Massachusetts § 32 - Interference or tampering with police or fire signal systems, or motorist highway emergency aid call boxes; false alarms or calls
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 32 — Interference or tampering with police or fire signal systems, or motorist highway emergency aid call boxes; false alarms or calls, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32. Interference or tampering with police or fire signal systems, or motorist highway emergency aid call boxes; false alarms or calls
Section 32. Whoever opens a signal box connected with a police signal system for the purpose of giving, or causing to be given, a false alarm, or interferes in any way with such box by breaking, cutting, injuring or defacing the same; or whoever, without authority, opens, tampers or meddles with such box, or with any part or parts thereof, or with the police signal wires, or with anything connected therewith, or with such purpose, wantonly and without cause tampers or meddles with a signal box connected with a fire signal system or with any part or thing connected therewith, shall be subject to immediate arrest and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or both.
Whoever opens a motorist highway emergency aid call box on any state highway connected with a highway emergency signal system for the purpose of giving or causing to be given a false call for aid, or interferes in any way with such box by breaking, cutting, injuring or defacing the same; or, without authority, opens, tampers or meddles with such box, or with any part or parts thereof, or with anything connected therewith, or, with such purpose, wantonly and without cause tampers or meddles with a motorist highway emergency aid call box or with any part or thing connected therewith, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 32
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 32 cover?
Section 32 ("Interference or tampering with police or fire signal systems, or motorist highway emergency aid call boxes; false alarms or calls") 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 § 32?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 32" (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 § 32 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.