Massachusetts § 31 - Fixtures supporting wires or cables; marking to show ownership

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 31 — Fixtures supporting wires or cables; marking to show ownership, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31. Fixtures supporting wires or cables; marking to show ownership

Section 31. Such person or corporation shall plainly mark each pole, pier, abutment or other fixture supporting wires or cables containing wires over streets or buildings with the name or initials of the owner of such pole, pier, abutment or other fixture. Wherever cross arms or other appliances for the support of wires or cables belonging to different owners are attached to the same pole, pier, abutment or other fixture, every such cross arm or other appliance shall plainly be tagged or marked with the name or initials of the owner thereof. Wherever wires or cables belonging to different owners are attached to the same cross arm or other appliances for the support of wires or cables, every wire or cable shall be tagged or marked with the name or initials of the owner at or near its point of attachment to such cross arm or other appliance. No such tag or mark shall be required for the wires, poles, piers, abutments and other fixtures of a street railway or electric railroad company, except for its feed wires supported by poles carrying wires or cables belonging to another owner, and for its poles supporting wires or cables belonging to another owner, and for poles belonging jointly to the street railway company and another owner.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 31

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 31 cover?

Section 31 ("Fixtures supporting wires or cables; marking to show ownership") 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 § 31?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 31" (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 § 31 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.