Definitions

For the purpose of 700 CMR 9.00 the words and phrases used herein shall have the following meanings, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Bicycle. Any wheeled vehicle propelled by pedals and operated by one or more persons. Bicycles shall include electric bicycles and motorized bicycles as defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1. Bicycle Signal. A traffic signal indication at a Traffic Control Signal that is identified by a bicycle symbol in each signal face. Bicycle signals shall control right of way for bicyclists only. Where Bicycle Signals are present on an approach to an intersection, they shall control the right of way for bicyclists regardless of the presence of other traffic signals, unless otherwise signed. Bus. Every vehicle designed for carrying more than eight passengers and used primarily for the transportation of persons either for compensation, as a service, or as an adjunct to a school program. Bus Lane. A Lane designated by Official Signs, Street Markings, or a combination thereof that is restricted for the use of Buses, only. Where Official Signs designate it, Bus Lanes may be open to Vehicles that must turn at an approaching Intersection or driveway and/or to Bicycles. Bus Stop. An area in a roadway set aside for the boarding of or alighting from buses. Channelizing Island. A traffic island located to guide traffic streams along certain definite paths and to prevent the promiscuous movement of vehicles in what would otherwise be a widely extended roadway area. Commercial Vehicle. Any vehicle registered for commercial purposes and designed and used primarily for the transportation of goods, wares or merchandise. Container. Any drum, barrel, cylinder, bag, carboy or other shipping vessel (other than a tank vehicle) used for the transportation of dangerous articles. Crossover. An opening in a channelizing island that connects both sides of a divided highway. Crosswalk. That portion of a roadway ordinarily included within the extensions of the sidewalk lines, or, if none then the footpath lines, and, at any place in a highway, clearly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or markers upon the roadway surface. Curb Marking. That portion of a curbing which has been painted by the Department. Department. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Divided Highway. A highway with separated roadways for traffic in opposite directions. (Mass. Register #1516, 3/1/2024) Emergency Vehicle. Vehicles of the Fire Department (Fire Patrol), police vehicles and such ambulances and emergency vehicles of federal, state or municipal departments or public service corporations as are commonly recognized as such. Emergency Vehicle Hybrid Beacon. A specialized Traffic Control Signal that is accompanied by a sign stating that it is an emergency signal, that remains dark when inactive and, when activated, provides right of way to emergency vehicles entering or exiting a roadway through its indications. Express State Highway. A divided arterial highway for through traffic with full or partial control of access and generally with grade separations at intersections. Flashing Signal. A Traffic Control Signal indication that is intermittently illuminated at a rate of 50 to 60 times per minute. Highway. The entire width between property lines of any state highway or lawful through way designated by the Department. Intersection. The area embraced within the extensions of lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines, of intersection ways as defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1, including divided ways. 700 CMR 9.00 governs and restricts the movement of vehicles on state highways at and near intersecting ways and shall apply at any place along any way at which drivers are to be controlled by traffic control signals whether or not such place is an intersection as herein defined. Lane. A longitudinal division of a roadway of sufficient width to accommodate the passage of a single line of vehicles, whether or not such lane is indicated by pavement markings or longitudinal construction joints. Limited Access Highway. An express state highway with full control of access. Officer. Any police officer or any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations. Official Signs. Signals, markings and devices. All signs, signals, markings and devices installed or maintained by the Department. One-Way Highways. Roadways or streets, designated by the Department as one-way and upon which vehicular traffic may move only in the direction indicated by signs. Parking. The stopping or standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily, except that a vehicle shall not be deemed parked when stopped or standing for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading or in obedience to an officer or traffic control signs or signals, or while making emergency repairs or, if disabled, while arrangements are being made to move such vehicle. Pedestrian. Any person afoot or using a wheelchair (manual or motorized) or riding on a conveyance moved by human power, except bicycles or tricycles. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon. A specialized Traffic Control Signal that is accompanied by a sign stating that it is at a crosswalk, that remains dark when inactive and, when activated, provides right of way to pedestrians within the crosswalk through its indications. Roadway. That portion of a highway between regularly established curb lines or that part, exclusive of shoulders, improved and intended to be used for vehicular traffic. Rotary Traffic. The counter-clockwise operation of a vehicle around an island or other structure in the highway. Sidewalk. That portion of a highway set aside for pedestrian travel and, where designated, for bicycle travel. Stop Line. A solid white Street Marking line extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which a stop is intended or required to be made. Stop Signal. A Flashing Red Signal having the same function as a stop sign and erected by the Department. Street Marking. Any painted line, legend, marking or marker of any description painted or placed on any way by the Department and which purports to direct or regulate traffic. Tank Vehicle. Any tank type motor vehicle with cargo tank, portable tank or bulk pyramided cylinders, used for the transportation of liquids or gases. Traffic. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, street cars or other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for the purpose of travel. Traffic Control Signal. A signal device which, through its indications, alternately controls and provides right of way to vehicles on approaches to an intersection and which has been erected by the Department. Traffic Island. Any area or space set aside, within a roadway, which is not intended for use by vehicular traffic. U Turn. The turning of a vehicle by means of a continuous left turn whereby the direction of such vehicle is reversed. Urban Area. The territory contiguous to and including any street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry or dwelling houses situated at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more. Vehicle. Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, including bicycles when the provisions of these rules are applicable to them, except other devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks and devices which derive their power for operation from stationary overhead wires. Yield Line. A row of solid white triangular Street Markings extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which the yield is intended or required to be made.