S 2642
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 a lane when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or other authorized vehicle displaying flashing lights or a signal warning of hazard. 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 ambiguities in the existing law to ensure consistent enforcement.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘authorized vehicle’ to include vehicles involved in debris removal.
- Clarifies the distance drivers must move over.
- Specifies requirements for drivers who cannot safely move over.
- Addresses penalties for failing to comply with the Move Over Law.
- Requires law enforcement to have the authority to enforce the updated law.
- Includes provisions for public awareness campaigns.
- Updates the definition of ‘emergency vehicle’ to include certain non-police vehicles.
- Addresses the movement of vehicles on interstate highways.
Who is affected
- Motorists
- Emergency responders
- Tow truck operators
- Recovery vehicle operators
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- Expands the types of vehicles covered by the law.
- Clarifies the required distance to move over.
- Addresses enforcement and penalties.
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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