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Bill

H 3653

An Act expanding truck safety requirements

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 4 co-sponsors

Bill H 3653 mandates safety equipment for larger trucks in Massachusetts, improving visibility and reducing accidents for drivers and road users by 2028.

Accompanied a study order, see H4775
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Bill Summary · H 3653

Summary of Bill H 3653: An Act Expanding Truck Safety Requirements

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3653 aims to enhance safety standards for larger trucks operating within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to reduce accidents and improve safety for both truck operators and other road users by mandating specific safety equipment on certain vehicles.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes to existing truck safety regulations:

  • Equipment Requirements:

    • Effective January 1, 2028, all motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, or semi-trailer units classified as Class 3 or above by the Federal Highway Administration (with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more) must be equipped with:
    • Lateral protective devices
    • Convex mirrors
    • Crossover mirrors
    • Backup cameras
  • Entities Affected: The requirement applies to vehicles operated under contracts with or leased or purchased by:

    • Any municipality in Massachusetts
    • Any instrumentality of the Commonwealth
    • Electric companies
    • Gas companies
    • Utilities
    • Wireless providers
  • Exemptions: The bill specifies that the requirements do not apply to:

    • Ambulances
    • Firefighting apparatus
    • Low-speed vehicles
    • Agricultural tractors
    • Any other vehicle types as determined by the registrar
  • Regulatory Standards: The registrar is tasked with adopting regulations that align with the U.S. Department of Transportation's side guard standard (DOT-VNTSC-OSTR-16-05) regarding the size, design, and mounting of the required safety devices. The registrar may also provide alternative compliance options for the convex mirror, crossover mirror, and lateral protective device requirements.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to:
- Improve safety for truck drivers and other road users by reducing blind spots and enhancing visibility.
- Potentially lower the incidence of accidents involving larger trucks, particularly in urban and densely populated areas.
- Place additional compliance requirements on municipalities and utility companies that operate large vehicles, which may involve financial implications for purchasing and installing the mandated safety equipment.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: February 27, 2025
  • Senate Concurrence: February 27, 2025
  • Hearing Scheduled: June 24, 2025
  • Accompanied by Study Order: November 24, 2025

Conclusion

Bill H 3653 represents a proactive step towards enhancing truck safety in Massachusetts. By mandating specific safety equipment for larger vehicles, the bill aims to protect both drivers and the general public, while also establishing clear guidelines for compliance and enforcement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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