Code of Massachusetts Regulations
700 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Title 700 CMR 7.00 - Use of the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Metropolitan Highway System
Section 7.06 - Limitations on Use of Ways

Universal Citation: 700 MA Code of Regs 700.7

Current through Register 1518, March 29, 2024

(1) One-way Restriction. Lanes on a way are used for one-way traffic, unless a sign specifically indicates that two-way traffic is permitted. An operator of a motor vehicle may not travel on a way contrary to the direction indicated or intended for travel unless a Massachusetts State Police officer or a sign directs the operator to do so.

(2) Use of the Callahan Tunnel and the Sumner Tunnel. An operator of a motor vehicle traveling from Boston to East Boston shall use the Callahan Tunnel or the Ted Williams Tunnel and an operator of a motor vehicle traveling from East Boston to Boston shall use the Sumner Tunnel or the Ted Williams Tunnel, unless an authorized MassDOT employee, a Massachusetts State Police officer, or a sign directs the operator otherwise.

(3) Entry to and Exit from a Way. An operator may not cause a vehicle to enter or leave a way except through an interchange or other authorized point of entry or exit or at the direction of a Massachusetts State Police officer.

(4) Prohibited Entry to or Use of a Way. The Department prohibits the following vehicles from entering or using a way:

(a) Improperly Seated. A vehicle carrying an individual who is not properly seated within the confines of the vehicle.

(b) Flat or Inadequate Tire. A vehicle with a flat, bald, unduly or unevenly worn, solid, or metal tire mounted on a wheel in contact with the roadway surface or with a tire mounted on a wheel in contact with the roadway surface that poses a risk to individuals or property or may render the use of the way unsafe by disintegrating or partially disintegrating during travel and distributing tire debris upon the way.

(c) Obstructed Window. A motor vehicle having a window or windshield obstructed in a manner prohibited by M.G.L. c. 90, § 9D.

(d) Propelled by Muscle Power. A vehicle propelled by muscle power including, without limitation, a bicycle or a vehicle drawn by a horse or other animal, or a motorized bicycle or moped.

(e) Construction and Similar Equipment. A vehicle in contact with a way that has caterpillar treads or that is a type of construction, agricultural, or similar equipment not designed for or employed in general highway travel, whether designed to be self-propelled or towed.

(f) Falling Debris. A vehicle upon or in which snow, ice, or other unsecured or improperly secured article or material (debris) has gathered or been placed such that the debris may fall from the vehicle and endanger individuals or property or render the use of the way unsafe.

(g) Inadequate Brakes. A vehicle with inadequate brakes.

(h) Over-weight Vehicle. An over-weight vehicle, except under, and in accordance with the terms of, a special permit that the Department issues pursuant to 700 CMR 7.07(3)(b) or (c).

(i) Over-size Vehicle. An over-size vehicle, except under, and in accordance with the terms of, a special permit that the Department issues pursuant to 700 CMR 7.07(4)(b) or (c).

(j) Propelled by a Special Fuel in the Tunnels. A vehicle propelled by a special fuel while traveling in the Tunnels, except:
(i) a vehicle propelled by compressed natural gas, propane, or a Private Passenger Motor Vehicle propelled by gaseous hydrogen in the Ted Williams Tunnel or the Central Artery North Area Tunnel, provided the tunnel exhaust fans are in operation, and so long as the vehicle has a maximum fuel capacity consistent with safe practice and national standards, including Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards #303 and #304, and is equipped with excess flow valves for fuel lines with an inner diameter larger than ½", and is identified by a blue-and-white diamond decal attached as specified in NFPA 52, and is not used to transport compressed natural gas, or propane;

(ii) a Private Passenger Motor Vehicle propelled by gaseous hydrogen, may travel in the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Central Artery North Area Tunnel so long as the Private Passenger Motor meets all applicable requirements in 540 CMR 2.05: Vehicle Registrations Requirements and complies with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and is not used to transport gaseous hydrogen.

(k) Carrying an Explosive. A vehicle carrying an explosive, except pursuant to a special permit for explosives that the Department issues in accordance with 700 CMR 7.07(5).

(l) Carrying a Special Fuel. A vehicle, however propelled and whether or not carrying a special fuel, used to carry a special fuel, except under a special fuel transportation permit that the Department issues pursuant to 700 CMR 7.06(6).

(m) Carrying a Hazardous Material. A vehicle carrying a hazardous material, except as 700 CMR 7.11 permits; provided that a vehicle may carry individual packages containing nonhazardous materials and carbon dioxide in solid or dry ice form for refrigeration purposes.

(n) Vehicles Posing Special Risks in Tunnels. A tandem unit, except as 700 CMR 7.07(3)(c)4. permits; a passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle carrying cargo which may pose a risk to public safety; a passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle used for carrying any amount of hazardous materials; a passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle carrying hazardous materials in the form of consumer goods (consumer goods are those goods used or bought primarily for use by individuals for personal, family or household purposes); an empty tank vehicle or a vehicle transporting empty containers which were last used for the transportation of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials is defined and listed in 49 CFR Chapter 1, Subchapter C.

(o) Other Prohibited Vehicles. A vehicle emitting an offensive or obnoxious odor; a vehicle emitting an excessive amount of smoke; or a vehicle towed by chain, rope, or other non-rigid device.

(5) Pedestrians and Animals. No pedestrian may enter or use a way, and no person may allow a horse or other animal not properly contained in an appropriate vehicle to enter or use a way.

(6) Aircraft. Aircraft are prohibited from landing on a way, except in an emergency. No aircraft may take-off in flight from any portion of a way, except with the written approval of the Chief Engineer and the Massachusetts State Police. Removal of an aircraft from a way by means other than take-off in flight requires the approval of the Massachusetts State Police.

(7) Hitchhiking and Loitering. No individual may engage in the solicitation of a ride, commonly known as "hitchhiking", on a way. An individual who, for the purpose of soliciting a ride on a way, displays a sign, signals a moving vehicle, causes the stopping of a vehicle, or stands on property of the Department in view of a ramp or roadway of a way, may be arrested without a warrant. No person may loiter in or about a way for the purpose of "hitchhiking" or for any other purpose.

(8) Commercial Activity - Solicitation of Funds. No person may carry on any commercial activity, except the transportation of individuals or property, without the written permission of, or unless under contract with, the Department. No person may post, distribute, or display signs, advertisements, circulars, or printed or written matter without the written permission of the Department. No person may solicit funds for any purpose without the written permission of the Department.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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