policy or bond covering several motor
vehicles
 Section 34D: Registration application; cash deposit in lieu of liability bond or policy;
satisfaction of judgment
 Section 34E: Receipt for and retention of cash or securities deposited
 Section 34F: Notice to registrar upon service of writ or summons in action against
depositor
 Section 34G: Actions against surety company
 Section 34H: Revocation of registration of motor vehicle upon notice of cancellation
of motor vehicle liability policy or bond; notice to owner; new certificate
 Section 34I: Records and books of registrar
 Section 34J: Operating motor vehicle without liability policy, bond or security
deposit
 Section 34K: Cancellation of policies; notice
 Section 34L: Repealed, 1968, 643, Sec. 6
 Section 34M: Personal injury protection
 Section 34N: Assigned claims plan
 Section 34O: Property damage liability insurance or bonds
 Section 34P: Notice to law enforcement officials; failure to provide or maintain
liability policy, bond or deposit; seizure of registration plates
 Section 34Q: Nonowner operators, hired motor vehicles; insurance coverage by
endorsements
 Section 34R: Estimate of cost of exterior repairs; notice
 Section 35: Definitions applicable to Secs. 35 to 52
 Section 35A: Structures within airport approaches; regulation of location and height
 Section 35B: Structures within airport approaches; permits for erection or addition
 Section 35C: Structures within airport approaches; application for permit; notice of
denial; hearing
 Section 35D: Structures within airport approaches; maintenance, repair or
replacement; initial approval
 Section 36 to 38: Repealed, 1946, 583, Sec. 2
 Section 39: Aeronautics commission; powers; rules and regulations
 Section 39A: Plan for development of airports and air navigation facilities
 Section 39B: Certificate of approval; municipal airport site or restricted landing area;
application; hearing; issuance
 Section 39C: Reimbursement of towns and cities for airport construction; federal
funds
 Section 39D: Repealed, 1948, 637, Sec. 11
 Section 39E: Engineering or technical services of commission to cities and towns
 Section 39F: Reimbursement of city or town constructing, establishing or enlarging
airport
 Section 39G: Applicability of Secs. 35 to 52 to counties
 Section 40: Purposes of aeronautics commission; discretionary powers of
commission; enforcement of laws
 Section 40A: Airport approach regulations by cities or towns
 Section 40B: Reasonableness of airport approach regulations
 Section 40C: Adoption, amendment or repeal of airport approach regulations; public
hearing
 Section 40D: Erection, replacement or alteration of structures or trees; variance
 Section 40E: Administrative agency
 Section 40F: Removal of structures erected in violation of regulations; trees;
procedure
 Section 40G: Protection of airport approaches; removal of structures and trees;
compensation
 Section 40H: Appeal by aggrieved corporations
 Section 40I: Approval of regulations by commission
 Section 41: Investigations or hearings; accidents
 Section 42: Equitable jurisdiction of superior court
 Section 43: Public inspection of copies of orders, rules and regulations
 Section 44: Penalties
 Section 45: Appeals
 Section 46: Altitude of aircraft flights
 Section 47: Federal pilot's license, permit or certificate
 Section 48: Aircraft license, permit or certificate
 Section 49: Registration of federal certificates; fees; exceptions
 Section 49A: Retention of court records of cases involving violations of Secs. 35 to
52; abstracts
 Section 49B: Definitions applicable to Secs. 49B to 49R
 Section 49C: Administration and enforcement of Secs. 49B to 49R; hearings; judicial
review
 Section 49D: Accident reports; security; suspension of aircraft registration; waiver
 Section 49E: Policy or bond of insurer or surety company
 Section 49F: Restoration or renewal of registration or non-resident's operating
privilege
 Section 49G: Certificate of self-insurance
 Section 49H: Certificate of registration or non-resident's operating privilege;
allowance; suspension; notice
 Section 49I: Security; form; limits; reduction or increase
 Section 49J: Delivery and release of security
 Section 49K: Commission; availability of information and material
 Section 49L: Transfer of aircraft registration following suspension of owner's
registration
 Section 49M: Return of suspended registration certificate
 Section 49N: Illegal operation of aircraft; failure to return suspended registration
certificate
 Section 49O: Application of Secs. 49B to 49R to certain aircraft
 Section 49P: Availability of other legal processes; enforcement
 Section 49Q: Service of process; proof of service
 Section 49R: Discharge in bankruptcy
 Section 49S: Severability; constitutionality
 Section 49T: Interpretation and construction of uniform aircraft financial
responsibility act
  Section 50: Appointment of administrator for aeronautics as attorney for service of
process
 Section 50A to 50L: Inoperative February 17, 1959 upon title vesting in the
Massachusetts Port Authority. See 1956, 465, Sec. 32; 1958, 599, Sec. 12
 Section 51: Repealed, 1946, 613, Sec. 1
 Section 51A to 51C: Repealed, 1948, 637, Sec. 11
 Section 51D: Municipal airports and air navigation facilities
 Section 51E: Airport commissions for municipal airports; members; vacancies;
airport managers
 Section 51F: Leasing of land at airports
 Section 51G: Acquisition of property to establish airport; eminent domain; purchase;
lease
 Section 51H: Charges or rentals for use of properties, facilities, installations; terms
and conditions of contracts
