Bill Sponsors
Urso, Felag, Patalano, Rogers, Appollonio, Vargas, Paolino, Tikoian, and Dimitri
Committee
Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
Summary
Select
This legislation establishes a new category of license plates specifically for "adaptive vehicles." These are motor vehicles structurally modified with equipment like ramps, lifts, or lowered floors to transport individuals with significant mobility impairments. To qualify, an owner must submit an application, medical certification, and proof of the vehicle's modification to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicles with these plates are granted specific privileges, including access to designated loading zones, exemptions from certain vehicle dimension restrictions (height/width), and the use of extra space required for ramp deployment at public facilities.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Enhances accessibility and equity for individuals with disabilities by ensuring they have the necessary space and legal protections to use modified vehicles in public spaces.
- Recognizes the specific medical and logistical needs of the mobility-impaired community, ensuring that state regulations accommodate rather than hinder their transportation.
- Promotes social inclusion by removing physical barriers to travel, allowing people with disabilities to participate more fully in community life.
Cons for Progressives
- Requires a medical certification from a physician or physical therapist, which could create a barrier for low-income individuals who lack easy access to healthcare providers.
- Does not waive registration fees for these specialized plates, potentially imposing a financial burden on disabled individuals who already face high costs for vehicle modifications.
- Relies on a bureaucratic application process that may be difficult to navigate for individuals without assistance or resources.
Pros for Conservatives
- Provides specific regulatory exemptions from height, width, and bumper restrictions, reducing government red tape for vehicle owners who have modified their property.
- Clarifies the legal definition of adaptive vehicles, ensuring that parking privileges are reserved for those with legitimate, medically certified needs rather than being abused.
- Facilitates personal mobility and independence for individuals, allowing them to rely less on government-funded paratransit services.
Cons for Conservatives
- Creates a new category of government registration and bureaucracy within the Department of Motor Vehicles, expanding the administrative state.
- Establishes a specific class of citizens with special parking privileges and exemptions, which some may view as unnecessary government interference in public space management.
- Opens the door for potential abuse or fraud regarding medical certifications and vehicle modification claims to gain parking advantages.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Individuals with mobility impairments
- Adaptive vehicle owners
- Physicians and Physical Therapists
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Parking enforcement officers
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
Amount unknown
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Regulatory
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Environmental Impact
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 31-28 of the General Laws entitled "Parking Facilities and Privileges" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
31-28-7.4. Motor vehicle plates for persons with disabilities -- Adaptive vehicle license plate.
(a) Definitions. As used in the section:
(1) "Adaptive vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has been structurally modified or equipped with specialized equipment (such as ramps, lifts, lowered floors, specialized hand controls, or restraint systems) to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.
(2) "Adaptive vehicle license plate" means a special registration plate issued under this section that identifies a vehicle as an adaptive or mobility-modified vehicle.
(3) "Qualified individual" means a person who has a permanent mobility impairment certified by a licensed physician or a physical therapist, necessitating the use of an adaptive vehicle for transport.
(b) Eligibility requirements.
(1) Completed application form from the department of motor vehicles.
(2) Medical certification of disability/need for vehicle modification.
(3) Proof of vehicle modification.
(4) Standard registration fees apply.
(c) Privileges and access. Vehicles displaying an adaptive vehicle license plate shall be eligible for:
(1) Parking in designated accessible loading/unloading zones for the purpose of assisting a qualified individual;
(2) Exemption from certain height, width, or bumper restrictions applicable to non- modified vehicles, as allowed by state law;
(3) Use of designated areas at public facilities where adaptive vehicles require additional space for ramp deployment or passenger transfer.
(d) The division of motor vehicles may, in addition to the provisions of § 31-28-7, furnish plates displaying the "Internation Symbol of Access" for a pleasure passenger vehicle or a pickup truck used exclusively for noncommercial purposes for a qualified individual.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
31-28-7.4. Motor vehicle plates for persons with disabilities -- Adaptive vehicle license plate.
(a) Definitions. As used in the section:
(1) "Adaptive vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has been structurally modified or equipped with specialized equipment (such as ramps, lifts, lowered floors, specialized hand controls, or restraint systems) to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.
(2) "Adaptive vehicle license plate" means a special registration plate issued under this section that identifies a vehicle as an adaptive or mobility-modified vehicle.
(3) "Qualified individual" means a person who has a permanent mobility impairment certified by a licensed physician or a physical therapist, necessitating the use of an adaptive vehicle for transport.
(b) Eligibility requirements.
(1) Completed application form from the department of motor vehicles.
(2) Medical certification of disability/need for vehicle modification.
(3) Proof of vehicle modification.
(4) Standard registration fees apply.
(c) Privileges and access. Vehicles displaying an adaptive vehicle license plate shall be eligible for:
(1) Parking in designated accessible loading/unloading zones for the purpose of assisting a qualified individual;
(2) Exemption from certain height, width, or bumper restrictions applicable to non- modified vehicles, as allowed by state law;
(3) Use of designated areas at public facilities where adaptive vehicles require additional space for ramp deployment or passenger transfer.
(d) The division of motor vehicles may, in addition to the provisions of § 31-28-7, furnish plates displaying the "Internation Symbol of Access" for a pleasure passenger vehicle or a pickup truck used exclusively for noncommercial purposes for a qualified individual.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.