Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 700 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › Title 700 CMR 9.00 - Driving on State Highways › Section 9.01 - Definitions

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
For the purpose of
				700 CMR
				9.00 the words and phrases used herein shall have the
				following meanings, except in those instances where the context clearly
				indicates a different meaning:
Bicycle
. Any wheeled vehicle propelled
				by pedals and operated by one or more persons. Bicycles shall include electric
				bicycles and motorized bicycles as defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1.
Bicycle Signal
. A traffic signal
				indication at a Traffic Control Signal that is identified by a bicycle symbol
				in each signal face. Bicycle signals shall control right of way for bicyclists
				only. Where Bicycle Signals are present on an approach to an intersection, they
				shall control the right of way for bicyclists regardless of the presence of
				other traffic signals, unless otherwise signed.
Bus
. Every vehicle designed for
				carrying more than eight passengers and used primarily for the transportation
				of persons either for compensation, as a service, or as an adjunct to a school
				program.
Bus Lane
. A Lane designated by
				Official Signs, Street Markings, or a combination thereof that is restricted
				for the use of Buses, only. Where Official Signs designate it, Bus Lanes may be
				open to Vehicles that must turn at an approaching Intersection or driveway
				and/or to Bicycles.
Bus Stop
. An area in a roadway set
				aside for the boarding of or alighting from buses.
Channelizing Island
. A traffic island
				located to guide traffic streams along certain definite paths and to prevent
				the promiscuous movement of vehicles in what would otherwise be a widely
				extended roadway area.
Commercial Vehicle
. Any vehicle
				registered for commercial purposes and designed and used primarily for the
				transportation of goods, wares or merchandise.
Container
. Any drum, barrel, cylinder,
				bag, carboy or other shipping vessel (other than a tank vehicle) used for the
				transportation of dangerous articles.
Crossover
. An opening in a
				channelizing island that connects both sides of a divided highway.
Crosswalk
. That portion of a roadway
				ordinarily included within the extensions of the sidewalk lines, or, if none
				then the footpath lines, and, at any place in a highway, clearly indicated for
				pedestrian crossing by lines or markers upon the roadway surface.
Curb Marking
. That portion of a
				curbing which has been painted by the Department.
Department
. The Massachusetts
				Department of Transportation.
Divided Highway
. A highway with
				separated roadways for traffic in opposite directions.
Emergency Vehicle
. Vehicles of the
				Fire Department (Fire Patrol), police vehicles and such ambulances and
				emergency vehicles of federal, state or municipal departments or public service
				corporations as are commonly recognized as such.
Emergency Vehicle Hybrid Beacon
. A
				specialized Traffic Control Signal that is accompanied by a sign stating that
				it is an emergency signal, that remains dark when inactive and, when activated,
				provides right of way to emergency vehicles entering or exiting a roadway
				through its indications.
Express State Highway
. A divided
				arterial highway for through traffic with full or partial control of access and
				generally with grade separations at intersections.
Flashing Signal
. A Traffic Control
				Signal indication that is intermittently illuminated at a rate of 50 to 60
				times per minute.
Highway
. The entire width between
				property lines of any state highway or lawful through way designated by the
				Department.
Intersection
. The area embraced within
				the extensions of lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary
				lines, of intersection ways as defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1, including
				divided ways.
700 CMR
				9.00 governs and restricts the movement of vehicles on
				state highways at and near intersecting ways and shall apply at any place along
				any way at which drivers are to be controlled by traffic control signals
				whether or not such place is an intersection as herein defined.
Lane
. A longitudinal division of a
				roadway of sufficient width to accommodate the passage of a single line of
				vehicles, whether or not such lane is indicated by pavement markings or
				longitudinal construction joints.
Limited Access Highway
. An express
				state highway with full control of access.
Officer
. Any police officer or any
				officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for
				violations of traffic regulations.
Official Signs
. Signals, markings and
				devices. All signs, signals, markings and devices installed or maintained by
				the Department.
One-Way Highways
. Roadways or streets,
				designated by the Department as one-way and upon which vehicular traffic may
				move only in the direction indicated by signs.
Parking
. The stopping or standing of a
				vehicle whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily, except that a
				vehicle shall not be deemed parked when stopped or standing for the purpose of
				and while actually engaged in loading or unloading or in obedience to an
				officer or traffic control signs or signals, or while making emergency repairs
				or, if disabled, while arrangements are being made to move such vehicle.
Pedestrian
. Any person afoot or using
				a wheelchair (manual or motorized) or riding on a conveyance moved by human
				power, except bicycles or tricycles.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
. A
				specialized Traffic Control Signal that is accompanied by a sign stating that
				it is at a crosswalk, that remains dark when inactive and, when activated,
				provides right of way to pedestrians within the crosswalk through its
				indications.
Roadway
. That portion of a highway
				between regularly established curb lines or that part, exclusive of shoulders,
				improved and intended to be used for vehicular traffic.
Rotary Traffic
. The counter-clockwise
				operation of a vehicle around an island or other structure in the
				highway.
Sidewalk
. That portion of a highway
				set aside for pedestrian travel and, where designated, for bicycle
				travel.
Stop Line
. A solid white Street
				Marking line extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which a
				stop is intended or required to be made.
Stop Signal
. A Flashing Red Signal
				having the same function as a stop sign and erected by the Department.
Street Marking
. Any painted line,
				legend, marking or marker of any description painted or placed on any way by
				the Department and which purports to direct or regulate traffic.
Tank Vehicle
. Any tank type motor
				vehicle with cargo tank, portable tank or bulk pyramided cylinders, used for
				the transportation of liquids or gases.
Traffic
. Pedestrians, ridden or herded
				animals, vehicles, street cars or other conveyances either singly or together
				while using any highway for the purpose of travel.
Traffic Control Signal
. A signal
				device which, through its indications, alternately controls and provides right
				of way to vehicles on approaches to an intersection and which has been erected
				by the Department.
Traffic Island
. Any area or space set
				aside, within a roadway, which is not intended for use by vehicular
				traffic.
U Turn
. The turning of a vehicle by
				means of a continuous left turn whereby the direction of such vehicle is
				reversed.
Urban Area
. The territory contiguous
				to and including any street which is built up with structures devoted to
				business, industry or dwelling houses situated at intervals of less than 100
				feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.
Vehicle
. Every device in, upon, or by
				which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway,
				including bicycles when the provisions of these rules are applicable to them,
				except other devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary
				rails or tracks and devices which derive their power for operation from
				stationary overhead wires.
Yield Line
. A row of solid white
				triangular Street Markings extending across approach lanes to indicate the
				point at which the yield is intended or required to be made.