 Section 51I: Power of commission; expenditure of funds; contracts for maintenance,
operation, construction and enlargement of airports
 Section 51J: Rules and regulations; use of airports; safety of public
 Section 51K: Federal funds; receipt by aeronautics commission; bids; contracts;
loans in anticipation of funds
 Section 51L: Contracts for construction, enlargement or improvement of airports by
airport commission
 Section 51M: Exclusive contracts, permits or licenses to transport persons for hire
or to receive or deliver passengers at airports
 Section 51N: Establishment, maintenance and operation of airport by municipalities
as joint enterprise; contents of agreement; joint airport commission
 Section 52: Partial unconstitutionality and invalidity of Secs. 35 to 51
 Section 53 to 60: Repealed, 1935, 418, Sec. 2
 Section 61: Logan Airport security zone; access; penalties
 Section 62: Notice to police department regarding suspensions or revocations
pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of Sec. 22, Secs. 22F, 22I, 24, 241/2, 24D, 24G or 24L
 Chapter 90A: THE HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT
 Chapter 90B: MOTORBOATS, OTHER VESSELS AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
 Chapter 90C: PROCEDURE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
 Chapter 90D: MOTOR VEHICLE CERTIFICATES OF TITLE
 Chapter 90E: BIKEWAYS
 Chapter 90F: UNIFORM OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES ACT
  Chapter 90G: CIVIL INFRACTIONS
 Chapter 90H: GATEWAY ROADS PROGRAM
 Chapter 90I: COMPLETE STREETS PROGRAM
 Chapter 91: WATERWAYS
 Chapter 91A: PORT OF BOSTON COMMISSION [Inoperative February 17, 1959 upon title
vesting in the Massachusetts Port Authority. See 1956, 465, Sec. 33.]
 Chapter 92: METROPOLITAN SEWERS, WATER AND PARKS
 Chapter 92A: COMMONWEALTH ZOOLOGICAL CORPORATION [Renumbered as
Chapter 92B by 1992, 286, Sec. 165. Another Chapter 92A was repealed by 1953, 612,
Sec. 8.]
 Chapter 92A1/2: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
 Chapter 92B: COMMONWEALTH ZOOLOGICAL CORPORATION
o Title XV: REGULATION OF TRADE
o Title XVI: PUBLIC HEALTH
o Title XVII: PUBLIC WELFARE
o Title XVIII: PRISONS, IMPRISONMENT, PAROLES AND PARDONS
o Title XIX: AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION
o Title XX: PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER
o Title XXI: LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
o Title XXII: CORPORATIONS
 Part II: REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS
 Part III: COURTS, JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL CASES
 Part IV: CRIMES, PUNISHMENTS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES
 Part V: THE GENERAL LAWS, AND EXPRESS REPEAL OF CERTAIN ACTS AND RESOLVES
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Section 2: Registration of motor vehicles and trailers; applications; reciprocal state agreements;
transfer of ownership; plates; fraud or misrepresentation; penalties; license plate retention program
for deployed residents

[ First paragraph effective until July 1, 2016. For text effective July 1, 2016, see below.]
Section 2. Applications for the registration of motor vehicles and trailers may be made by the owner
thereof. If the owner is a corporation, sole proprietorship or business entity, the application shall
contain, in addition to such other particulars as may be required by the registrar, the name of the
corporation, sole proprietorship or business entity and the full address, including the street, city or
town, state and zip code. If the owner is a sole proprietorship, the application shall contain a social
security number and an employer identification number or federal tax identification number from the
Internal Revenue Service, if any such number has been issued. If the applicant is a natural person,
the application shall contain, in addition to such other particulars as may be required by the registrar,
the name of the applicant, full residential address, date of birth and license number or identification
card number issued by the registrar, if such license or card has been issued. The application of a
natural person shall also contain the apartment or unit number if the applicant's address is in an
apartment house, family hotel, condominium or a residential flat or is in a combined business and
residential property. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no registration shall be issued to a
natural person for a motor vehicle or trailer unless such person holds a license, identification card
issued under section 8E, social security number issued by Social Security Administration or other
proof of legal residence; provided, however, that the registrar shall provide by regulation for
exemptions for out-of-state students, military personnel, senior citizens and disabled persons;
provided, further, that the registrar may provide by regulation additional exemptions which shall be
consistent with this section. The application shall also contain a brief description of the motor vehicle
or trailer to be registered, including the name of the maker, any number or numbers as may be
required by the registrar to properly identify the vehicle, the character of the motor power and the
type of transmission and a statement signed by the applicant under the penalties of perjury that no
excise liabilities on the motor vehicle are outstanding and incurred by the applicant, a member of the
applicant's immediate family who is a member of the applicant's household or any business partner
of the applicant. The registration fee, as required under section 33, shall accompany the application.
