Important Regulations

Removal of Snowplow Hitching Mechanisms

Massachusetts law has been amended (C. 149, § 142 of the Acts of 2004) to require the removal of snowplow hitching mechanisms from vehicles during the period of May 15th through October 15th of each year. General Law C. 90, § 19K is now in effect, and non-complying vehicles may not be legally operated on public ways during this period.

Between May 15 and October 15 of each year, vehicles equipped with a plow (except exempt) shall be required to have removed the plow and hitching mechanism used with the plow. The hitching mechanism includes the lift cylinder and lift arm. (the life cylinder is the hydraulic cylinder that raises and lowers the lift. The lift arm supports the plow blade.)

Exempt Hitching Mechanisms
Vehicles equipped with an apparatus that allows the hitching mechanism to be folded flat leaving no protruding surfaces shall only be required to have the plow itself removed if the hitching mechanism is in the folded flat position while the vehicle is in operation.

Hitching mechanisms which were permanently affixed through welding or other means prior to July 1, 2004 (the date of enactment). (Permanently affixing a hitching mechanism after that date is prohibited, and a violation is subject to fine and revocation of registration.)

If It Snows During This Period
If snowfall occurs before October 15 or after May 15, vehicles subject to this act may be re-equipped with the plow and any apparatus necessary for clearing snow but must abide by this new law within 72 hours of the conclusion of the snowfall.

Exempt Vehicles and Penalties
This act does not apply to any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of more than 26, 000 pounds nor to state, county or municipally-owned or operated vehicles.
For operating a vehicle in violation of this act, a warning for a first offense; $250 fine for a second offense; $500 fine and revocation of the registration for a third offense. The registration will not be reinstated until the vehicle is in compliance. A reinstatement fee will apply.