Five Weird Massachusetts Laws About Lawnmowers That Will Surprise You

It's officially spring in Massachusetts even areas of the state that got pummeled with snow last week have seen the majority disappear with the help of five days of 40 to 50-degree temperatures.

Unfortunately, the spring season brings mud season, but it's the time that yard enthusiasts in Massachusetts prep their lawns for nice, thick green grass to take shape.

Whether it's your least favorite chore or you love the act of manicuring your yard, lawnmowers are a part of homeownership. But did you know, there are some pretty strange (and some logical) laws surrounding lawnmowers in Massachusetts?

Lawnmowers are Not Street Legal in Massachusetts

Surprise or duh? In some of the more rural parts of our fair state, it's not uncommon to see someone driving their riding mower down the road, but it's not legal. There are some exceptions, but Massachusetts requires road-ready mowers to be registered with the RMV and have a license plate.

You Can Get a DUI Riding a Lawnmower in Massachusetts

Lawnmowers are not technically allowed on the road, but that doesn't mean you still can't be charged with a DUI while driving one. Officers can tickets and/or arrest you if they feel that your operation of the motorized vehicle is inhibited by alcohol.

Lawnmowers are Only Allowed to be Ridden By One Person at a Time

I feel like this should go without saying but there is one seat for a reason. However, you might not realize that it is actually against the law to ride with more than one person. The law was enacted to protect small children from being injured or worse by the blades below. 

You Can't Ride a Lawnmower in Massachusetts If Your License is Suspended

Yes, seriously. This weird came about because apparently, too many people attempt to use lawnmowers as an alternative vehicle after they have their license suspended. The law seeks to take away any possibility of an intoxicated driver behind any wheel because even lawnmowers can cause quite a bit of damage if used improperly.

You Have to Be a Certain Age to Operate a Lawnmower in Massachusetts

There are certain states who require that people of a certain age not be allowed to drive lawnmowers. In Massachusetts, the age for riding mowers is 16 and for a walk-behind or push mower is 12.