Hello. I was wondering about the commercial licence plates on the zipcars in Boston. Does this mean we can't use Memorial Drive or Storrow Drive? I called Boston police and they didn't know. Those roads are "no commercial vehicles." I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Thanks!

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2003

Answers

You are allowed to drive on those roads. The signs on Storrow and Memorial refers to big trucks since they can not go under the bridges.

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2003

A disadvantage of the commerical plates is that they hit you for $4.50 when you use the tunnels... 50% more for using a Zipcar!

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2003

Keep and eye on Mass House Bill 1335 submitted by Rep Paul Demakis which requests special plating for self-service on-demand vehicles. Operators of such vehicles (Zipcar members) will enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as private vehicle operators, including fees charged for road use or parking.

The Bill is being routed throught the legislative maze with the next stop probably being the Ways and Means Committee

Here's the link to it. Let you rep (you can find out who they are on this site) know you support it, and we'll let you know where it is at.

http://www.state.ma.us/legis/bills/house/ht01335.htm

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2003

You also pay more on the Turnpike... But I've found out that 99% of the times the cashiers don't realize you've got Commercial plates.

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2004

It doesn't appear that the Mass Pike charges more for commercial plates. If you're on the Boston extension you pay more if you don't have a Fast Lane pass. A visit to http://www.massturnpike.com/ shows that all 2-axle vehicles pay the same toll, whatever type of plates they have.

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2004