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H 3746

An Act prohibiting the practice of coal rolling

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kristin Kassner and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill prohibits intentional diesel exhaust rolling to reduce air pollution, visibility hazards, and harassment while raising enforcement and personal liberty questions.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 3746

Legislative bill overview

H 3746 prohibits "coal rolling," the practice of modifying diesel vehicles to emit excessive black smoke, typically as a form of protest or intimidation. The bill establishes penalties for drivers who intentionally produce these emissions on Massachusetts roads.

Why is this important

Coal rolling creates air quality concerns, poses visibility hazards to other drivers, and has become associated with targeted harassment of electric vehicle owners and environmental advocates. The bill addresses both public health and safety issues while reflecting growing tensions around vehicle emissions standards and environmental policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech/expression concerns: Some argue that restricting the practice infringes on personal expression rights, even if the underlying motivation is problematic
  • Enforcement challenges: Determining intent to "coal roll" versus normal vehicle malfunction may create ambiguous enforcement scenarios and potential false accusations
  • Vehicle modification authority: Questions about government oversight of personal vehicle modifications and where reasonable limits on customization should exist
  • Disproportionate impact: Concerns about whether enforcement could disproportionately affect certain communities or become a pretext for traffic stops

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

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