Section 7D. The operator of any vehicle involved in a crash in a travel lane on a public way resulting only in property damage shall immediately move or cause the vehicle to be moved to a safe area on the shoulder, emergency lane or median, or to a place otherwise removed from the roadway when such moving of a vehicle can be done safely and the vehicle is capable of being operated under its own power, without further damage to property or injury to any person.

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 89 sec. 7D

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Public law: A public bill or joint resolution that has passed both chambers and been enacted into law. Public laws have general applicability nationwide.

Whenever any state or public law enforcement agency determines that an emergency is caused by the immobilization of any vehicle in a travel lane on a public way, such agencies and those acting at their direction or request, shall have the authority to move the immobilized vehicle.

Such agencies and their officers, employees, agents or contractors shall not be held responsible for any damages to the immobilized vehicle, its contents or surrounding area caused by the emergency measures employed to move the vehicle for the purpose of clearing the travel lane on a public way.

A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100. A violation of this section shall not be a surchargeable incident under section 113B of chapter 175 or under a motor vehicle liability policy as defined in section 34A of chapter 90 that is issued pursuant to said chapter 175.

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