Driving In Massachusetts

This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in Massachusetts.

Telephone Numbers
In an emergency dial 911.

Speed Limits
Speed limits are measured in miles per hour (MPH).

Rural Interstates	65mph/104kph
Urban Interstates	65mph/104kph
Other Limited Access Roads	65mph/104kph
Other Roads	55mph/88kph

Limited access roads are multiple laned, with restricted access using exit and entrance ramps rather than intersections. Interstate highways are national limited access roads which connect metropolitan and industrial areas.

Driving Tips and Road Information
Massachusetts offers its visitors a taste of history and landscape that includes mountains, forests and beaches. There are plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy and the coast offers the opportunity to go whale watching. Massachusetts is located on the east coast and its capital city is Boston.

Climate Information:
Generally the coastal regions of Massachusetts receive the more moderate temperatures in winter and summer than you will find further inland.  Weather can be very changeable, even within one week.  The best time to visit Massachusetts is between the months of May and October.

• Spring - Late spring sees the onset of more favourable weather for visiting the Massachusetts, when it is generally bright and fresh.
• Summer - In the summer time you can expect to experience comfortably warm weather, central areas of Massachusetts usually see a peak in July ranging between 16ºC-27ºC/60ºF-81ºF.  Cape Cod may be cooled by ocean breezes, although temperatures can still be around 27ºC-29ºC.
• Autumn/Fall - Fall time in Massachusetts saunters between days which are bright and fresh, or glowing with moderate warmth.  Night time can be cool, and may even dip to freezing point and below.  Expect a usual temperature range of between 15ºC-22ºC/59ºF-72ºF.
• Winter - winter is cold enough to attract snow, the heaviest precipitation will normally be found inland to the west, and towards the centre of the state.  Cape Cod does not usually experience as much snow.  The temperature range in winter is on average -13ºC to -2ºC/11ºF-29ºF.

For up to date weather information visit:  http://www.wunderground.com

Car Rental:
It is normally possible for foreign visitors to use their native driving licence within the U.S.A. for a period of up to one year. Be aware that the minimum age permissible to rent a car in Massachusetts is generally 25 years. Often there are additional costs involved if you are a younger driver. Most car rental companies in the U.S.A. require you to have held your licence for a minimum of one year.  You will need a valid credit card for payment. If you are going to rent a car, it is wise to clarify the details and requirements prior to your departure to avoid any problems.

Insurance:
It is difficult to find companies who will insure foreign visitors, because of the issues surrounding assessment of previous driving record.  For this reason, you will be treated as if you have no previous driving experience, and the cost will be high as a consequence.
Insurance companies who do sell auto insurance to foreign visitors:
American Financial Group: (513) 579-6739: www.amfnl.com
GMAC Insurance: (800) 468-3466: www.gmacfs.com
Orion Auto Insurance Co: (800) 334-0090: www.orionauto.com/orionauto
Progressive Insurance Co: (800) 288-6776: www.progressive.com 
If you are staying for 6 months or more you can reduce insurance premiums by getting an American drivers licence.
If you have a rental/hire car, insurance is much more economical and will not incur higher insurance rates.  For this you will need to be over 21 years, hold a valid driving licence from your own country, present your passport and have a major, recognised, credit card.

Disabled Drivers:
Many major rental car companies, including Budget, Avis and Hertz offer hand controlled vehicles to disabled drivers. The American Association of People with Disabilities website has various resources. For useful links to a variety of sites visit the Planet Amber website.

Road conditions:
Massachusetts is serviced by an excellent road way system of Interstates and Highways. For up to date information regarding current road conditions, call the state police Road Conditions Report number locally on 1 800 828 9104 or visit the Boston pages of the SmarTraveler website.

Fuel:
For details of the Massachusetts service stations, visit the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority website.

Breakdown:
In Massachusetts, Highway Emergency Locator Patrol (H.E.L.P.) vans and tow trucks operate on all major highways during commuting hours; they will provide free roadside help to you if you have broken down. It is also worth checking with your own automobile association for possible affiliations and cover abroad.

Alcohol:
In Massachusetts the legal minimum drinking age is 21 years. Do not drink and drive.

Red light right turns:
In Massachusetts it is permissible to turn right at a red light (unless otherwise signposted), providing you have made a complete stop to check the way ahead is clear and give way to pedestrians.

Things to see:

• Greylock Mountain State Preservation - to experience views from Massachusetts’ highest peak.
• Wahconah Falls State Park - for hiking opportunities and views of the falls.
• Bash Bish Falls State Park - the name in itself makes the visit worthwhile, don’t miss the falls though.
• Crane Beach Preservation - to enjoy the white sandy beaches.
• Whale watching - Massachusetts is one of the top ten locations in the world to see these magnificent creatures first hand.
• The Children’s Museum, Boston - dedicated to helping children learn about the world they live in.
• Hancock Shaker Village - for a taste of the lives of Shakers who lived at the site between 1783 and 1960.

Highways:
Main Interstates: 

• 90 - Runs from Boston via Newton, Auburn, Chicopee and on to the border with New York State at a point northwest of Housatonic.
• 91 - Runs north-south between the border with New Hampshire, at a point south of Battleboro, and the border with Connecticut at a point south of Long Meadow.
• 95 - Runs from Boston southwards to the border with Rhode Island, at Pawtucket.
• 195 - Runs round the south west coastal region from the border with Rhode Island south of Pawtucket, via Fall River, and loops round past Fairhaven to form a junction with Route 25.
• 290 - Forms a junction with I495 northeast of Shrewsbury, heads south via Worcester and crosses into Connecticut south of Webster.
• 495 - Forks off from I95 at Amesbury and runs into central Massachusetts before curving south-eastwards via Milford.

Safety
General safety:
Exert a sensible degree of caution for your own personal safety:

• Don’t walk alone, especially at night.
• Be cautious if strangers approach you on the street.
• Be aware of your personal possessions, don’t have valuables on show.
• If someone tries to snatch your bag, throw it on the street or upturn it and empty the contents on the floor.
• If you are accosted shout ‘Fire’ rather than ‘Rape’ or ‘Help’.

Requirements

Driving licences:
In the U.S.A you are not required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you hold a valid driving licence that is in English, although often you are required to have held your licence for a minimum of one year. In the U.S.A and Canada driving licence’s include the drivers photograph, so if you are from a country where this is not the case it is wise to also carry your passport to avoid any unnecessary complications or delays should you have to produce it. If you are from the U.K. remember to take both parts of your driving licence (photo card and paper licence with the further details).

Visas:
The U.S.A participates in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, whereby if you are visiting for a period of 90 days or less for the purpose of tourism or business you will not require a visa.  The countries who qualify are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
All other visitors are not exempt from carrying a visa.

Seatbelts:
In Massachusetts all vehicle passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times and children must be provided with adequate child seats/restraints.

Useful Links and Further Information
For more information about driving in Massachusetts visit the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
If you are looking for car rental in Massachusetts we recommend Hertz Car Rental.

Maps:
For detailed maps of Massachusetts visit the maps page of the MassVacation website. If you want to purchase maps of Massachusetts then try Maps Worldwide, who have a comprehensive range for sale.

Important Note: Each state has different driving laws, be sure to look up the individual laws. If you drive in the USA, remember that each of the 50 states has its own set of traffic laws and regulations. Fortunately, most of the laws are the same, but some states have slightly different rules. When you rent a car, you should ask the agent if there are any special driving rules in that state. When driving in multiple states, check a tour book for any special driving rules in each state.