Senate Acts to Expand Highway Safety for Utility Workers and Drivers

The Massachusetts Senate today approved legislation improving the safety of drivers and telecom, gas, and electric utility workers with an expansion of the state’s Move Over law.

Under An Act relative to the Move Over Law, S.2642, motorists would be required to slow down if they are approaching a stationary utility truck or a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a road or breakdown lane of a highway. Drivers on a highway with multiple lanes in each direction would also be required, if practicable, to change lanes to ensure greater safety for vehicles and individuals in the breakdown lane. The state’s existing Move Over law provides such protections for emergency response vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks.

“Across the Commonwealth, utility workers and stranded drivers face real danger every day on the side of our roads,” said Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield). “By expanding the Move Over Law, we’re strengthening protections not just for those who keep our infrastructure running, but for every person who finds themselves in a vulnerable position on a highway shoulder. It’s a commonsense step that will save lives in Western Massachusetts and beyond.”

“This legislation will save lives,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our hardworking gas, electric, phone and cable personnel deserve a safe workplace, and stranded or broken-down drivers should feel safe while they wait for roadside assistance. I am thankful to Senator Crighton for taking the lead on transportation safety, to Chair Rodrigues for vetting this bill on its way to the floor, and to each and every advocate who raised their voice for keeping people safe on our roads.”

“Today the Senate took another step towards making our roadways safer for all drivers in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By adding disabled vehicles and utility trucks with flashing lights to the list of vehicles for which approaching operators must slow down, proceed with due caution, and make necessary lane changes just makes good sense. The bill also includes an increased fine schedule and mandatory driver education program for repeat offenders, sending a clear message that highway safety will continue to be a top priority, and the result will help save lives.”

“This essential legislation is a critical upgrade to our Move Over law, expanding its life-saving protections to everyone who must work or wait on the side of a busy highway. By including disabled vehicles and utility workers and implementing stronger penalties, we are making everyone on our roads safer,” said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Thank you to the Senate President, the Chair of Ways and Means, and to all those who have advocated for this important reform.”

Utility workers often work in dangerous settings along busy streets. A gas operations technician was fatally struck by a driver in 2023 while on the job on a major road near Route 128 in Waltham. A police officer also died as a result of the crash.

The current Move Over law already applies to first responders and law enforcement working on the side of roadways. The proposed expansion steps up enforcement and driver education for those who break the law, adding a required education program for motorists who commit a second or subsequent violation. An existing $100 fine would increase to $250 for the second offense and $500 for third and subsequent violations.

The legislation was advanced to the floor on a 15-0 vote of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on October 9, 2025, following a 7-0 vote of the Joint Committee on Transportation on July 7, 2025. All committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website.

The legislation has been approved by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.