BOSTON— On October 16, the Massachusetts Senate approved legislation improving the safety of drivers and telecom, gas, and electric utility workers with an expansion of the Commonwealth’s Move Over law. The addition of Senator John F. Keenan’s amendment expands these protections by adding municipal vehicles to the list of vehicles that motorists must change lanes to avoid.
The Commonwealth’s existing Move Over law provides such protections for emergency response vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks. Under An Act relative to the Move Over Law, S.2642, motorists also would be required to slow down and move over, when practicable, if approaching a stationary utility truck or a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a road or breakdown lane of a highway.
Senator Keenan’s amendment is a crucial expansion to this bill, which previously excluded municipal vehicles.
“The safety of anyone stopped on the Massachusetts roads is improved by this legislation,” said Senator Keenan. “My amendment aims to protect another class of drivers and workers who in the course of performing their critical duties frequently stop on the roadside.”
Some municipalities have departments with vehicles that work on the signals, overhead wires, and fire alarm signal boxes. Other communities have municipal light departments that work on wires over and under roadways. This amendment makes the overall legislation more comprehensive.
S.2642 includes enforcement mechanisms and driver education for those who break the law, adding a required education program for motorists who commit a second or subsequent violation. An existing $100 fine would increase to $250 for the second offense and $500 for third and ensuing violations.
The legislation has been engrossed by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
State Senator John F. Keenan 