Operation of Vehicles

(1) Drive Within Marked Lanes. When any roadway is divided into lanes, the driver of a vehicle shall so drive that the vehicle shall be entirely within a single lane, and they shall not move from the lane in which they are driving until they have first ascertained if such movement can be made with safety. (2) Use Right Lane. Upon all roadways the driver of a vehicle shall drive in the lane nearest the right side of the roadway when said lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn. (3) Overtaking Other Vehicles. The driver of any vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at a safe distance to the left thereof, and shall not cut in ahead of such other vehicle until safely clear of it. (4) Overtake Only When There is a Space Ahead. The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass a vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless there is sufficient clear space ahead on the right side of the roadway to permit the overtaking to be completed without impeding the safe operation of any vehicle ahead or without causing the driver of any such vehicle to change their speed or alter their course, except as provided in 700 CMR 9.06(5). (5) Vehicle Being Passed. Subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 2, the driver of a vehicle when about to be overtaken and passed by another vehicle approaching from the rear shall give way to the right when practicable in favor of the overtaking vehicle, on suitable and visible signal being given by the driver of the overtaking vehicle, and shall not increase the speed of their vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. (6) Obstructing Traffic. (a) No person shall drive in such a manner as to obstruct unnecessarily the normal movement of traffic upon any highway. Officers are hereby authorized to require any driver who fails to comply with 700 CMR 9.06(6) to drive to the side of the roadway and wait until such traffic as has been delayed has passed. (b) Subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 11, no driver shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk and on the right half of the roadway to accommodate the vehicle they are operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed. (7) Following Too Closely. The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and condition of the highway. (8) Slow Vehicles to Stay 200 Feet Apart. Upon roadways less than 27 feet wide and upon which vehicular traffic is permitted to operate in both directions, the driver of any slow-moving commercial vehicle when traveling outside of a business or residential district shall not follow another slow-moving commercial vehicle within 200 feet, but this shall not be construed to prevent such slow-moving commercial vehicle from overtaking and passing another slow-moving commercial vehicle. 700 CMR 9.06(8) shall not apply to funerals or other lawful processions. (9) Care in Starting, Stopping, Turning or Backing. Except as otherwise provided in 700 CMR 9.08(3) the driver of any vehicle before starting, stopping, turning from a direct line, or backing shall first see that such movement can be made in safety. If such movement cannot be made in safety or if it interferes unduly with the normal movement or other traffic, said driver shall wait for a more favorable opportunity to make such a movement. If the operation of another vehicle should be affected by a stopping or turning movement, the driver of such other vehicle shall be given a plainly visible signal, as required by M.G.L. c. 90, § 14B. (10) Obedience to Traffic Control Signals. Colors and arrow indications in traffic control signals shall have the commands ascribed to them in 700 CMR 9.06(10), and no other meanings, and every driver of a vehicle, railway car or other conveyance shall comply therewith, except when otherwise directed by an officer or by a lawful traffic regulating sign (other than a "stop" sign), signal or device or except as provided in 700 CMR 9.06(24)(b). In no case shall a driver enter or proceed through an intersection without due regard to the safety of other persons within the intersection, regardless of what indications may be given by traffic control signals. (a) Steady Circular Green. Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular green may proceed through the intersection, but shall yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully within a crosswalk or vehicles within the intersection at the time such a signal was exhibited; provided, however, that a steady right or left red arrow does not permit such a movement. Vehicular traffic making a left turn shall yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. Vehicular traffic making a right or left turn shall yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing with the flow of traffic. (b) Steady Right, Left, and Vertical Green Arrows. Vehicular traffic facing a steady right green arrow may turn right. Vehicular traffic facing a steady left green arrow may turn left. Vehicular traffic facing a steady vertical green arrow may go straight ahead. When a green arrow is exhibited together with a steady circular red or steady circular yellow, vehicular traffic may enter the intersection to make