S2642
An Act updating the Move Over Law
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Bill overview
This bill updates Massachusetts’ Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over to the adjacent lane when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or other authorized vehicle displaying flashing lights or a signal. The updated law expands the scope of vehicles covered and clarifies the responsibilities of drivers, aiming to increase safety for first responders and recovery personnel. It also addresses potential ambiguities in the existing law to ensure consistent enforcement.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of covered vehicles to include more types of emergency vehicles.
- Clarifies the distance drivers must move over.
- Specifies penalties for failing to comply with the Move Over Law.
- Addresses situations where multiple vehicles are stopped.
- Requires drivers to proceed with caution when moving over.
- Defines ‘authorized vehicle’ more precisely.
- Includes provisions for enforcement and education.
- Addresses the movement of vehicles on interstate highways.
Who is affected
- Motorists
- Emergency responders
- Tow truck operators
- First responders
- Vehicle recovery personnel
Notable changes
- Clarifies the definition of ‘emergency vehicle’ to include more types of vehicles.
- Specifies minimum distances drivers must move over.
- Addresses potential ambiguities regarding the application of the law on interstate highways.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Cosponsor
Brendan P. Crighton
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Bill S.2642 194th (Current)
An Act updating the Move Over Law
Senate, October 9, 2025 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to the Move Over Law (Senate, No. 2547),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2642).
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Senate Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Amendments Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 12 actions for Bill S.2642
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/9/2025 | Senate | Reported from the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
| 10/9/2025 | Senate | Recommended new draft for S2547 |
| 10/9/2025 | Senate | Order relative to subject matter adopted |
| 10/9/2025 | Senate | Placed in the Orders of the Day for Thursday, October 16, 2025 |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Amendment #1 (Keenan) adopted |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Amendment #2 (Tarr) rejected |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Amendment #3 (Tarr) rejected |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Amendment #6 (Tarr) rejected |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Substituted, as amended, for S2547 |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Ordered to a third reading |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Read third (title changed) |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Reprinted, as amended, see S2653 |
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