Massachusetts § 15C - Emergency calls; refusal to yield party line; misrepresentation of emergency
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 15C — Emergency calls; refusal to yield party line; misrepresentation of emergency, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15C. Emergency calls; refusal to yield party line; misrepresentation of emergency
Section 15C. Any person who shall wilfully refuse to yield or surrender the use of a party telephone line to another person for the purpose of permitting such other person to report a fire or to summon police, medical or other aid in case of emergency and any person who shall ask for or request the use of such party line on pretext that such an emergency exists knowing that no such emergency in fact does exist shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars. Every telephone company doing business in the commonwealth shall print a copy of this section in a prominent place in each telephone directory published by it.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 15C
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 15C cover?
Section 15C ("Emergency calls; refusal to yield party line; misrepresentation of emergency") 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 § 15C?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 15C" (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 § 15C 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.