Boston — A bill that would amend Massachusetts’ “Move Over” law to include utility vehicles is advancing in the state legislature.
The state Senate approved S. 2653, sponsored by Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), with a 39-0 vote on Oct. 16.
The bill covers utility vehicles that are stationary and located on the shoulder or breakdown lane of a roadway.
A “utility vehicle” is defined as one being used to “install, maintain, repair, operate or restore communications service or electric or gas distribution or transmission service that is owned or operated by a county or municipality.”
Current law (which exists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia) requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a vehicle with flashing lights (including emergency response vehicles).
Under S. 2653, an initial offense would be punishable by a $100 fine, followed by $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third. A second or subsequent offense would also lead to a driver being required to complete an education program that encourages the driver to change their behavior and attitude.
The bill has the support of the United Steelworkers. The union represents gas and utility workers across the state, “whose safety would be directly strengthened by this legislation.”
The bill is now under consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee.
