With a state this large, there's lots to know. We've got the basics for you here: driving safety; Massachusetts holidays; sales, hotel and meal taxes; and applicable state laws.
Driving Safety
- The speed limit on most major highways in Massachusetts is 65 mph/88 km; some sections are 55 mph/104 km.
- While most non-U.S. driver's licenses are acceptable, it's best to bring an international driver's license.
- State law requires all vehicle occupants to wear seat belts.
- When entering a rotary intersection, yield to any vehicle already in the rotary.
- A right turn on red at a traffic signal is permitted after coming to a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted.
- To ensure your safety and that of others on the road, Massachusetts strictly enforces its drunk driving law.
Emergency Assistance
- Fire, Police, Ambulance: 911
- State police: (508) 820-2300, *SP from a wireless phone in eastern Massachusetts, MSP in western Massachusetts.
Highway Assistance
- HELP (Highway Emergency Locator Patrol) vans and tow trucks patrol major highways throughout the state, offering free roadside assistance. Twenty-two routes are covered during commuting hours in the Boston, Worcester and Springfield areas.
Fast Lane Pass
- Sign up for your FREE FAST LANE transponder today. FAST LANE is the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority's Electronic Toll Collection Program. FAST LANE is operational on the Turnpike, the Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels, and the Tobin Memorial Bridge. FAST LANE can also be used anywhere E-ZPass is accepted. Learn more.
- SmarTraveler provides information about road conditions, travel times and speeds, and construction projects in Eastern Massachusetts. Phone: (617) 374-1234
Massachusetts Holidays
Massachusetts celebrates the following national, state and local holidays. Banks and municipal buildings will be closed on many of these dates. Contact individual businesses for information about holiday schedules.
Massachusetts Public Holidays:
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Third Monday in February - Presidents' Day
- March 17 (Boston only) - Evacuation Day
- Third Monday in April - Patriots' Day
- Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
- June 17 (Boston only) - Bunker Hill Day
- July 4 - Independence Day
- First Monday in September - Labor Day
- Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
- November 11 - Veterans Day
- Fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
- December 25 - Christmas Day
State and Local Taxes
Effective August 1, 2009, a 6.25% state sales tax will apply to all items except non-restaurant food and clothing under $175.
This same 6.25% state sales tax will apply to all alcoholic beverages sold at retail.
Effective August 1, 2009, a 6.25% state meals tax will apply to restaurant and take-out meals.
Effective October 1, 2009, a local option meals tax of 0.75% will be allowed.
Hotel rooms state tax rate remains at 5.7% (8.45% in Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Chicopee, Springfield and West Springfield.)
Effective October 1, 2009, a local option rooms tax of up to 6% will be allowed.
For more information, please visit mass.gov/dor
State Laws
- All vehicle occupants must wear safety belts. Children must be properly secured in child safety seats until they are age eight, unless they are more than 57 inches in height.
- Bicycle safety: All bicycle riders are urged to wear helmets. State law requires that children under 12 must wear a bicycle helmet; that child passengers between one and four years old or 40 pounds or under in weight be carried in an approved baby seat; and that no child under the age of one ride as a passenger on a bicycle.
- Vehicles from either direction must stop and remain stopped while the front and rear lights of school buses are flashing, except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway.
- Massachusetts recognizes official disability placards, stickers and plates from other states for parking for persons with disabilities.
- The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. A Massachusetts driver's license, Massachusetts liquor ID, passport or military ID are required for alcohol purchases.
- The unlicensed or unauthorized carrying of firearms is subject to a minimum compulsory jail sentence of one year. To obtain a Massachusetts gun license, call (617) 660-4780.
Time Zones
Massachusetts is in the Eastern Time Zone, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. From the first Saturday in March until the first Saturday in November, Massachusetts observes Daylight Savings Time, and clocks are turned ahead one hour.
Tipping for Services
For meals, the recommended gratuity is 15 to 20 percent of your meal/bar bill. Some restaurants automatically add a gratuity for large groups. Other tips: 15 percent for a taxi; $1 to $1.50 per bag for airport porters and hotel staff.
Weather & Climate
Summers vary from comfortable 70s F (low 20s C) to the 90s F (up to 35C). The fall season ranges from 50F to 70F (0-20C). Winter temperatures usually hover around freezing and sometimes lower. Annual rainfall is between 40 and 48 inches.
