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Bill > S1770


MA S1770

MA S1770
Relative to safety of officers by requiring interior lights in automobiles to be on during stops


summary

Introduced
02/27/2025
In Committee
01/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

194th General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation relative to safety of officers by requiring interior lights in automobiles to be on during stops. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

AI Summary

This bill introduces a new safety requirement for drivers during traffic stops by mandating that they turn on their vehicle's interior lights when stopped by a police officer. Specifically, when a motor vehicle is stopped by a law enforcement officer, the driver must immediately activate the interior cabin lighting if the lights are present and working, effectively illuminating the inside of the vehicle. If the driver fails to do so, the police officer can order the driver to comply, and failure to follow this order would be considered a violation of traffic laws. The purpose of this requirement appears to be enhancing officer safety by improving visibility inside the vehicle during traffic stops, which can help reduce potential risks or uncertainties for law enforcement personnel. The bill would add this new provision as Section 63 to Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws, which governs motor vehicle regulations.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Rules (on 01/27/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1770
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1770.pdf
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