Massachusetts § 54 - Lighted cigarettes, etc. likely to cause fire; dropping or throwing from vehicles or placing on forest lands or fields
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 54 — Lighted cigarettes, etc. likely to cause fire; dropping or throwing from vehicles or placing on forest lands or fields, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54. Lighted cigarettes, etc. likely to cause fire; dropping or throwing from vehicles or placing on forest lands or fields
Section 54. Whoever drops or throws from any vehicle while the same is upon a public or private way running along or near forest land or open fields, or, except as permitted by law, drops, throws, deposits or otherwise places in or upon forest land, any lighted cigarette, cigar, match, live ashes or other flaming or glowing substance, or any substance or thing which in and of itself is likely to cause a fire, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 54
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 54 cover?
Section 54 ("Lighted cigarettes, etc. likely to cause fire; dropping or throwing from vehicles or placing on forest lands or fields") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 54?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 54" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 54 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.