only the movement permitted by the arrow. (c) Flashing Right and Left Yellow Arrows. Vehicular traffic facing a flashing right yellow arrow may turn right but shall yield the right of way to pedestrians legally within a crosswalk and vehicles within the intersection at the time such a signal was exhibited. Vehicular traffic facing a flashing left yellow arrow may turn left but shall yield the right of way to pedestrians legally within a crosswalk, to oncoming traffic, and to vehicles within the intersection at the time such a signal was exhibited. (d) Steady Circular Yellow. Waiting vehicular traffic facing a steady circular yellow shall not proceed. Any vehicular traffic approaching the intersection or a marked stop line facing a steady circular yellow shall stop at such point unless so close to the intersection that a stop cannot be made in safety. Provided, however, that if a steady green arrow or flashing yellow arrow is simultaneously displayed as a steady circular yellow, vehicular traffic may enter the intersection to make the movement permitted by such arrow. (e) Steady Right and Left Yellow Arrows. Waiting vehicular traffic facing a steady right or left yellow arrow shall not proceed. Vehicular traffic approaching the intersection or marked stop line facing a steady right or left yellow arrow shall stop at such point unless so close to the intersection that a stop cannot be made in safety unless a steady circular green is simultaneously displayed and permits such a turn per 700 CMR 9.06(10)(a). (f) Steady Circular Red. Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red shall not enter the intersection and, if approaching, shall stop outside of the intersection or at such point as may be clearly marked by a sign or line; provided, however, that if a steady green arrow or flashing yellow arrow is simultaneously displayed, vehicular traffic may enter the intersection to make the movement permitted by such arrow. Except when a sign is in place prohibiting such a turn, stopped vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, as subject to M.G.L. c. 89, § 8. (g) Steady Right and Left Red Arrows. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow and, unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop outside of the intersection or at such point as may be clearly marked by a sign or line. Except when a sign is in place prohibiting such a turn, stopped vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow may turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, as subject to M.G.L. c. 89 § 8. (h) Flashing Circular Yellow. Vehicular traffic approaching a flashing circular yellow may proceed through the intersection with caution per the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89 § 8 and shall yield the right of way to pedestrians. (i) Flashing Circular Red. Vehicular traffic approaching a flashing circular red shall stop at the stop line or, if not marked, before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 8. (j) Flashing Right and Left Red Arrows. Vehicular traffic approaching a flashing right or left red arrow, unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at the stop line or, if not marked, before entering the nearest crosswalk, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 8. (k) Steady Double Circular Red. Vehicular traffic approaching a signal with a pair of steady circular red indications arranged horizontally shall stop at the stop line or, if not marked, before entering the nearest crosswalk. (l) Alternating Flashing Circular Red. Vehicular traffic approaching a signal with a pair of alternating flashing circular red indications arranged horizontally that supplement an Official Sign indicating that it is a railroad crossing shall be subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 90, § 15. Vehicular traffic approaching a signal with a pair of alternating flashing circular red indications arranged horizontally that supplement a crosswalk at a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, indicated by an Official Sign, shall stop at the stop line or, if not marked, before entering the crosswalk, shall yield the right of way to approaching pedestrians, and may only proceed with caution when the crosswalk is clear or the signal is dark. Vehicular traffic approaching a signal with a pair of alternating flashing circular red indications arranged horizontally that supplement an Emergency Vehicle Hybrid Beacon, indicated by an Official Sign, shall stop at the stop line or, if not marked, in advance of the Emergency Vehicle access and egress driveway, and may only proceed with caution when the signal is dark. (m) Steady Green Bicycle. Bicyclists approaching a steady green bicycle may proceed through the intersection but shall yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully within a crosswalk and vehicles within the intersection at the time such a signal was exhibited. (n) Steady Yellow Bicycle. Bicyclists approaching the intersection or a marked stop line facing a steady yellow bicycle shall stop at such point unless so close to the intersection that a stop cannot be made in safety. (o) Steady Red Bicycle. Bicyclists facing a steady red bicycle shall not enter the intersection