Applicants for registration shall also comply with chapter 90D.
[ First paragraph as amended by 2016, 133, Sec. 53 effective July 1, 2016. See 2016, 133, Sec.
203. For text effective until July 1, 2016, see above.]
Applications for the registration of motor vehicles and trailers may be made by the owner thereof. If
the owner is a corporation, sole proprietorship or business entity, the application shall contain, in
addition to such other particulars as may be required by the registrar, the name of the corporation,
sole proprietorship or business entity and the full address, including the street, city or town, state and
zip code. If the owner is a sole proprietorship, the application shall contain a social security number
and an employer identification number or federal tax identification number from the Internal Revenue
Service, if any such number has been issued. If the applicant is a natural person, the application
shall contain, in addition to such other particulars as may be required by the registrar, the name of
the applicant, full residential address, date of birth and license number or identification card number
issued by the registrar, if such license or card has been issued. The application of a natural person
shall also contain the apartment or unit number if the applicant's address is in an apartment house,
family hotel, condominium or a residential flat or is in a combined business and residential property.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no registration shall be issued to a natural person for a
motor vehicle or trailer unless the person holds a license, an identification card issued under section
8E, a social security number issued by the United States Social Security Administration or proof of
lawful presence in the United States; provided, however, that the registrar shall provide by regulation
for certain exemptions from these registration requirements, as applicable, for nonresident, out-of-
state students, certain military personnel, senior citizens and disabled persons; and provided further,
that the registrar may provide additional exemptions by regulations which shall be consistent with
this section. The application shall also contain a brief description of the motor vehicle or trailer to be
registered, including the name of the maker, any number or numbers as may be required by the
registrar to properly identify the vehicle, the character of the motor power and the type of
transmission and a statement signed by the applicant under the penalties of perjury that no excise
liabilities on the motor vehicle are outstanding and incurred by the applicant, a member of the
applicant's immediate family who is a member of the applicant's household or any business partner
of the applicant. The registration fee, as required under section 33, shall accompany the application.
Applicants for registration shall also comply with chapter 90D.
The registrar or the registrar's duly authorized agents shall keep a record of motor vehicles and
trailers that satisfy application requirements, and shall assign to each motor vehicle and trailer a
distinguishing mark or number to be known as the register number for that vehicle or trailer, and
shall thereupon issue to the applicant a certificate of registration. If the owner is a corporation, sole
proprietorship or business entity, the certificate shall contain the name and address of the
corporation, sole proprietorship or business entity and the register number or mark and shall be in
such form and contain such further information as the registrar may determine. If the owner is a
natural person, the certificate shall contain the name, place of residence and address of the
applicant and the register number or mark and shall be in such form and contain such further
information as the registrar may determine.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the registrar is hereby authorized to enter into
reciprocal agreements on behalf of the commonwealth with the duly authorized representatives of
any state of the United States, the District of Columbia or a state or a province of a foreign country,
providing for the registration of vehicles on an apportionment or allocation basis. In exercising the
authority granted herein, the registrar is expressly authorized to enter into and to become a member
of the International Registration Plan, or such other designation that may, from time to time, be given
to such a plan. The registrar is further authorized to promulgate and to enforce such rules and
regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the International Registration Plan or
any other agreement entered into under authority herein set forth. If the registrar enters into the
International Registration Plan or into any other agreement under the authority herein set forth, and if
the provisions set forth in said International Registration Plan or other agreements are different from
provisions prescribed by law or any rules or regulations promulgated by the registrar pursuant to the
authority granted hereunder to the registrar, then the agreement provisions shall prevail. The
provisions set forth in this paragraph shall constitute complete authority for the registration of motor
vehicles, including the registration of fleet vehicles, within the International Registration Plan, upon
an apportionment or allocation basis without reference to or application of any other law in the
commonwealth.
Upon the transfer of ownership of any motor vehicle or trailer its registration shall expire, and the
person in whose name such motor vehicle or trailer is registered shall forthwith return the certificate
of registration to the registrar with a written notice containing the date of the transfer of ownership
and the name, place of residence and address of the new owner; provided, that, on the death,
insolvency or bankruptcy of any owner of a motor vehicle or trailer, its registration shall be deemed
to continue in force as a valid registration until the expiration date appearing on the certificate of
registration or until the ownership of such motor vehicle or trailer is transferred by the legal
representative of the estate of such owner, whichever occurs first, subject otherwise to all provisions
of law applicable generally to registrations of motor vehicles or trailers; and provided, further, that if
the owner of a motor vehicle or trailer for which a certificate of registration has been issued dies prior
to the effective date appearing on the certificate of registration, such motor vehicle or trailer shall be
deemed to be validly registered and said registration shall continue in force until the expiration date
appearing on the certificate of registration, or until the ownership of such vehicle or trailer is
transferred by the legal representative of the estate of such owner, whichever occurs first, subject,
however, to all provisions of law applicable generally to registrations of motor vehicles or trailers.
