Willard "Buz" Leavitt Jr. sympathy

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 122 co-sponsors

Requires temporary non-reducible loads like dumpsters, shipping containers, and pods left near roadways to have reflective tape meeting FMCSA standards to improve visibility and sa

Introduced and adopted

Overview

House Bill 3684 proposes a safety requirement aimed at increasing the visibility of certain large, temporary loads on roadways and parking areas. The bill would insert a new requirement into Section 9 of Chapter 90 of the General Laws (Massachusetts) to ensure temporary non-reducible loads—specifically dumpsters, shipping containers, and portable pods—placed in vehicular traffic areas, private or municipal lots, or roadways carry reflective tape in compliance with federal standards.

Key provision

Amends Chapter 90, Section 9, by adding after the word “certificate” the following requirement:

Any temporary non-reducible load (e.g., dumpsters, shipping containers, pods) left in vehicular traffic areas, private or municipal lots, or roadways must have reflective tape adhered to the unit, as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s CFR 393.11.

Definitions and scope

“Temporary non-reducible load” is the category targeted by the measure, with examples provided (dumpsters, shipping containers, pods).

The standard for the reflective tape is tied to FMCSA CFR 393.11, linking the requirement to a federal regulation on reflectivity and signaling devices.

The provision focuses on loads that are not easily reduced or compacted to a smaller form.

Affected parties

Property owners and managers (private and municipal) who place or leave temporary non-reducible loads in parking areas or on roadways.

Businesses and contractors that use dumpsters, shipping containers, or pods for temporary storage or construction near roadways.

Local governments responsible for traffic safety and enforcement in public areas.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation: February 27, 2025.

Legislative actions show a scheduled hearing: November 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.

The bill docket notes a prior related measure filed in a previous session (House, No. 3340 of 2023-2024), indicating similar policy considerations in prior years.

Current status indicates a hearing and ongoing consideration by the Transportation Committee.

Potential impact and considerations

Safety: Aims to improve nighttime and low-visibility detection of large, temporary loads, potentially reducing collisions or incidents caused by unmarked or poorly marked items.

Compliance burden: Requires responsible parties to affix reflective tape meeting FMCSA standards, which may entail costs for materials and labor.

Enforcement: The bill does not specify penalties in the text provided; enforcement mechanisms and penalties would be important for assessing practical impact.

Summary

H 3684 would codify a visibility standard for temporary non-reducible loads left near roadways by mandating reflective tape on such loads, aligning with federal specifications. The measure is currently moving through the Transportation Committee with a scheduled public hearing in November 2025, and reflects a continued interest in improving roadway safety related to obstructive or poorly marked loads.

Bill