The massachusetts move over law – officially MGL Chapter 89, Section 7C – affects every driver on every Massachusetts highway, and as of January 2026 it covers more vehicles and carries steeper penalties than most drivers realize. A fine of up to $500 now applies to violations. The vehicles you must move over or slow down for now include utility trucks and everyday broken-down cars on the shoulder with hazard lights on, not just police cruisers and ambulances. For new drivers preparing for the RMV permit test, the massachusetts move over law is tested on the knowledge exam. For newly licensed drivers on real highways, it is a practical skill that matters every time you drive. Read the official law at Mass.gov — Move Over Law.
Quick Answer: Massachusetts Move Over Law at a Glance
- Law: MGL Chapter 89, Section 7C
- Requires: Move to the next adjacent lane if safe – or slow to a reasonable and safe speed if a lane change is not possible.
- Current fine: Up to $500 per violation. Repeat offenses require mandatory driver education.
- 2026 expansion: Now covers utility vehicles AND personal vehicles with hazard lights on.
- Permit test: Included in the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual. Tested on the RMV knowledge exam.
What Is the Massachusetts Move Over Law?
The massachusetts move over law was first enacted in 2009 to protect emergency responders and highway workers. The law has been updated several times since, most significantly in January 2026.
Legal Basis: MGL Chapter 89, Section 7C
Codified under MGL Chapter 89, Section 7C, the massachusetts move over law mandates that drivers approaching a stationary covered vehicle displaying flashing lights must either:
- Move over to the next adjacent lane, if this can be done safely, or
- Slow to a speed that is reasonable and safe for existing weather, road, and traffic conditions, if moving over is not safely possible.
Passing at full highway speed without adjusting position or speed is a primary violation. Police can pull you over for this infraction alone, without any other offense occurring.
Massachusetts Move Over Law 2026: What Changed
The January 2026 expansion is the most significant update to the massachusetts move over law since the original 2009 law. New drivers who studied this law before 2026 may have incomplete information.
New Vehicles Now Covered
Before January 2026, the law covered emergency response vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow/recovery trucks. The 2026 expansion added:
- Utility vehicles stopped with flashing or warning lights – power company trucks, cable service vehicles, water and gas utility trucks.
- Personal vehicles stopped with hazard lights activated – a broken-down car on I-90, a car pulled over by a trooper on I-93, or a motorist with a flat tire on Route 128.
Since January 2026, the massachusetts move over law applies in nearly every situation where you see any stopped vehicle with flashing lights on a Massachusetts highway.
Updated Penalties
- First offense: Up to $500 fine.
- Multiple violations: Mandatory driver education classes in addition to the fine.
Many outdated sources still show the original 2009 fine of $100. The current penalty is up to $500 per violation. Verify current amounts at the official Massachusetts Move Over Law page on Mass.gov.
Massachusetts Move Over Law: What You Must Do Step by Step
When You Can Safely Change Lanes
- Check your rear-view mirror, then the mirror of the lane you plan to enter.
- Check your blind spot – look over your shoulder toward the target lane.
- Signal your intent to move over.
- Merge into the adjacent lane, away from the stopped vehicle.
- Maintain appropriate speed for current traffic after completing the move.
When a Lane Change Is Not Possible
- Begin reducing speed well before you reach the stationary vehicle.
- Slow to a speed that is reasonable and safe for current conditions.
- Pass with extra caution – watch for workers, cones, or debris in the travel lane.
- Resume normal speed only after fully clearing the stopped vehicle.
Common Mistakes New Drivers Make
- Starting the lane change too late. Begin checking mirrors well before reaching the stopped vehicle, not when you are parallel to it.
- Skipping the blind spot check. Mirror checks alone are not enough. Always look over your shoulder before merging.
- Slowing down when a lane change was actually safe. If the adjacent lane was clear, slowing alone does not satisfy the massachusetts move over law.
- Thinking it only applies to police. Since January 2026, a broken-down car with hazard lights on the Massachusetts Turnpike is a covered vehicle under Section 7C.
