Section 19K. For the purposes of this section, the term ''hitching mechanism'' shall be defined as the lift cylinder and the lift arm. Nothing in this section shall apply to state, county or municipally owned or operated vehicles. Between May 15 and October 15 of each year, any vehicle with a gross weight of less than 26,000 pounds which is equipped with a plow shall be required to have removed the plow and hitching mechanism used with the plow. Vehicles equipped with an apparatus that allows the hitching mechanism to be folded flat leaving no protruding surfaces, shall only be required to have the plow itself removed; if the hitching mechanism is in the folded flat position while the vehicle is in operation. If snowfall occurs before October 25 or after May 15 vehicles subject to this act may be re-equipped with the plow and any apparatus necessary for clearing snow. Vehicles shall be required to abide by this section within 72 hours of the conclusion of snowfall.
Any individual found operating a motor vehicle in violation of this section shall be issued a warning for the first offense, shall be fined $250 for the second offense and $500 and revocation of the vehicle's registration for the third offense. The revocation of a vehicle's registration due to a third offense shall remain in effect until the time as the vehicle is in compliance with this section. This section shall not apply to hitching mechanisms which are permanently affixed through welding or other means, before the effective date of this section. However, it shall be unlawful, and punishable by the fines and revocations, for any person to permanently affix through welding or other means a hitching mechanism governed under this section after the effective date of this section.
The registry of motor vehicles shall, within 180 calendar days of the effective date of this act, develop a list of makes and models of hitching mechanisms that fold flat leaving no protruding surfaces. The registry of motor vehicles shall promulgate and implement regulations governing a system of verification whereby the registry of motor vehicles can ensure a motor vehicle's compliance with this section following a third offense.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title XIV - Public Ways and Works
Chapter 90 - Motor Vehicles and Aircraft
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 1g - Notice of Disclosure Required Upon Sale, Lease or Rental of Low-Speed Motor Vehicles
Section 1i - 3–wheeled Motor Vehicle Registered as Motorcycle; Qualification
Section 2a - Minors, Application for Registration of Motor Vehicle or Trailer
Section 2b - Removal of Registration Upon Transfer of Ownership
Section 2d - Temporary Registration Plates
Section 2f - Distinctive Registration Plates; Submission of Applications; Eligible Organizations
Section 2g - Passenger Plates for Low-Speed Motor Vehicles; Fee
Section 3c - Service of Process; Notice of Service; Continuance
Section 3e - Fee Paid to Registrar; Records of Registrar
Section 3f - Separability of Secs. 3a to 3e; Effect of Unconstitutionality
Section 5 - General Registrations; General Registration Number Plates; Eligibility
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 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 7g - Used Brake Drums; Servicing, Sale or Grinding; Prohibition
Section 7h - Brake Linings; Minimum Safety Standards
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 7n1/2 - 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 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 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 8i - Identification Cards for Persons Not Possessing Motor Vehicle Licenses; Description
Section 8k - Identification Cards for Persons Not Possessing Motor Vehicle Licenses; Cancellation
Section 8l - Voter Registration Agency
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 13 - Safety Precautions for Proper Operation and Parking of Vehicles and Buses
Section 13a - Seat Belt Use Required; Exemptions; Penalty
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 17a - Speed Limit; Massachusetts Turnpike
Section 17b - Drag Racing; Penalties
Section 17d - Speed Limits in Active Construction Zones
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 19f - Vehicles Authorized to Operate on National Network
Section 19g - Vehicles Authorized to Operate on Routes of Reasonable Access; Safety Evaluations
Section 19k - Hitching Mechanism
Section 20 - Penalties and Punishments
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 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 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 24a - Use of Motor Vehicles in Commission of Felony, Larceny or Other Crimes
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 24i - Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles
Section 24k - Chemical Breath Analysis; Validity; Testing Procedures; Report Forms
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 24t - Tampering With Ignition Interlock Device; Penalties
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 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 31a - Transportation by Motor Vehicle of Personal Property; Rules and Regulations
Section 32a - Restoration of Original Identifying Number of Motor Vehicle; Certificate
Section 32d - Leasing Motor Vehicles on Mileage Basis; Records
Section 32e1/2 - Rental Agreements; Collision Damage Waivers; Notices; Exclusions; Penalties
Section 32e7/8 - Police Training Surcharge Upon Vehicular Rental Transaction Contracts
Section 32f - Leasing Motor Vehicles on Mileage Basis; Fraud; Violations; Penalties
Section 32g1/2 - Advanced Driver Training Program Certification
Section 32h - Lessors of Motorcycles; Licensing
Section 32j - Vehicles in Fleet of Car-Sharing Organization; Display of Registration Plates
Section 33a - Motor Vehicles; Certificates of Registration; Signatures
Section 34 - Disposition of Fees
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 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 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 34m - Personal Injury Protection
Section 34n - Assigned Claims Plan
Section 34o - Property Damage Liability Insurance or Bonds
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 39 - Aeronautics Commission; Powers; Rules and Regulations
Section 39a - Plan for Development of Airports and Air Navigation Facilities
Section 39c - Reimbursement of Towns and Cities for Airport Construction; Federal Funds
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 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 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 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 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 51j - Rules and Regulations; Use of Airports; Safety of Public
Section 52 - Partial Unconstitutionality and Invalidity of Secs. 35 to 51