Massachusetts Motorcycle Helmet Laws
STATUTE: Title XIV. Public Ways and Works Chapter 90. Motor Vehicles
and Aircraft. Section 7. Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible
warning systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers
and emblems. :
"Every person operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or
in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle shall wear protective head gear conforming
with such minimum standards of construction and performance as the registrar may
prescribe, and no person operating a motorcycle shall permit any other person to
ride as a passenger on such motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to such motorcycle
unless such passenger is wearing such protective head gear,. . ."
FINE: The fine is $35.00 under Chapter 90 section 7, for not wearing
a helmet in the State of Massachusetts while riding a motorcycle.
STANDARDS: Title XIV. Public Ways and Works Chapter 90. Motor Vehicles
and Aircraft. Section 7. Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible
warning systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers
and emblems. :
" . . . conforming with such minimum standards of construction and performance as
the registrar may prescribe, . . ."
MISCELLANEOUS MOTORCYCLE LAWS
State Funded Rider Education
Available for all eligible applicants.
Eye Protection
Required for instructional permit holders.
Required unless equipped with wind screen.
Daytime Use Of Headlight
Modulating headlight permitted.
Passenger Seat
Required if carrying a passenger.
Passenger Footrests
Required if carrying a passenger.
Mirror
Required by law.
Periodic Safety Inspection
Required by law.
65 MPH Speed Limit
In effect on designated rural interstate highways.
MASSACHUSETTS: DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS
ILLEGAL
The Massachusetts Civil Rights Act General Laws chapter 12, section III, provides
that "Any person whose exercise or enjoyment. of rights secured by the Constitution
or laws of the United States, or of rights secured by the United States, or of rights
secured by the Constitution or laws of the commonwealth, has been interfered with,
may institute and prosecute a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate
equitable relief, including the award of compensatory monetary damages." Additionally,
General Laws, chapter 272, section 92A makes it illegal for any tavern or restaurant
to display any sign or notice which discriminates against persons of any class in
the full enjoyment of the accommodations offered to the general public by such taverns
or restaurants. In the case of Cohen v. California 403 U.S. 15 (1971), the Supreme
Court ruled that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment,
to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. In addition, the right of an
individual to freedom of association has long been recognized and protected by the
United States Supreme Court Thus, a person's right to wear the clothing of his choice,
is protected under the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, and persons or establishments
who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to lawsuit.
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