Massachusetts Traffic Violations

In Massachusetts, traffic violations occur when drivers operating vehicles break traffic rules. In Massachusetts, most routine moving offenses are civil motor vehicle infractions(CMVIs), while more serious conduct is criminal. Due to the legal, financial, and civic consequences of traffic violations in the state, residents are advised to seek additional knowledge.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Massachusetts?

The public may access the Massachusetts traffic law, Chapter 90 and Chapter 90C of the Massachusetts General Laws. These laws include basic “rules of the road” and guides for all road users in the state. Any violation of these laws is a crime and punishable by fines, imprisonment, or license suspension.

Traffic violations may be non-criminal or minor civil infractions that are typically punishable by fines or license suspensions. Serious traffic violations may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the degree of severity of the infractions. These violations are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or a combination of both.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), District Courts, and the Boston Municipal Court handle traffic law violations in the state. The police officers may issue traffic tickets/citations to individuals who break the traffic laws. Failure for drivers to respond to traffic tickets when due may result in additional consequences, including increased fines and suspension of their license.

Types of Traffic Violations in Massachusetts

The following are examples of traffic violations in Massachusetts:

• Speeding: A common example of CMVI in the state where drivers exceed speed limits.
• Running a red light/stop sign & similar control violations: This is a crime when drivers disobey traffic lights or controls.
• Driving without a license is a criminal offense.
• Driving without insurance: Massachusetts requires compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance, and operating an uninsured vehicle on the road is a criminal offense.
• Reckless/negligent operation (“operating to endanger”): This occurs when a driver is negligent while operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers the public.
• Hit and run (leaving the scene): It is a criminal offense for a driver to leave the scene of an accident that involves property damage.
• Failure to yield/other right-of-way rules: It is a crime for a driver to refuse to allow another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian to proceed on the road when they have the right to do so.
• Distracted driving (hands-free law): The state prohibits any driver from using a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle. It may lead to payment of fines (between $100 and $500), education programs, or an insurance surcharge.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not use “license points.” Instead, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) tracks surchargeable events that trigger education programs and suspensions. Typical penalties in the state include:

• Driver Retraining Program within 90 days or additional suspension.
• OUI convictions carry mandatory license suspensions administered by the RMV upon court notification.
• Hands-free/distracted driving penalties are statutory: $100 (first), $250 plus mandatory education (second), $500 plus education and insurance surcharge (third+).
• Insurance consequences: Massachusetts adopts the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP), which is used by insurance companies to adjust the driver’s auto insurance premium (based on their driving record).

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Massachusetts

Massachusetts records may be found in two main streams: court case/docket records and RMV driver records.

• Court/Ticket status (District Court & Boston Municipal Court): The Massachusetts Judicial Branch provides a MassCourts Portal where individuals may search public dockets for court records.

The public may search the portal by court department/division, party, or docket number. The state Uniform Rules on Public Access restrict certain information on the portal’s results, so individuals must contact the court clerk for official copies.

• RMV driving record (official history): Individuals may request their own driver records online from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). They may also request their own record by submitting a completed Driving Record Request Form, the applicable fee, and a photocopy (not required for in-person requests) of their license/ID.

Other third parties interested in the official driving record must submit a completed notarized Driving Record Request Form to the RMV. The cost of obtaining a copy of an unattested and attested record is $8 and $20, respectively.

What is typically included?

• Court dockets: They contain case/citation number, charge/statute, docket events, disposition, and amounts due.
• RMV records: These include findings of responsibility/conviction, surchargeable events, suspensions/revocations, and OUI administrative entries.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, how long a traffic violation stays on an individual’s record depends on:

• Insurance surcharges (SDIP): Traffic violations may last up to six years on a driver’s record and may affect their insurance premium. However, premium impacts may last longer for certain serious traffic offenses.
• RMV driving record: Records of traffic violations on an RMV may remain for at least six years.