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HD 5270

An Act relative to visibility and safety in biking

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Josh Tarsky

Requires cyclists on public roads to wear lime green or yellow high-visibility clothing with reflective material to improve visibility and safety.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 5270

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill HD 5270

An Act relative to visibility and safety in biking

Overview

HD 5270 seeks to improve bicyclist visibility and roadway safety by mandating high-visibility apparel with reflective material for cyclists on public roads. The bill was introduced on October 23, 2025, and referred to the House Rules Committee. The primary sponsor is Representative Joshua Tarsky (by request).

Key Provisions

  • New safety requirement (clause 12 of §11B, ch. 85): When operating a bicycle on a public way where motor vehicles are operated, the cyclist must wear a high-visibility shirt or vest in lime green or yellow with reflective material.
  • Cross-reference update: The statute’s internal cross-reference is updated to include the new clause (12) alongside existing clauses (e.g., clause (2)).
  • Enforcement records and penalties: A police officer who observes a violation of clause (12) must record the cyclist’s name, address, and license number (if any) and maintain a record of the violation.
  • Penalty for repeated violations: A third violation of clause (12) would be punished by a fine of not more than $100.

Who Is Affected

  • Cyclists on public roads who operate bicycles in motor-vehicle traffic conditions would be subject to the new apparel requirement.
  • Law enforcement would enforce the provision and maintain violation records.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Referred to the committee on House Rules.
  • Introduced: October 23, 2025 (HD 5270; filed October 20, 2025, in the House).
  • Legislative context: Part of the 2025-2026 Massachusetts General Court session.

Potential Implications

  • Safety impact: Aims to enhance cyclist visibility, potentially reducing vehicle-bicycle collisions.
  • Enforcement and administration: Creates record-keeping obligations for police and introduces a third-offense penalty framework (with a defined penalty only for the third violation; penalties for first/second violations are not specified in the text provided).
  • Practical considerations: Cyclists would need to acquire lime green or yellow high-visibility apparel with reflective material; the bill does not specify exceptions or exemptions.

Next Steps

If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee review, potential amendments, and floor votes in both chambers before any enactment. Questions to watch for include any defined start date, exemptions, and how first/second violations would be penalized.

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

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