A person who transfers the ownership of a registered motor vehicle or trailer owned by him to
another or loses possession thereof or desires to transfer the registration from one motor vehicle or
trailer owned by him to another motor vehicle or trailer owned by him, upon the filing of a new
application and upon payment of the proper substitution fee provided in section thirty-three, may
have registered in his name for the period of time remaining before the expiration date appearing on
the certificate of registration another motor vehicle or trailer; provided that if the fee provided for
registration of the vehicle sought to be registered is more than the fee for registration of the vehicle
transferred as aforesaid, the applicant shall pay, in addition to the substitution fee, the difference
between said fees for registration. A person who has attained 18 years of age and who transfers the
ownership of a registered motor vehicle or trailer owned by him to another or who loses possession
thereof and who intends to transfer the registration of such motor vehicle or trailer to a newly
acquired new motor vehicle or newly acquired used motor vehicle of the same type and having the
same number of wheels may, subject to other provisions of this chapter, operate such newly
acquired new motor vehicle or trailer or newly acquired used motor vehicle or trailer for a period
beginning from the date of transfer until five o'clock post meridian of the seventh calendar day
following the date of transfer within the period for which the transferred vehicle was registered;
provided, however, that the number plates issued upon registration of the transferred motor vehicle
or trailer shall be attached to the newly acquired vehicle. During such period any operator of the
newly acquired vehicle shall carry an original copy of the bill of sale reciting the registration number
to be transferred from the former vehicle to the newly acquired vehicle or the certificate of transfer
issued by the dealer on a form approved by the registrar in place of the certificate of registration.
A person who, before the first day of the seventh month next following the effective date appearing
on the certificate of registration, for any reason other than suspension or revocation surrenders his
number plates and registration certificate and does not apply for registration of another vehicle but
who, on or before the first day of the month next following which date shall be at least one month
prior to the expiration date appearing on said certificate of registration, files in the office of the
registrar a written application for a rebate shall be entitled to a rebate of one half the fee paid in
excess of fifteen dollars for the registration of a vehicle of which the plates and registration certificate
have been surrendered as aforesaid; provided, that no such rebate shall be paid except upon a
certificate, filed with the comptroller, setting forth the facts, and signed by the registrar or his
authorized agent; and provided, also, that the rebate shall be paid out of the fees received for the
registration of motor vehicles and trailers without specific appropriation. The registrar, at his
discretion, may assign to the vehicle of any person who surrenders his registration certificate as
herein provided, and who desires to register another vehicle, the register number of the vehicle
described in the surrendered certificate.
The registrar shall furnish, without charge, to every person whose motor vehicle is registered under
this chapter, two number plates of suitable design, and to every person whose trailer is so
registered, one such number plate, having displayed thereon the register number assigned to that
vehicle; provided, that number plates assigned to ambulances, fire engines and apparatus, police
patrol wagons and other vehicles used by the police department of any city or town or park board or
by the sheriff's office of any county, solely for the official business of such department, board or
office, and pleasure passenger vehicles owned by veterans who, according to the records of the
United States Veterans' Administration, has been determined to have a service-connected disability
rating of 60 per cent or greater and by reason of service in the armed forces of the United States
have suffered loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet; or loss or permanent loss of use of
one or both hands; or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes of the following status: central
visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, with corrective glasses, or central visual acuity of
more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an
extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than twenty
degrees in the better eye, or any other disability or handicap of such veterans which may be
determined by the medical advisory board as established by section eight C, and to vehicles
registered by any member of a foreign diplomatic corps or by any foreign consular officer who is not
a citizen of the United States may be of a distinctive type or types. The registrar may, upon payment
of the registration fee as required in section thirty-three, furnish at his office such distinctive plates to
duly appointed foreign diplomatic representatives or foreign consular officers who are citizens of the
United States. The registrar of motor vehicles may issue, without charge, to former prisoners of war,
defined as any regularly appointed, enrolled, enlisted, or inducted member of the military forces of
the United States who was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during an
armed conflict, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of such prisoner of war status, as
determined by the registrar, distinctive registration plates for one pleasure passenger vehicle owned
and principally used by said individual or a distinctive emblem to be affixed to a "VETERAN''
registration plate for a motorcycle owned and principally used by such individual; provided, however,
that the surviving spouse of a deceased prisoner of war may elect to retain a distinctive registration
plate or emblem for personal use until such time as such spouse remarries or fails to renew or
cancels such registration. The registrar may issue, without charge, to a member of the Legion of
Valor of the United States of America, Inc., upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of such
membership as determined by the registrar, distinctive registration plates for one private passenger
motor vehicle owned and principally used by such member or a distinctive emblem to be affixed to a
"VETERAN'' registration plate for a motorcycle owned and principally used by such individual;
provided, however, that the surviving spouse of a deceased member of said Legion of Valor of the
United States of America, Inc. may elect to retain such distinctive registration plates or emblem for
personal use upon payment of the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles
or motorcycles and an additional annual twenty dollar fee for personal use until such time as such
spouse remarries or fails to renew or cancels such registration. The registrar may also, upon
payment of the fee required in section thirty-three, furnish to owners of private passenger motor
vehicles special number plates of distinctive types, to be known as distinctive initial plates, which
may contain a register number consisting of a group of letters or a combination of numbers and
letters; provided, however, that such group or combination shall not consist of more than six letters
or numbers or combination thereof; and provided further, that there shall be no duplication of
identification. The registrar may determine such standards and qualifications for the issuance of said
plates as he deems proper. Any number plate furnished under this chapter shall, except in case the
registrar for any valid reason extends the time, be valid only until the expiration date appearing on
the certificate of registration. If the registrar extends the time he may make rules and regulations
requiring the display of visible evidence upon every motor vehicle that it has been registered and
that the plates in use thereon are valid. Any plate becoming illegible because of construction defects
shall be replaced by the registrar without cost. All number plates issued by the registrar of motor
vehicles under this chapter shall be reflectorized in accordance with specifications prescribed by
him.