and, if approaching, shall stop outside of the intersection or at such point as may be clearly marked by a sign or line. Except when a sign is in place prohibiting such a turn, stopped bicyclists facing a steady red bicycle may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, as subject to M.G.L. c. 89, § 8. (p) Flashing Yellow Bicycle. Bicyclists approaching a flashing circular yellow may proceed through the intersection with caution per the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89 § 8 and shall yield the right of way to pedestrians. (q) Flashing Red Bicycle. Bicyclists approaching a flashing circular red shall stop at the stop line or, if not marked, before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 8. (r) Steady Vertical White Line. Buses in a Bus Lane facing a steady vertical white line signal may enter the intersection. (s) Flashing White Triangle. Waiting Buses in a Bus Lane facing a flashing white triangle signal shall not proceed. Any Buses in a Bus Lane approaching the intersection or a marked stop line facing a flashing white triangle signal shall stop at such point unless so close to the intersection that a stop cannot be made in safety. (t) Steady White Horizontal Line. Waiting Buses in a Bus Lane facing a steady white horizontal line signal shall not enter the intersection and, if approaching, shall stop outside of the intersection or at such point as may be clearly marked by a sign or line. (11) Lane - Direction - Control Signals. (a) When lane-direction-control signals are placed over the individual lanes of a street or highway, vehicular traffic may travel in any lane over which a green signal is shown, but shall not enter or travel in any lane over which a red signal is shown. (b) Meaning of Indications. Lane direction control signal indications shall have the following meanings: 1. Downward-pointing illuminated green arrow. A driver may operate a vehicle in the lane over which the arrow signal is located and illuminated. 2. Red illuminated symbol "x". A driver shall not operate a vehicle in the lane over which the signal is located and illuminated, and that this indication shall modify accordingly the meaning of all other traffic controls present. The driver shall obey all other traffic controls and follow normal safe driving practices. 3. Steady Yellow illuminated symbol "x". A driver should prepare to vacate, in a safe manner, the lane over which the signal is located because a lane control change is being made, and to avoid occupying that lane when a steady red "x" is displayed. 4. Flashing Yellow illuminated symbol "x". A driver is permitted to use a lane over which the signal is located for a left turn. The driver is cautioned that they may be sharing that lane with opposite flow-left-turn vehicles. (12) Lane Control Signals. When Traffic Control Signals are located and operated over or adjacent to the individual lanes of a street or highway within an area designated as a Lane Traffic Control Area, vehicles shall be operated in obedience to the command given by the signal indication shown over or adjacent to the lane in which the vehicle is being operated. A Lane Traffic Control Area is that portion of a street or highway designated by Official Traffic Signs installed not less than 1000 feet in advance of Lane Traffic Control Signal installations. (13) Obedience to Isolated Stop Signs. Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways. 700 CMR 9.06(13) shall not apply when the traffic is otherwise directed by an officer or by a lawful traffic-regulating sign, signal or device or as provided in 700 CMR 9.06(24)(c). (14) Obedience to Yield Signs. Vehicular traffic approaching an Official Sign bearing the word Yield, shall surrender the right of way to other Vehicles or Pedestrians within or approaching the Intersection and shall bring their Vehicle to a complete stop at the Yield Line or, if none exists, at a point between the said Yield sign and the nearer line of the Intersection, provided, however, that this requirement to stop before entering the Intersection shall not apply when a driver approaching the Yield sign can enter the intersection in safety without causing interference to approaching traffic. 700 CMR 9.06(14) shall not apply when the traffic is otherwise directed by an officer or by a lawful traffic regulating sign, signal or device or as provided in 700 CMR 9.06(24)©. (15) Sound Horn When Necessary. The driver of a vehicle shall give an audible warning with their horn or other suitable warning device whenever necessary to insure safe operation. (16) Keep to the Right of Roadway Division. Upon such roadways as are divided by a parkway, grass plot, reservation, viaduct, subway or by any structure or areas, drivers shall keep to the right of such division, and shall cross such parkway, grass plot or reservation only at a crossover. In the case of a state highway which has no crossovers, access to the adjoining roadway shall be gained only by the proper use of under or overpasses and ramps. The foregoing provisions shall not apply when drivers are otherwise directed by an officer, or official signs, signals or markings. (17) Operation at Under or Over Passes and at Intersections With Islands. At any junction