It is your responsibility to learn Massachusetts traffic laws before driving or bicycling. Observe all road signs, signals, and posted speeds. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles provides the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual in multiple languages.
Police Traffic Stops
Police will indicate that they are pulling you over by signaling with flashing lights and a siren. When safe to do so, pull your car over to a full stop on the right-hand side of the road and turn off your engine. Remain in the vehicle and provide the officer with your driver’s license, car registration and proof of insurance.
Traffic Accidents
Never leave the scene of an accident until you have contacted the other party/parties involved, even if it is not your fault. If there are life threatening injuries, dial 911 and wait for first responders to arrive at the scene.
Record the name, address, phone number and insurance information of all parties.
Follow Massachusetts RMV guidelines to report an accident and report the accident to your insurance company within five days of the accident.
The Student Legal Services Office offers free, confidential consultations for UMass Amherst students.
Operating Under the Influence (OUI)
It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating or illegal substances (alcohol and drugs) and can result in your visa being revoked.
While Western Massachusetts is extremely bike-friendly, bicyclists are also subject to Massachusetts general law. For a summary of Massachusetts bike law, visit MassBike. for exact requirements, please read the complete text of the laws pertaining to bicyclists and bicycling in Massachusetts. General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Chapter 85, Section 11B.
Your rights
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You may ride your bicycle on any public road, street, or bikeway in the Commonwealth, except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bikes have been posted.
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You may ride on sidewalks outside business districts, unless local laws prohibit sidewalk riding.
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You may use either hand to signal stops and turns.
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You may pass cars on the right.
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If you carry children or other passengers inside an enclosed trailer or other device that will adequately restrain them and protect their heads in a crash, they need not wear helmets.
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You may have as many lights and reflectors on your bike as you wish.
Your responsibilities:
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You must obey all traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.
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You should use hand signals to let people know your plan stop or turn; however, signals do not need to be made continuously and you are not required to signal when the use of both hands is necessary for the safe operation of the bicycle.
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You must give pedestrians the right of way.
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You must give pedestrians an audible signal before overtaking or passing them.
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You may ride two abreast but must facilitate passing traffic. This means riding single file when faster traffic wants to pass or staying in the right-most lane on a multi-lane road.
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If you are 16 years old or younger, you must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements on any bike, anywhere, always. The helmet must fit your head and the chin strap must be fastened.
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You must use a white headlight and red taillight or rear reflector if you are riding anytime from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise.
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At night, you must wear ankle reflectors if there are no reflectors on your pedals.
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You must notify the police of any accident involving personal injury or property damage over $100.
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You may not carry a passenger anywhere on your bike except on a regular seat permanently attached to the bike, or to a trailer towed by the bike.
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You may not carry any child between the ages of 1 to 4, or weighing 40 pounds or less, anywhere on a single-passenger bike except in a baby seat attached to the bike. The child must be able to sit upright in the seat and must be held in the seat by a harness or seat belt. Their hands and feet must be out of reach of the wheel spokes.
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You may not carry any child under the age of 1 on your bike, even in a baby seat; this does not preclude carrying them in a trailer.
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You may not use a siren or whistle on your bike to warn pedestrians.
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You may not park your bike on a street, road, bikeway or sidewalk where it will be in other people’s way.
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You may not carry anything on your bike unless it is in a basket, rack, bag, or trailer designed for the purpose.
Look! Share the Road: A Guide for Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and Motorists.
University Resources (safety) except on a regular seat permanently attached to the bike, or to a trailer towed by the bike.
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You may not carry any child between the ages of 1 to 4, or weighing 40 pounds or less, anywhere on a single-passenger bike except in a baby seat attached to the bike. The child must be able to sit upright in the seat and must be held in the seat by a harness or seat belt. Their hands and feet must be out of reach of the wheel spokes.
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You may not carry any child under the age of 1 on your bike, even in a baby seat; this does not preclude carrying them in a trailer.
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You may not use a siren or whistle on your bike to warn pedestrians.
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You may not park your bike on a street, road, bikeway or sidewalk where it will be in other people’s way.
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You may not carry anything on your bike unless it is in a basket, rack, bag, or trailer designed for the purpose.
Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has legalized recreational marijuana usage for people over the age of 21. However, marijuana products are still federally prohibited, and therefore the possession and/or usage of any marijuana products is a federally illegal activity for F and J visa holders.
Alcohol is legal for consumption by individuals over the age of 21 with a valid state or national ID.
The legal smoking age in the United States is 21. It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. Additionally, The use of tobacco products is prohibited everywhere on campus, inside buildings and throughout the grounds.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse or harassment to maintain control over an intimate partner or family member. Victims of domestic violence can be any age, race, sexual orientation, gender, marital status or from any socio-economic background.
The legal definition of abuse is causing or attempting to cause physical harm, placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm, and/or causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, force, or duress.
If you or someone you know is the victim of abuse and is in imminent, life-threatening danger, dial 911. If you need immediate assistance from the UMass police, call 413-545-3111.