Massachusetts RMV Handbook (2025)

1. Driver Basics

• Learner’s Permit required before license

• Junior Operator License (under 18):

  • Must complete driver ed + 40 hrs supervised driving

  • First 6 months: no passengers under 18 (unless family) without licensed driver 21+

  • Curfew: No driving 12:30 AM – 5:00 AM

• Always carry license + registration + insurance

2. Speed Limits

• 65 mph = maximum on interstates (some posted 55)

• 50 mph = divided highways outside thickly settled areas

• 40 mph = undivided highways outside thickly settled areas

• 30 mph = thickly settled areas (unless posted)

• 20 mph = school zones

• Work zones: follow posted signs, fines doubled

3. Signs, Signals, Markings

• Red = Stop

• Yellow = Slow / Caution

• Green = Go if clear

• Flashing red = Stop (like stop sign)

• Flashing yellow = Slow, proceed with care

• Solid yellow lines = no passing

• Broken yellow lines = passing allowed if safe

• Double solid white = no lane changes

4. Right of Way

• Pedestrians always first in crosswalks

• Yield to vehicles already in intersection

• 4-way stop: first come, first go; tie → yield to right

• Emergency vehicles: pull over right + stop

• School bus with flashing red lights: stop both directions

• Yield to funeral processions

5. Turns & Lane Use

• Right on red: allowed after full stop unless sign says no

• Left on green: yield to oncoming cars/pedestrians

• U-turns: illegal on hills/curves, limited access highways, or where posted

• Bike lanes: do not block; merge only to turn

• Rotaries: yield to traffic inside

• Move Over Law: slow or move over for emergency/service vehicles

6. Parking Rules

• Park within 12 inches of curb

• Illegal to park:

  • Within 10 ft of fire hydrant

  • Within 20 ft of intersection

  • Within 20 ft of driveway entrance

  • On sidewalks, crosswalks, or highways

• Hill parking:

  • Uphill with curb → wheels away

  • Downhill → wheels toward curb

7. Vehicle Equipment

• Must have: brakes, lights, horn, tires, mirrors, wipers

• Annual safety/emissions inspection required

• No heavily tinted front windows

8. Safety Must-Knows

• Seat belts required for all passengers

• Child seats:

  • Under 8 or under 57 inches tall = car seat/booster

• Headlights:

  • 30 min after sunset → 30 min before sunrise

  • Anytime wipers are on or visibility <500 ft

• Phones:

  • Hands-free only

  • Under 18 = no phone use at all

• Following distance = 2+ seconds, more at night/bad weather

9. Sharing the Road

• Bicycles = same rights as cars; leave 3 ft clearance when passing

• Motorcycles = full lane

• Trucks/buses = allow extra room; don’t cut in

• Pedestrians = extra caution in city crosswalks

• Snowplows/slow vehicles = give space

10. Alcohol & Drugs

• BAC limits:

  • 0.08% = 21+ (OUI)

  • 0.04% = commercial

  • Zero tolerance = under 21

• Open container = illegal in passenger area

• OUI penalties: fines, suspension, possible jail

11. Defensive Driving & Emergencies

• Skids: steer into skid

• Hydroplaning: ease off gas, don’t brake hard

• Tire blowout: grip wheel, slow gradually

• Accidents: stop, help injured, exchange info, report if injury/death or damage >$1000

• Work zones: slow down, obey flaggers, fines doubled

12. Driving Environment

• Highways:

  • Enter using ramp, match speed

  • Exit: signal early, slow in exit lane only

• Winter: clear snow/ice off car before driving

• Fog: use low beams

• Hills/curves: don’t pass if you can’t see 400 ft ahead

13. Test-Day Reminders

• Full stops at stop signs

• Yield to pedestrians

• Signal 100 ft before turns/lane changes

• Check blind spots over shoulder

• Parallel parking + 3-point turns are tested