The registrar may furnish plates displaying the "International Symbol of Access'' for a pleasure
passenger vehicle or a pick-up truck used exclusively for noncommercial purposes, owned or leased
by and used by a blind person or a person who has suffered the loss or permanent loss of use of
one or both feet, or of one or both hands, the registrar may furnish plates displaying the
"International Symbol of Access'' and the words "Disabled Veteran'' for a pleasure passenger vehicle
or a pick-up truck owned or leased by and used by a veteran who, according to the records of the
United States Veterans' Administration, by reason of service in the armed forces of the United States
has suffered loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet; or loss or permanent loss of use of
one or both hands; or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes of the following status: central
visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, with corrective glasses, or central visual acuity of
more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an
extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater that 20
degrees in the better eye, or any other disability or handicap and the registrar may furnish emblems
displaying the "International Symbol of Access'' to be affixed to motorcycle registration plates in a
location to be determined by the registrar; provided, however, that the medical advisory board
established by section 8C may determine such other standards of disability and handicap and of
qualification for the issuance of such plates or emblems as the board deems proper; and provided,
further, that this sentence shall not apply to motorized bicycles. The registrar shall make available to
the owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in the counties of Barnstable, Dukes, or
Nantucket, distinctive number plates which shall display on the face of said plate a design
representing the Cape and Islands. Such design shall be selected through a contest to be judged by
the Barnstable county commissioners or their designees, and one county commissioner from each of
the counties of Nantucket and Dukes. Before selecting a contest winner, said judges shall consult
with the registrar of motor vehicles or his designee. There shall be a twenty-five dollar fee for said
plate in addition to the established registration fee for passenger motor vehicles. Within 30 days after
receipt of such fee, the portion of the fee remaining after the deduction of costs directly attributable
to issuing such plate shall be transferred, in amounts proportional to the number of vehicles
registered in each county, to the county commissioners of Dukes and Nantucket counties and, in the
case of Barnstable county, 40 per cent to the Barnstable county commissioners, 40 per cent to the
Cape Cod Economic Development Council, Inc. or its successor and 20 per cent to the Lower Cape
Community Development Corporation; provided, however, that all amounts so transferred shall be
used to promote tourism and economic development; provided, further, that twice annually the
Lower Cape Community Development Corporation shall furnish to the Barnstable county
commissioners a full accounting of the expenditures of such funds; and provided further, that the
Cape Cod Economic Development Council, Inc. or its successor shall report twice annually to the
department of economic development on the nature of all activities taken within the preceding six
months and anticipated activities in the subsequent six months including, but not limited to, a list of
all programs offered and attendance at such programs, a description of any travel and tourism
initiatives and any other documents or information requested by said department and shall file
annually with said department and the state auditor a certified financial audit which shall be so
certified by a certified public accountant. The department of economic development may suspend,
by written notice to the registrar, the transfer of funds to the Cape Cod Economic Development
Council, Inc. or its successor upon a determination by said department that said Council has
incurred questionable costs or has engaged in an inappropriate use of funds, until such time as the
matters are resolved to the satisfaction of said department. The registrar may issue plates displaying
the "International Symbol of Access'' for a motor vehicle owned or leased by and used by, any
organization or institution or the commonwealth or its political subdivisions for the transportation of
handicapped persons when the registrar determines that such organization or institution or agency
or municipality substantially and regularly provides care and transportation to handicapped persons,
and prominently displays the name of the organization or institution or agency or municipality on said
vehicle; provided, however, that such vehicles shall include those purchased with grants and loans
from the federal government for the purpose of providing transportation to meet the special needs of
the elderly and the handicapped.
