Vehicle Registration Exemptions - Massachusetts

Every motor vehicle and trailer operated, pushed, drawn, towed, or remaining in any way must comply with the registration requirements.

“Motor vehicles” are defined as all vehicles constructed and designed for propulsion by power other than muscular power including such vehicles when pulled or towed by another motor vehicle, except:

• Railroad and railway cars;
• Vehicles operated by the system known as trolley motor or trackless trolley;
• Vehicles running only upon rails or tracks;
• Vehicles used for other purposes than the transportation of property and incapable of being driven at a speed exceeding 12 mph and which are used exclusively for the building, repair and maintenance of highways or designed especially for use elsewhere than on the travelled part of ways; and
• Wheelchairs owned and operated by invalids and vehicles which are operated or guided by a person on foot.

The definition of “motor vehicles” does not include:

• Electric bicycles, or
• Motorized bicycles.

In doubtful cases, the registrar may determine whether any particular vehicle is a motor vehicle as defined.

A “trailer” is any vehicle or object on wheels and having no motive power of its own, but which is drawn by, or used in combination with, a motor vehicle. It does not include:

• A pole dolly or pole dickey;
• A pair of wheels commonly used as an implement for other purposes than transportation;
• A portable, collapsible or separate two-wheel tow dolly limited only to the purpose of transporting or towing a registered vehicle;
• Farm machinery or implements when used in connection with the operation of a farm or estate; or
• Any vehicle when towed behind a farm tractor and used in connection with the operation of a farm or estate.