As of April 1, 2023, new laws in Massachusetts are in effect to help make roadways safety for everyone, in particular those who use transportation services other than cars.
The Vulnerable Road Users Laws were passed in Massachusetts as part of an “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” that strives to increase roadway safety across the Commonwealth.
The following definitions and overview have been provided by MassBike.org to help provide context and clarity regarding the new laws and how they apply to all users.
What is a Vulnerable Road User?
Massachusetts now defines “vulnerable user” on our roads to include:
- People walking and biking
- Roadside workers
- People using wheelchairs
- Scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and other micromobility devices
- Horse-drawn carriages
- Farm equipment
Future policies and guidelines can be created with vulnerable road users in mind.
Safe Passing - Who is this for: Motorists
Drivers will need to provide a “safe passing distance” of at least 4 feet when passing vulnerable road users. (Note: Massachusetts is the 36th state to define safe passing as at least 3 feet).
According to the new laws, motorists are explicitly allowed to cross a double-yellow line in order to pass “when it is safe to do so and adhering to the roadway speed limit.”
MassDOT is required to put up signage to this effect across the commonwealth and will work in collaboration with municipalities to do so on public roadways.
Rear Red Light Requirement - Who is this for: Bicyclists
A new requirement for use of rear red lights at night will go into effect to ensure cyclists are visible on our roadways.
Bicyclists will now be required to use a front white light and rear red light and rear reflector when riding at night.
Police officers cannot use a light violation as a reason to stop a bicyclist. The lack of lights cannot be used as “conclusive evidence of contributory negligence” in a civil action, for instance when making an insurance claim.
Safer Speed Limits - Who is this for: Municipalities
Clarifies the process for municipalities to alter speed limits in thickly settled areas from 30 mph to 25 mph both on state-controlled roads and on the roads they control.
This is an update on the previously implemented Chapter 90, Section 18, giving authority to local jurisdictions to create safer roadways in their communities.
Crash Reporting - Who is this for: Police Departments
To improve statewide data collection surrounding vulnerable road user crashes, a standardized analysis tool will now be used to report crashes and incidents involving a person biking or walking. Standardized crash reporting will allow us to systematically measure, report, and track crashes which allow us to make data-informed changes that increase roadway safety.
Truck Safety Devices - Who is this for: Municipality/State Agency Contracting Trucks
State-contracted trucks that are class 3 or 10,000+ lb will be required to be equipped with “lateral protection devices” (safety side guards), convex and cross-over mirrors, and backup cameras to reduce fatalities of people walking and biking.
This requirement will reduce some of the tragic right-hook fatalities that we’ve seen in recent years.
The registrar shall also prohibit aftermarket accessories that obstruct visibility or endanger vulnerable users.
