Massachusetts § 7C - Lane change upon approaching a stationary emergency response vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 7C — Lane change upon approaching a stationary emergency response vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7C. Lane change upon approaching a stationary emergency response vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle; penalty
Section 7C. (a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
''Emergency response vehicle'', a fire apparatus, police vehicle, ambulance, or disaster vehicle.
''Highway maintenance vehicle'', a vehicle used for the maintenance of highways and roadways: (1) that is owned or operated by the executive office of transportation and public works, a county, a municipality or any political subdivision thereof; or (2) that is owned or operated by a person under contract with the executive office of transportation and public works, a county, a municipality or any political subdivision thereof.
''Operator'', any person who operates a motor vehicle as defined in section 1 of chapter 90.
''Person'', a natural person, corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity.
''Recovery vehicle'', a vehicle that is specifically designed to assist a disabled vehicle or to tow a disabled vehicle.
(b) Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle with flashing lights an operator shall:
(1) proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions, and, if practicable and on a highway having at least 4 lanes with not less than 2 lanes proceeding in the same direction as the operator's vehicle, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency response vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle; or
(2) if changing lanes is impracticable, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions.
(c) Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 7C
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 7C cover?
Section 7C ("Lane change upon approaching a stationary emergency response vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle; penalty") 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 § 7C?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 7C" (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 § 7C 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.