Massachusetts § 57 - Sale of second hand vehicles; necessity of license; exceptions; auctions; reports

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 57 — Sale of second hand vehicles; necessity of license; exceptions; auctions; reports, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 57. Sale of second hand vehicles; necessity of license; exceptions; auctions; reports

Section 57. No person, except one whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of new motor vehicles but who incidentally acquires and sells second hand vehicles, or a person whose principal business is financing the purchase of or insuring motor vehicles but who incidentally acquires and sells second hand vehicles, shall engage in the business of buying, selling, exchanging or assembling second hand motor vehicles or parts thereof or allow any property under his control to be used as a place of sale or display of motor vehicles without securing a license as providing in section fifty-nine. This section shall apply to any person engaged in the business of conducting auctions for the sale of motor vehicles, and to any person engaged in the business of leasing or renting motor vehicles and who, as an incident to such business, sells or offers to sell any such lease or rental vehicle to the public. All sales of second-hand motor vehicles or parts thereof made by any person referred to in this section shall be reported weekly to the registrar of motor vehicles on such forms as may be prescribed by him.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 57

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 57 cover?

Section 57 ("Sale of second hand vehicles; necessity of license; exceptions; auctions; reports") 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 § 57?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 57" (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 § 57 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.