03/02/2023 • 8 min
Massachusetts driving guide
From speed limits to toll roads in Massachusetts, learn about the rules of the road when exploring the Bay State with our Massachusetts driving guide.
While it’s one of the smaller states, Massachusetts bristles with forested mountains, picturesque small towns and historic cities. From Boston to the Berkshires, there’s plenty of roads to explore.
But before you embark on your road trip, you’ll need to know the main traffic rules – from speed limits and car seat requirements to toll roads in Massachusetts.
Jump to a section:
Quick rules of the road
- Right of way – Situations where the right of way rule comes into play include:
o Stop signs: cars are required to come to a full stop and wait until it’s safe to enter the roadway.
o T-intersections: The driver on the continuing street has the right of way.
o Three-way and four-way stop signs: The car that appeared at the intersection first has the right of way. If two cars arrive at the same time, the right of way goes to the car on the right.
o Left turns: a car that is turning left is required to yield the right of way to approaching vehicles.
- Headlights – All cars and trucks are required to use headlights and taillights:
o When weather conditions are snowy, rainy, icy or foggy
o From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
o When driving through a tunnel.
- Driving with a cell phone – Drivers 18 and over can only use hands-free devices while driving. Handheld devices can only be used if the car is stationary; this does not include red lights or stop signs.
Toll roads in Massachusetts
There are five toll roads in Massachusetts, all managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Prices may vary depending on your vehicle type, time of day and route exit(s). But don’t worry, we also explore how to pay toll roads in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Turnpike
The turnpike is the longest interstate highway in Massachusetts at 138 miles. It connects the state’s three major cities: Boston, Worcester and Springfield.
From: I-90, Logan International Airport
To: New York state line, West Stockbridge
Cost for car: $7.45 to $13.55
Cost for truck (with three axles): $18.90 to $23.10
Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge
Tobin Bridge is the largest in New England, with three lanes of traffic on each of the two levels.
From: Boston
To: Chelsea
Cost for car: $1.25 to $1.55
Cost for truck (with three axles): $4.50 to $9.00
Ted Williams Tunnel
This highway tunnel travels under Boston Harbor and connects South Boston with Logan International Airport.
From: South Boston
To: Route 1A, East Boston
Cost for car: $1.75 to $2.05
Cost for truck (with three axles): $3.50 to $5.25
Callahan Tunnel
Callahan Tunnel is located under Boston Harbor in Boston and is mainly used to carry traffic out of the city.
From: North End
To: Logan International Airport, Route 1A
Cost for car: $1.75 to $2.05
Cost for truck (with three axles): $3.50 to $5.25
Sumner Tunnel
Sumner Tunnel also carries traffic under Boston Harbor in one direction and has been modified to have two exits.
From: Logan International Airport, Route 1A
To: I-93, Storrow Drive
Cost for car: $1.75 to $2.05
Cost for truck (with three axles): $3.50 to $5.25
How to pay for toll roads in Massachusetts
Drivers using toll roads in Massachusetts can use the Massachusetts electronic tolling program EZDriveMA to set up an E-ZPass MA account and pay the toll. This is a pre-paid transponder (tag) based option with discounted tolls.
Other payment methods include:
- National E-ZPass
- Pay By Plate MA Registered
- Pay By Plate MA Invoice.
Driving ages and license requirements in Massachusetts
- The minimum driving age in Massachusetts is 16 for a learner’s permit.
- You can apply for a driver’s license once you’ve used your learner’s permit for six months and completed a driver’s education class.
- Over 18-year-olds are still required to apply for a learner’s permit before a full driver’s license.
- The minimum age to rent a car in Massachusetts is 21 with Hertz.
If you’re under the age of 25 and looking to rent a car, check out our handy tips for young renters.
Essential equipment to carry in your car in Massachusetts
In your vehicle, you must always carry your driver’s license, insurance details, state-issued identification and warning triangles. When driving in Massachusetts, you might also want to carry:
- Emergency tools – jumper cables, tool kit, roadside flares
- Spare parts – spare tire, spare bulbs, spare fuses
- Replacement fluids – engine oil, washer fluid, antifreeze
- A tool kit – wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, tire repair kit
- Duct tape and electrical tape for small leaks
- Blankets and warm clothing for weather emergencies
- A mobile phone charger and/or portable battery pack
- A flashlight with spare batteries
- Paper towels, wipes and shop rags.
For a list of items that you can’t carry in your Hertz car, please check your rental agreement.
Massachusetts speed violations, infractions and penalties
Exceeding the speed limit in Massachusetts can result in serious fines. Penalties for a speeding ticket in Massachusetts include:
- A $50 base charge
- A $10 charge for every mile you drove over the limit
- Points against your driving license, depending on the situation.
Fines are doubled for speeding violations in construction zones. A speeding violation can also lead to surcharge points.
Driving with children in Massachusetts
Car seat requirements in Massachusetts state that children must be secured in a car seat until they are eight years old or over 57 inches tall. Here are some of the other seat requirements to keep in mind.
- Rear-facing car seats – There is no specific age limit for rear-facing car seats in Massachusetts. Parents are required to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Booster seats – Children are required to remain in a forward-facing booster seat until they are eight years old and reach 4 feet and 9 inches.
- Front seat – Massachusetts doesn’t have a law on children riding in the front seat. Many manufacturers specify that kids shouldn’t ride in the front until age 13.
Gas prices in Massachusetts
The average gas price in Massachusetts is $3.80 per gallon.
Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:
- For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.10 per mile
- For a family car like a Nissan Pathfinder, it works out at $0.14 per mile
Gas price figure last updated October 31, 2022.
Electric car charging in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, there are around 3,500 level two charging ports at 450 charging sites. Drivers can also access over 70 direct current fast charging (DCFC) charging ports at more than 35 charging sites across the state.
Driving between Massachusetts and other states
Looking to visit neighboring states? You won’t need to say goodbye to your rental. With Hertz, you can drive your car rental between states – from Rhode Island to New York . You can even opt for a one-way rental to drop off in a different location and begin a new adventure elsewhere.
Driving conditions in Massachusetts
Thanks to its coastal plains in the east and hilly terrain in the west, Massachusetts has a varied climate. Summers are humid, reaching 70°F, while winters are chilly with lows of 20°F.
Average precipitation varies from 45 to 55 inches per year. With summers comfortably warm, consider embarking on your journey around July to enjoy the best the state has to offer.
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