A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Every passenger vehicle, including vans and pickup trucks, must carry working safety equipment, pass inspection every year, and avoid illegal add-ons like a tinted windshield or unpermitted flashing lights.
Every passenger vehicle must have:
A working, undamaged safety belt for the driver and all passengers
Mirrors and a horn
A lock for the engine's ignition
Windshield wipers and an exhaust muffler
A foot brake and a parking brake
A working driver's side window that moves up and down
A spot light may be used only to read signs, or as an emergency light if the headlights fail. It may shine no higher than two feet above the roadway 30 feet from your vehicle.
For Massachusetts winters, add winter tires, an ice scraper, jumper cables and extra warm clothing. Store the kit inside the vehicle within reach, such as the glove compartment or under the passenger seat.
Your left brake light burns out on the way home. You must get it fixed right away, and until then, give the slow-or-stop hand signal (left arm pointing down) out the driver's window whenever you slow.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the maximum legal window tint darkness on side and rear windows in Massachusetts?
20 percent
50 percent
35 percent
70 percent
Answer: 35 percent
You may darken side and rear windows up to 35 percent.