The registrar may also furnish a special parking identification placard bearing the designation
"International Symbol of Access'' to any person who meets the eligibility requirements for
handicapped plates prescribed herein. The placard shall be of such size and design as the registrar
shall require and shall be numbered and contain such identifying features and specifications as the
registrar shall deem appropriate. The registrar may also issue a separate identification card
identifying the person to whom such placard is issued as the authorized user thereof which shall be
carried by the authorized user while the placard is in use. A placard may be used while a vehicle is
parked in a designated handicapped space from which the authorized user is entering or exiting,
including immediate drop off or pick up. For the purposes of this section, "immediate'' shall mean
within ten minutes. Only a vehicle bearing private passenger registration or a private passenger
vehicle bearing a commercial registration or a vehicle designed and used for the transportation of
handicapped persons may be used in conjunction with a placard. When used by the authorized user,
the placard shall be displayed so as to be readily visible through the windshield of the vehicle and in
accordance with instructions provided by the registrar from time to time. Upon application and for
good cause shown by the applicant, the registrar may issue to any person both a plate displaying the
"International Symbol of Access'' and a placard described in this section. Any person who wrongfully
displays a handicapped plate on or a placard in a motor vehicle parked in a designated handicapped
parking space or in a regular metered space or in a commercial parking space shall be subject to a
fine of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The registrar shall
suspend the operator's license or right to operate of any person found to have violated the provisions
of this section relative to the wrongful use or display of a special handicapped plate or parking
identification placard for a period of 30 days for a first offense, for a period of 90 days for a second
offense and for a period of one year for a third or subsequent offense. Such suspension shall be in
addition to any other penalty, fine, suspension, revocation or requirement that may be imposed for
such violation including, but not limited to, those applicable under section 37E of chapter 266. The
registrar may revoke the plate or placard as issued to a person upon a finding that the person to
whom the plate or placard was issued willingly and without coercion or duress authorized, permitted
or allowed it to be used by another person. Nothing in this section shall be construed to extend the
posted time available for parking in a space designated as commercial or to modify the provisions
related to the use of a space designated as commercial other than as is specifically stated in this
section. A penalty under this paragraph shall not be a surchargeable offense under section 113B of
chapter 175.
If the registrar shall determine at any time that, for any reason, a motor vehicle or trailer is unsafe
or improperly equipped or otherwise unfit to be operated, he may refuse to register such motor
vehicle or trailer or, if it is already registered, may suspend or revoke its registration. The registration
of every motor vehicle and trailer registered under this chapter, except those motor vehicles and
trailers owned by the commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof that are exempt from the
payment of fees provided for by section thirty-three, shall expire at midnight of the expiration date
appearing on said certificate of registration as determined by the registrar. In no event shall a
registration be valid for less than a period of twelve months.
The registrar shall furnish at his office at no less than cost to members of the council, senate and
house of representatives and to constitutional officers, plates bearing facsimiles of the seal of the
commonwealth suitable for attachment to a motor vehicle owned solely or in part by those members
and officers and registered under this chapter. Whoever, except the members and officers aforesaid,
displays or has attached to his motor vehicle while operating on the highways of the commonwealth
such a plate issued by the registrar shall be punished by a fine not exceeding twenty-five dollars.
The registrar shall furnish, at no cost to residents of the commonwealth who have been awarded
the Congressional Medal of Honor, distinctive registration plates bearing up to three letters
designating the recipient's initials followed by the letters CMH signifying the Congressional Medal of
Honor suitable for attachment to a motor vehicle owned and principally used by such recipient or a
distinctive emblem to be affixed to a "VETERAN'' registration plate for a motorcycle owned and
principally used by such recipient; provided, however, that the surviving spouse of a deceased
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient may elect to retain such distinctive registration plates or
emblem for personal use upon payment of the established registration fee for private passenger
motor vehicles or motorcycles and an additional annual twenty dollar fee until such time as such
spouse remarries or fails to renew or cancels such registration.
The registrar may issue without an additional registration fee, distinctive license plates for vehicles
used for the transportation of school pupils in accordance with the provisions of section seven D.
The registrar shall not register any motor vehicle which does not comply with the provisions of
section one hundred and forty-two K of chapter one hundred and eleven and any regulations
promulgated thereunder, or qualify as an exemption under subsection (b) of said section one
hundred and forty-two K. Upon a determination that a motor vehicle is exempt under said section
one hundred and forty-two K, it shall forever be exempt and the exemption shall be noted on the title
of such vehicle. Said registrar shall not register any motor vehicle which has not complied with any
emission system related recall. The registrar shall not issue a registration, or if said registration has
already been issued, shall suspend or not renew the registration of any motor vehicle which does not
comply with the provisions of sections one hundred and forty-two J and one hundred and forty-two M
of chapter one hundred and eleven or any regulation promulgated thereunder. Whoever, through
fraud or misrepresentation, procures or attempts to procure the registration of a motor vehicle in
violation of the provisions of this paragraph, shall be subject to a fine of not more than twenty-five
thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both such fine and imprisonment,
and shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars for each such
violation. Said penalties shall be in addition to any other penalties provided for any violation
hereunder. The civil penalty may be assessed in an action brought on behalf of the commonwealth
in any court of competent jurisdiction.
