What is a public way in Massachusetts?
Any street or highway that is open to the public and is controlled and maintained by some level of government is a “public way.” This would include, for example, interstate and state highways as well as municipal streets and roads.
Who has the right of way in Massachusetts?
The first vehicle in the intersection or four-way stop has the right of way. When you see a YIELD sign, slow down and be prepared to stop. Let vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians go before you proceed. You must come to a complete stop if traffic conditions require it.
What does private way mean in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, a private way may become a public way by prescription. There also can be private ways, not dedicated to public use, that are nevertheless open to public use by license or permission of the owner.
What is the correct definition for public way?
Definition of public way : any passageway (as an alley, road, highway, boulevard, turnpike) or part thereof (as a bridge) open as of right to the public and designed for travel by vehicle, on foot, or in a manner limited by statute (as by excluding pedestrians or commercial vehicles) — compare private way.
Does a right of way expire if not used?
Generally once an easement or right of way has arisen it will continue indefinitely unless it is extinguished or released.
Can a public right of way be removed?
Public rights of way can only be moved or closed for one of the following reasons: it’s necessary to allow development (if planning permission has been granted) the diversion benefits the landowner/occupier. the diversion benefits the public.
Is a sidewalk a thoroughfare?
Public thoroughfare means any public street, highway, sidewalk, bridge, alley, road, square, or land owned or maintained by County.
What is classed as a public road?
public road means any road that is part of the State highway system; or any road, street, or right-of-way dedicated or maintained for public use.
Is it illegal to block a public right of way?
It is illegal to obstruct the road. If somebody unlawfully assumes ownership of areas of a road, they are breaking the law. If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a road, they are also guilty of an offence.
What constitutes a public right of way?
A public right of way is a right by which the public can pass along linear routes over land at all times. Although the land may be owned by a private individual, the public have a legal right across that land along a specific route.
What does public thoroughfare mean?
Public thoroughfare means a street, highway or road owned or controlled by the state or a political subdivision, devoted to public use and supported and maintained by public funds.