Question 1

Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Massachusetts

Accepted Answer

Helmets are required for all riders and passengers in Massachusetts, regardless of age. Helmets must meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Question 2

Eye Protection in Massachusetts

Accepted Answer

All riders are required to use eyewear unless the bike is equipped with a windscreen.

Question 3

Lane Splitting in Massachusetts

Accepted Answer

Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is not legally permitted in Massachusetts.

Question 4

Use of Turn Signals on Motorcycles

Accepted Answer

Riders must use their turn signal anytime they change lanes or turn.

Question 5

Passenger Footrest Requirement

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles carrying passengers must be equipped with footrests for passengers in Massachusetts.

Question 6

Handlebar Height Limitations

Accepted Answer

Handlebars cannot be higher than the rider's shoulders in Massachusetts.

Question 7

Motorcycle Noise Restrictions

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts law requires that exhaust noise from a motorcycle does not exceed 82 decibels when measured from a distance of 50 feet.

Question 8

Daytime Headlight Requirement

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts law requires that motorcycles operate their headlights at all times, even during the day.

Question 9

Two-Abreast Riding

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts law allows motorcycles to ride two abreast in a single lane.

Question 10

Motorcycle Inspection Requirements

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles must undergo an annual safety inspection.

Question 11

Minimum Age for Motorcycle Passengers

Accepted Answer

In Massachusetts, motorcycle passengers must be at least 8 years old.

Question 12

Right-of-Way at Intersections

Accepted Answer

In Massachusetts, the driver who arrives first at an intersection has the right-of-way, unless traffic signs or signals indicate otherwise.

Question 13

Slow Speed Vehicle Requirement

Accepted Answer

Riders must not operate a motorcycle so slowly as to impede normal traffic flow.

Question 14

One Way Road Rules

Accepted Answer

On a one-way road, motorcycles are allowed to park parallel to and upon the right or left curb.

Question 15

Motorcycle Road Test

Accepted Answer

During the road test, riders must demonstrate their ability to operate a motorcycle safely, including starting, accelerating, turning, and stopping.

Question 16

Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

Accepted Answer

Holders of a learner’s permit must not ride after dark or carry any passengers.

Question 17

Alcohol and Drug Violations

Accepted Answer

Riders convicted of operating under the influence will lose their license and may be subject to fines and jail time.

Question 18

Red Light Law

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles are allowed to proceed through a red light after stopping and waiting a reasonable amount of time if the light fails to change, providing no other vehicle or pedestrian is approaching or close enough to constitute a hazard.

Question 19

Restricted Lane Usage

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles are not allowed to use lanes designated for buses or bicycles only, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Question 20

Use of Headphones

Accepted Answer

It's illegal to wear headphones while riding a motorcycle in Massachusetts, except for those built into a helmet for communication purposes.

Question 21

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Accepted Answer

Riders must carry insurance that includes at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $5,000 in property damage liability.

Question 22

Out-of-State Motorcycles

Accepted Answer

Out-of-state motorcycles are allowed on Massachusetts roads, but must comply with Massachusetts laws while riding in the state.

Question 23

Properly Equipped Motorcycles

Accepted Answer

All motorcycles must have a horn, a rearview mirror, and a muffler.

Question 24

Riding on Sidewalks

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to ride a motorcycle on a sidewalk in Massachusetts.

Question 25

Unattended Motorcycles

Accepted Answer

A person may not leave a motorcycle unattended in the public way with the key in the ignition.

Question 26

Tires on Motorcycles

Accepted Answer

Motorcycle tires must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32.

Question 27

Motorcycle Safety Course

Accepted Answer

All riders under the age of 18 are required to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider education course.

Question 28

Modified Exhaust Systems

Accepted Answer

Modifying a motorcycle’s exhaust system to amplify the noise is illegal in Massachusetts.

Question 29

Riding Positions

Accepted Answer

Riders must sit astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

Question 30

Motorcycle Equipment Modifications

Accepted Answer

Any modifications to a motorcycle, such as enhancing engine performance or changing the structure, must be reported to the RMV and may require re-inspection.

Question 31

Motorcycle Endorsements

Accepted Answer

In order to operate a motorcycle in Massachusetts, you must have a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) on your driver’s license or a Class M license.

Question 32

Left Turns

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is either straight ahead or turning right.

Question 33

Road Surface Hazards

Accepted Answer

Riders should be aware of road surface hazards such as potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, or railroad tracks and approach these with caution.

Question 34

Group Riding

Accepted Answer

Riders in a group should maintain a staggered formation.

Question 35

Following Distance

Accepted Answer

Riders should maintain a 2-4 second following distance.

Question 36

Evading Police

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to evade or attempt to evade law enforcement while operating a motorcycle.

Question 37

U-turns

Accepted Answer

Riders should not make U-turns in business districts or any location where visibility is restricted within 500 feet.

Question 38

Speed Contest

Accepted Answer

Participating in any form of speed contest or racing is illegal in Massachusetts.

Question 39

Emergency Vehicles

Accepted Answer

Riders should yield the right-of-way and move to the right edge of the road for approaching emergency vehicles.

Question 40

Rider Fitness

Accepted Answer

Riders should refrain from riding when fatigued, ill, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Question 41

Proper Loading

Accepted Answer

The load carried on a motorcycle should not obstruct the rider’s view or prevent them from controlling the motorcycle.

Question 42

Motorcycle Trailer

Accepted Answer

If towing a trailer with a motorcycle, the total width should not exceed 55 inches.

Question 43

Use of Siren or Whistle

Accepted Answer

It's illegal for motorcycles to be equipped with a siren or whistle.

Question 44

Entering Public Road

Accepted Answer

Before entering a public road, riders should yield the right-of-way to approaching traffic.

Question 45

Stopping at Railroad Crossings

Accepted Answer

Certain commercial motorcycles are required to stop at all railroad crossings.

Question 46

Lane Usage

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and cannot be passed in the same lane.

Question 47

Brake Requirements

Accepted Answer

All motorcycles must have at least one working brake controlled by hand or foot.

Question 48

Vehicle Emissions

Accepted Answer

All motorcycles must comply with Massachusetts vehicle emissions standards.

Question 49

Riding on Toll Roads

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles are allowed on toll roads and may use any lane within these roads.

Question 50

Countersteering

Accepted Answer

At higher speeds, riders should use the countersteering technique to turn the motorcycle – pushing the handlebar in the direction of the turn.

Question 51

Roundabouts and Traffic Circles

Accepted Answer

Riders should yield to vehicles already in the roundabout or traffic circle.

Question 52

Overtaking and Passing

Accepted Answer

Overtaking and passing other vehicles should be done on the left, observing the two-second rule.

Question 53

Highway Riding

Accepted Answer

Riders should use the right lane on highways except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards.

Question 54

Underpass Riding

Accepted Answer

When riding under an underpass or a bridge, riders should be prepared for changes in road conditions.

Question 55

Night Riding

Accepted Answer

Reflective clothing and additional lights are recommended for night riding to increase visibility.

Question 56

Wet Weather Riding

Accepted Answer

When riding in wet weather, riders should reduce speed, avoid sudden moves, and increase following distance.

Question 57

Operating in a Bicycle Lane

Accepted Answer

It's illegal for motorcycles to operate in a bicycle lane unless entering or exiting a legal parking space adjacent to the lane.

Question 58

Obstruction of License Plate

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to obscure or allow a motorcycle's license plate to be obscured in Massachusetts.

Advanced Massachusetts Motorcycle License Study Set