or crossing of ways where the roadway grades have been separated and where the ways are connected by ramps, and at any intersection of ways in which there are channelizing islands, drivers of vehicles shall proceed only as indicated by signs, signals or markings. (18) Driving on Road Surface Under Construction or Repair. No operator shall enter upon the road surface of any highway or section thereof when, by reason of construction, surface treatment, maintenance or the like, or because of some unprotected hazard, such road surface is closed to travel, and one or more signs, lights or signals have been erected to indicate that all or part of the road surface of the highway is not to be used, or when so advised by an officer, watchman, member of a highway crew or employee of the Department, either audibly or by signals. (19) No Driving on Sidewalks. The driver of a vehicle shall not drive upon any sidewalk except to cross a permanent or temporary driveway. (20) Emerging from Alley or Private Driveway. The driver of a vehicle emerging from a private road, driveway or garage shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving upon the sidewalk area extending across such driveway or garage, and where no such sidewalk exists the stop shall be made at the building or property line as the case may be and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right of way to Vehicles and Pedestrians approaching on the roadway. (21) Certain Turns Prohibited. The driver of a vehicle or other conveyance shall not make a turn from the way in which they are driving into another way or driveway, at any point in the highway, where such a movement is prohibited by signs. (22) Driving or Parking on Channelizing Island. No person shall drive over or park a motor vehicle upon any channelizing island, as defined in 700 CMR 9.00, unless directed to do so by a police officer. (23) Obedience to Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings. The driver of any vehicle or of any street car shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control sign, signal, device, marking or legend unless otherwise directed by a police officer. (24) Rights and Duties of Drivers in Funerals or Other Processions. (a) It shall be the duty of each driver in a funeral or other procession to keep as near to the right edge of the roadway as is feasible and to follow the vehicle ahead as closely as practicable and safe. (b) At an intersection where a traffic control signal is operating the driver of the first vehicle in a funeral or other procession shall be the only one required to stop for a red indication. (c) At an intersection where a lawful isolated stop sign or signal exists, the driver of the first vehicle in a funeral or other procession shall be the only one required to stop before proceeding through the intersection. (25) People and Equipment in Highway. Whenever traffic signs are erected or warning lights are displayed in or adjacent to a highway to notify of the presence of people and equipment, in such highway every motorist shall regulate the speed of their vehicle in a manner and to a degree consistent with the particular condition. (26) U Turns Prohibited. No operator shall back or turn a vehicle so as to proceed in a direction opposite to that in which said vehicle is headed or traveling wherever signs notifying of such a restriction have been erected. (27) Vehicle Operation at Crosswalks. (a) Subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 11, when traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle, which for the purposes of 700 CMR 9.06 shall include bicycles, shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian approaches from the opposite half of the roadway to within five feet of that half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling. (b) Subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 11, no operator of a vehicle shall pass any other vehicle which has been stopped at a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a way, nor shall any operator enter a marked crosswalk until there is sufficient space on the other side of the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle they are operating notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed. (c) Subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 11, when approach an Official Sign that states "Yield Here to Pedestrians", where "Pedestrians" may be written or shown as a symbol, a Vehicle operator shall stop at a Yield Line or if none exists in line with the Official Sign, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian approaches from the opposite half of the roadway to within five feet of that half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling. (28) Operators to Exercise Due Care. The provisions of 700 CMR 9.09 shall in no way abrogate the provisions of M.G.L. c 90, §§ 14 and 14A which provide: "Precautions for Safety of Other Travelers" and for the "Protection of Blind Persons Crossing Ways", Furthermore, notwithstanding the provisions of 700 CMR 9.00 every operator of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon the roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precautions which may become necessary for safe operation.