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H 3694

An Act relative to spare tires

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Prohibits vehicles with a spare tire from using the left (passing) lane, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety on multi-lane roads.

Accompanied a study order, see H4725
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Bill Summary · H 3694

Summary: H 3694 — An Act relative to spare tires (Massachusetts, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a traffic-safety rule governing vehicles that are operating on a spare tire.
  • The aim is to reduce left-lane positioning by vehicles with spare tires, which could improve overall traffic flow and safety on multi-lane roadways.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 4B of Chapter 89 of the General Laws (as of the 2022 Official Edition) by adding a new sentence at the end:
    • “Vehicles operating on a spare tire shall be prohibited from driving in the lane nearest to the left side of the way, regardless if such a lane is available for travel.”
  • Effective date: takes effect upon passage.
  • Legislative drafting confirms this is a single, targeted restriction tied to spare-tire vehicles and left-lane use.

Status and procedure

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Transportation on February 27, 2025.
  • Senate concurred on the same date as House action.
  • Accompanied by a study order (H 4725), indicating the bill is paired with a requirement to study related issues before full enactment or as a condition of consideration.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 3, 2025, in the Joint Committee on Transportation.
  • Related/alternative actions: HD 1151 is noted as a related matter (and EH 1151 is described as replacing this item in related materials).

Who would be affected

  • Drivers operating vehicles with a spare tire.
  • Law enforcement and highway safety authorities responsible for enforcing lane-use rules.
  • General roadway users who share the leftmost (passing) lane, particularly on multi-lane highways.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Traffic safety: Aims to prevent slower spare-tire vehicles from occupying the left/passing lane, potentially reducing weaving and speed variation in that lane.
  • Enforcement: Requires awareness by drivers of the spare-tire restriction and by police of lane-position noncompliance.
  • Operational notes: The rule applies even if the left lane is not currently in use or is blocked, which could affect decision-making in congested or incident-affected conditions.
  • Studies: The accompanying study order (H 4725) may address broader issues related to spare tires, lane usage, and safety outcomes before or alongside implementation.

Remarks

  • This is a focused amendment to existing traffic law with a straightforward prohibition on left-lane use by spare-tire vehicles, tied to passage and supported by a study directive.

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

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