Bill > S2448

This bill amends Section 8 of Chapter 89 of the Massachusetts General Laws to increase penalties for right-of-way violations, specifically focusing on situations where a driver fails to yield and causes harm to another person. The bill, named CeCelia's Law, introduces a graduated penalty system based on the severity of the incident: for violations resulting in injury, the offender will be fined $200 and have their driver's license suspended for at least 30 days; for violations causing serious bodily injury, the fine increases to $500 with a license suspension of at least 90 days; and for violations resulting in a fatality, the penalties escalate to a $1,000 fine and a license suspension of at least 180 days. The bill also provides a specific legal definition of "serious bodily injury," which includes conditions such as unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, significant disfigurement, substantial impairment of bodily functions, or a considerable risk of death. These enhanced penalties aim to discourage dangerous driving behaviors and provide more significant consequences for drivers who fail to yield the right of way and cause harm to others.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2448