302 CMR 11.03 - Rules Relating to Vehicular Traffic

(1) A person shall operate a vehicle on any DCR roadway or other DCR property in conformance with the requirements of M.G.L. c. 90 and all rules and regulations issued therefrom.

(2) "Pleasure Vehicle Only" Roadways. Unless otherwise authorized by a permit duly issued by the Department, designated roadways posted as allowing only pleasure vehicles may be utilized only by pleasure vehicles. The designation of such roadways will be made by posting.

(3) No person may operate a motor vehicle on DCR property with a purpose inconsistent with the defined, designated or posted use of that DCR property.

(4) The operator of a vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control sign, traffic control signal, device, marking or legend, unless otherwise directed by a DCR ranger, authorized law enforcement officer or authorized DCR personnel.

(5) No person may obstruct the free passage of vehicles or persons on DCR roadways or other DCR property.

(6) Entrance on and exit from DCR roadways or other DCR property by vehicular traffic shall be made over designated areas only.

(7) No person may operate a vehicle on any DCR property, driveway, boulevard, roadway, parkway, bridge, or dam at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable, proper and safe, with regard to traffic, the use of the way, and the safety of the public; and in no event shall a person operate a vehicle in excess of any posted limits.

(8) All vehicles shall be operated on the right-hand side of the traveled portion of any DCR roadway, bridge, dam or other DCR property except when passing another vehicle, provided, however, that passing another vehicle shall be permitted in the right hand lane of any roadway, dam, bridge or other DCR property, if such a way has two or more marked lanes for traffic movement that is restricted to one direction.

(9) Authorized DCR personnel or authorized law enforcement officials may divert vehicular traffic or pedestrians, when necessary, to avoid congestion or to promote safety and convenience. No person having charge of a motor vehicle may refuse or neglect to stop or position a vehicle when directed by a DCR ranger, authorized law enforcement official, or other authorized DCR personnel, or when indicated by signs, markings or barriers.

(10) No unauthorized person may signal or stop the operator of any vehicle or approach its occupants for the purpose of soliciting a ride; soliciting a service, legal or otherwise; selling or distributing any merchandise; advertising any matter; soliciting or offering any ticket of admission; begging; or any other solicitation in violation of any criminal or civil laws or regulations of the Commonwealth or the United States.

(11) Commercial Vehicle Rules. A commercial vehicle traveling on or otherwise utilizing a DCR roadway or other DCR property must display identifying information permanently painted or sealed/adhered and plainly marked on both sides of the vehicle's body.

(12) Rotary or Roundabout Rules. Within the areas specified and posted by DCR for rotary traffic or roundabout traffic, operators shall proceed only in a counter-clockwise direction, except when otherwise directed by an authorized law enforcement official. Vehicles approaching a rotary or roundabout must yield to traffic in a rotary or roundabout before proceeding into the rotary or roundabout.

(13) Bicycle Rules. All pedestrians, bicycle, electric bicycle, and other vehicle operators on DCR roadways and other DCR property shall abide by all Massachusetts laws and regulations regarding bicycles and electric bicycles including, but not limited to, bicycle and electric bicycle operation and equipment, in M.G.L. c. 85, §§ 11B, 11B½ and 11D.

(14) Motorized Conveyances. No person may operate a motorized conveyance on a DCR boulevard, roadway, parkway, way, or any portion thereof, except in accordance with laws and regulations relating to registration and operation including, but not limited to, those in M.G.L. c. 90. Motorized Conveyances are not permitted on sidewalks or on improved or natural surface trails.

(15) The use of electric bicycles is prohibited on sidewalks or on improved or natural surface trails, regardless of trail width or other conditions, except that Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted as follows:

(a) on improved DCR trails of eight feet in width or greater;

(b) in places where vehicular traffic is permitted and bicycles are not otherwise prohibited; and

(c) in bicycle lanes on DCR roadways.

(16) The use of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles is permitted as follows:

(a) where vehicular traffic is permitted and bicycles are not otherwise prohibited; and

(b) in bicycle lanes on DCR roadways.

(17) No person may operate a vehicle other than a pleasure vehicle upon any DCR roadway or DCR property which is restricted to pleasure vehicles only except with a permit issued by the Commissioner, provided, however, that vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of less than 5,000 pounds and a maximum overall height of seven feet or less and which are registered for commercial use are permitted. Those vehicles which are prohibited may gain access to a destination situated on, or only accessible by, the use of a restricted DCR roadway by entering from the nearest unrestricted DCR roadway and exiting in the same manner; provided, however, that in no case shall a person operate a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight in excess of ten tons upon any DCR roadway or DCR property except by express written consent of the Department.

(18) Horsedrawn Vehicles. No person may ride or drive a horsedrawn vehicle on a DCR roadway or other DCR property without a permit issued by the Department or where limited by official signs posted in accordance with M.G.L. c. 22, § 20, 520 CMR 13.00: The Operation of Horse Drawn Carriages for Public Hire on Public Roads and Ways of the Commonwealth to Ensure Public Safety, and 720 CMR 9.08(2): Limited Access and Express State Highway Regulations.

Notes

302 CMR 11.03

Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1471, eff. 6/10/2022.