The registrar shall furnish, upon application, to owners of private passenger motor vehicles and
motorcycles who are veterans, as defined in clause Forty-third of section 7 of chapter 4 and upon
presentation of evidence deemed satisfactory by the registrar, distinctive registration plates bearing
on the left side the word "VETERAN''. These plates shall also include a distinctive emblem or decal
for those individuals who have been awarded the Iraqi Freedom Campaign Ribbon or who served in
Operation Enduring Freedom. There shall be an annual $20 fee for such "VETERAN'' plates in
addition to the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles. For
the purposes of this paragraph, the word "motorcycles'' shall not include motorized bicycles.
The registrar shall furnish without charge to owners of private passenger motor vehicles who are
veterans as defined in said clause Forty-third of said section seven of said chapter four who have
been awarded the Order of the Purple Heart and upon evidence deemed satisfactory by the
registrar, distinctive registration plates bearing the words, "ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART
RECIPIENT'' and the words "COMBAT WOUNDED'' for one private passenger motor vehicle owned
and principally used by such Purple Heart recipient or a distinctive emblem to be affixed to a
"VETERAN'' registration plate for a motorcycle owned and principally used by such recipient;
provided, however, that the surviving spouse of a deceased recipient of the Purple Heart may elect
to retain such distinctive registration plates or emblem for personal use upon payment of the
established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles and an additional
annual twenty dollar fee until such time as such spouse remarries or fails to renew or cancels such
registration.
The registrar shall furnish without charge to owners of private passenger motor vehicles who are
survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of such status as
determined by the registrar, distinctive registration plates for one private passenger motor vehicle
owned and principally used by such survivor or a distinctive emblem to be affixed to a "VETERAN''
registration plate for a motorcycle owned and principally used by such survivor; provided, however,
that the surviving spouse of a deceased survivor may elect to retain such distinctive registration
plates or emblem for personal use upon payment of the established registration fee for private
passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles and an additional annual twenty dollar fee until such time
as such spouse remarries or fails to renew or cancels such registration.
The registrar shall furnish, at the request of an owner of a motorcycle or a motor vehicle who has
been issued "VETERAN'' plates pursuant to this section, a distinctive emblem to be affixed to such
plates which identifies the branch of the armed services in which such owner served, the receipt of
the Silver star, Bronze Star or Distinguished Flying Cross by such owner or the wartime service in
which such owner served as defined in clause Forty-third of section seven of chapter four. The
registrar may charge a fee directly attributable to the cost of issuance of such emblem, provided,
however, that the registrar shall furnish without charge to owners of private passenger motor
vehicles and motorcycles who received the Silver star, Bronze star or Distinguished Flying Cross a
"VETERAN'' plate and an emblem representing the awarding of said Silver star, Bronze star or
Distinguished Flying Cross for one private passenger motor vehicle or motorcycle owned and
principally used by such recipient. The surviving spouse of a deceased recipient may elect to retain
the distinctive registration plate and distinctive emblem for personal use upon payment of the
established registration fee and an additional $20 fee until such time as the spouse remarries or fails
to renew or cancels the registration.
The registrar shall furnish, at the request of owners of private passenger motor vehicles and
motorcycles, who are residents of the commonwealth and serving in active duty, a distinctive
emblem to be affixed to the registration plate that identifies the branch of the armed services in
which the owner serves. The registrar may charge a fee directly attributable to the cost of issuance
of that emblem; provided, however, that this fee shall not exceed $35. Any member of the armed
forces who is dishonorably discharged shall return such plates to the registrar not later than 30 days
after that discharge. The registrar shall not renew the license plate of a dishonorably discharged
armed forces member until confirming that the distinctive emblem is not affixed to the plate. For the
purposes of this section "active duty'' shall mean full-time duty in active military service of the army,
navy, marine corps, coast guard or air force of the United States, but shall not include active duty
being served for the purpose of training as a reservist in the army national guard or air national
guard.
 The registrar shall furnish, without charge, to owners of private passenger motor vehicles and
motorcycles who have been awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying
Cross or the Purple Heart distinctive registration plates with an emblem representing the award
received for either 1 private passenger motor vehicle or a motorcycle owned and principally used by
such recipient upon presentation by an applicant of satisfactory evidence, as determined by the
registrar, of receipt of such award and that the applicant, on the date of such application, is currently
on active service in the armed forces of the United States. The surviving spouse of a deceased
recipient may elect to retain such distinctive registration plates and emblem for personal use upon
payment of the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles and
an additional annual $20 fee until such time as the spouse remarries or fails to renew or cancels the
registration.