Massachusetts Move Over Law and the Permit Test
The massachusetts move over law is included in the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual and is tested on the RMV permit knowledge exam. Permit test questions in this area typically ask:
- What action a driver must take when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane highway
- Whether slowing alone satisfies the law when a lane change was possible
- What action is required when a lane change cannot be safely made
- Whether tow trucks and utility vehicles are covered under the law
Students using pre-2026 practice questions should know the law expanded in January 2026. CMSC’s 30-hour classroom curriculum covers the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual in full, including this law. For structured permit test preparation, see How to Study for the Drivers Permit Practice Test in Massachusetts and Practice Driving Exam Online in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Move Over Law vs. Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way
New drivers sometimes confuse two related but distinct Massachusetts laws.
Emergency vehicle right-of-way applies when an emergency vehicle approaches you with its siren and lights actively operating. You must pull to the right and stop to let it pass.
The massachusetts move over law applies when you are approaching a covered vehicle that is already stationary with its lights flashing. Your requirement is to change lanes or slow down as you pass it.
Both laws appear in the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual and are tested on the permit exam. For a complete guide to all Massachusetts right-of-way rules, see Massachusetts intersection right-of-way rules.
Real Scenarios: Massachusetts Move Over Law in Practice
State Trooper on the Shoulder of I-95
A cruiser has pulled over a vehicle on the right shoulder of I-95 in Dedham. You are in the right lane at highway speed.
Massachusetts Move Over Law response: Check mirrors and blind spot, signal, merge left. Resume normal speed once past the stop.
Broken-Down Car with Hazards on Route 128
A sedan is on the right shoulder of Route 128 in Lexington with hazard lights blinking. No emergency vehicles present.
After January 2026: This is a covered vehicle. The massachusetts move over law applies. Move left or slow down.
Utility Truck on I-290 Near Worcester
A utility truck is stopped on the right shoulder of I-290 with amber warning lights flashing.
After January 2026: Covered utility vehicle. The massachusetts move over law applies.
Two-Lane Road Where Moving Over Is Not Possible
A tow truck is stopped on a two-lane state highway with amber lights flashing. No adjacent lane exists.
Response: Slow significantly. Pass with extreme caution at a speed appropriate for conditions.
How CMSC Teaches the Massachusetts Move Over Law
CMSC’s classroom curriculum covers the massachusetts move over law as part of the traffic law section derived from the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual. Students learn both the legal requirements and the practical application before their first behind-the-wheel lesson on a public Massachusetts highway.
CMSC’s instructors introduce highway driving progressively. Students drive highways like I-290, I-190, and I-90 under instructor supervision before driving them independently. Every student encounters Massachusetts highway shoulder activity with an instructor present before facing it alone.
For related Massachusetts traffic laws also tested on the permit exam, see Massachusetts distracted driving law and Massachusetts speed limits for new drivers. For general new driver safety, see 7 Professional Tips for New Drivers by CMSC Driving School.
What CMSC Students Say
“I was very nervous to start driving but he explained everything so well with kindness and patience. He taught me everything I needed to become a safe and responsible driver and I even ended up passing my road test on the first try!” – Demetria Bosnakis, verified CMSC student
“He put my son at ease and he enjoyed his lessons with him while learning a lot of safe driving info. He made the experience much less stressful and my son drives with confidence after passing his road test on the first attempt.” – Linda Jones, verified CMSC parent
Rated 4.9 stars across more than 3,379 verified Google reviews. CMSC has trained over 100,000 Massachusetts drivers since 1986.
Conclusion
The massachusetts move over law is specific, and the January 2026 expansion significantly broadened its scope. Move over when safe. Slow down when a lane change is not possible. Since January 2026, broken-down cars with hazard lights and utility trucks trigger the same requirement as police cruisers. The fine is now up to $500. This law is in the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual and is tested on the permit exam. For a complete picture of all Massachusetts traffic laws new drivers need, see When Can You Get Your License in Massachusetts.
About the Author
Jake Cooney is the CEO of CMSC Driving School, an RMV-licensed professional driving school serving Central Massachusetts since 1986. Under his leadership, CMSC has trained over 100,000 Massachusetts drivers through structured classroom instruction covering every Massachusetts traffic law — including the massachusetts move over law – before students take the permit exam.
