The Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Law requires that all out-of-state students, including those who do not bring cars to Massachusetts, sign an acknowledgment that they have been informed of the law.

The Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Law requires out-of-state students bringing vehicles into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to file a nonresident driver statement with the local police department in the city in which their university is located:

“It is unlawful for a resident student to fail to file a nonresident driver statement with the police department located in the same city or town as the school or college attended, in accordance with Section 3 of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Failure to file such statement is punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.”

Boston University, in turn, is required by the Commonwealth to keep a record and provide proof to the state that students have been apprised of the law. Eligible students must formally acknowledge they have been notified of the law; students who fail to do so will not be in compliance and will be unable to register for upcoming semesters.

To comply with the law:

  • All out-of-state students, including those who do not bring cars to Massachusetts, are required to read the Motor Vehicle Law statement on the Link, and click “I acknowledge.”
  • Students who do bring vehicles into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to download and complete the Nonresident Driver Statement from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website.
  • Submit form to:
    Office of the University Registrar
    881 Commonwealth Avenue
    Boston, MA 02215
    fax: 617-358-2171
    registrar@bu.edu
  • The Registrar’s Office will mail a copy of the student’s form to the Boston Police Department. The Registrar’s Office will then mail a state-approved decal to the student’s local address. This decal must be prominently displayed in the uppermost center portion of the windshield of the student’s vehicle.