The registrar shall furnish without charge to the owner of a private passenger motor vehicle who is
a Gold Star parent, child, sibling, grandchild or spouse of a member of the military, upon
presentation of satisfactory evidence of such status as determined by the registrar, a distinctive
registration plate that reads "Gold Star Family'' for 1 private passenger motor vehicle owned and
principally used by that person or a distinctive "Gold Star Family'' emblem to be affixed to a
registration plate for a motorcycle privately owned and principally used by that person. The registrar
may issue a distinctive "Gold Star Family'' registration of up to 6 characters for 1 private passenger
motor vehicle owned and principally used by that person. A Gold Star parent, child, sibling,
grandchild or spouse of a member of the military that was killed in action or otherwise died as a
result of immediate injuries sustained from such action may have a "KIA'' designation on the "Gold
Star Family'' emblem affixed to a registration plate for a private passenger motor vehicle or
motorcycle privately owned and principally used by that person. The registrar shall furnish at no
additional cost a "KIA'' designation on any previously issued "Gold Star Family'' registration plate for
an individual who meets the requirements of this section.
[ Paragraph inserted following the twenty-first paragraph by 2016, 141, Sec. 14 effective July 14,
2016.]
The registrar shall recognize the eligibility of the next of kin of a member of the military, in
possession of a Gold Star Lapel Button under regulations prescribed by the United States Secretary
of Defense to obtain a "Gold Star Family'' registration plate. Possession of a Gold Star Lapel Button
and a letter of approval, each of which has been issued by the United States Department of
Defense, shall be sufficient proof of eligibility for the registrar to furnish a Gold Star Family
registration plate. The possession of a Gold Star Lapel Button shall not be a requirement of eligibility
for persons who have otherwise presented satisfactory evidence of Gold Star family member status
as determined by the registrar.
The registrar is hereby authorized and directed to conduct a lottery of any unissued or returned
registration plates of not more than four characters which shall be issued to the winners of such
lottery at no extra charge. A resident of the commonwealth who is the registered owner of a private
passenger motor vehicle registered in the commonwealth may participate in such lottery which shall
be held once in each calendar year prior to September fifteenth. The registrar shall promulgate rules
and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this paragraph.
The registrar shall furnish upon application to owners of private passenger vehicles distinctive
registration plates which shall display on the face of said plate a design representing the official
symbol of the United States olympic committee. There shall be a twenty-five dollar fee for said plate
in addition to the established registration fee for passenger motor vehicles. The portion of said fee
remaining after the deduction of cost directly attributable to issuing said plate shall be transferred to
the Massachusetts United States Olympic Fund established pursuant to section thirty-five O of
chapter ten.
 The registrar shall furnish, upon application, to owners of private passenger motor vehicles
distinctive registration plates which shall display on their face a design commemorating the
Basketball Hall of Fame as the "Birthplace of Basketball''. The registrar shall issue such plates at the
direction of the Basketball Hall of Fame. There shall be a biennial fee of not less than $40 for such
plates in addition to the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles, such fee
being payable at the time of registration of such vehicle and at each renewal thereof. The portion of
the fee remaining after the deduction of costs directly attributable to the issuance of such plates shall
be transferred within 90 days of receipt thereof to the Basketball Hall of Fame education program at
the Basketball Hall of Fame in the city of Springfield.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the surviving spouse of a veteran from
retaining the distinctive "VETERAN'' registration plate until the surviving spouse remarries or cancels
or fails to renew the registration.
The registrar shall develop guidelines for and shall implement a license plate retention program for
members of the United States military and the United States Department of Defense employees who
are deployed to, or present in, a theater of combat operations. Under the program, a resident of the
commonwealth who is serving in the United States military, the United States military reserves, the
Massachusetts National Guard or working as a civilian employee of the United States Department of
Defense or any of its agencies, and is deployed to, or present in, a theater of combat operations,
may retain 1 or more of his motor vehicle license plates, at no charge, for the duration of his
deployment. The registrar shall develop and make available appropriate forms which may be used
by a qualifying individual to cancel his automobile insurance and suspend his vehicle's registration,
taking effect prior to deployment and upon the sale or storage of his motor vehicle. Upon returning
from his deployment, the vehicle's owner shall furnish the registrar with proof that his automobile
insurance policy has been reinstated, and the registrar may then allow him to register and affix his
plates to a new vehicle or to re-register the plates and affix them to an existing vehicle held in
storage.
Nothing in this section shall prevent the surviving spouse of a veteran, whose veteran spouse was
not in possession of a "VETERAN'' registration plate at the time of death, from applying for and
receiving a "VETERAN'' registration plate if the surviving spouse has not remarried.
Nothing in this section shall prevent the surviving spouse of a veteran, whose veteran spouse's
"VETERAN'' registration plate was returned to the registry at the time of death, from applying for and
receiving a "VETERAN'' registration plate if the surviving spouse has not remarried.