Massachusetts § 155 - Control of brakes by engineer; inspection

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 155 — Control of brakes by engineer; inspection, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 155. Control of brakes by engineer; inspection

Section 155. A railroad corporation, in moving traffic between points in the commonwealth, shall not use any locomotive not equipped with a power driving wheel brake and appliances for operating the train brake system; nor run any train in such traffic unless a sufficient number of cars in it are so equipped with power or train brakes that its speed can be controlled by the engineer of the locomotive which is drawing such train, without the use of the common hand brakes by the brakeman. Said brakes and brake appliances shall be tested or examined periodically by the department, and shall be so tested or examined while the cars are in motion and under both normal and emergency conditions. A record of each such test or examination shall be kept by the department. When such corporation has equipped a sufficient number of its cars with such power or train brakes, it may lawfully refuse to receive from connecting lines of railroad any cars used in such traffic which are not sufficiently equipped with such power or train brakes as will work and readily interchange with the brakes in use on its own cars.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 155

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 155 cover?

Section 155 ("Control of brakes by engineer; inspection") 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 § 155?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 155" (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 § 155 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.