# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4B: Removal, defacing, etc. of identification number of motorboat, motor or engine; penalties

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4B

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4B
- **Heading:** Removal, defacing, etc. of identification number of motorboat, motor or engine; penalties
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XIV / Chapter 90B / Section 4B

## Text

Section 4B. Whoever removes, defaces, alters, changes, destroys, obliterates or mutilates, or causes to be removed or destroyed or in any way defaced, altered, changed, obliterated or mutilated, the identifying number or numbers of the manufacturer of a motorboat or the identification number of the manufacturer of a motor or engine designed for use in a boat with intent thereby to conceal the identity of such motorboat, motor or engine shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; and possession of any motorboat or any such motor or engine or of any part thereof, the identifying number or numbers of which have been so removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, obliterated or mutilated shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of the foregoing provision. Whoever sells or otherwise disposes of or attempts to sell or otherwise dispose of such motorboat, motor or engine, knowing or having reason to believe that the identifying number or numbers of said motorboat, motor or engine have been so removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, obliterated or mutilated, shall be punished by the same fine or imprisonment, or both.

Section 4B. Whoever removes, defaces, alters, changes, destroys, obliterates or mutilates, or causes to be removed or destroyed or in any way defaced, altered, changed, obliterated or mutilated, the identifying number or numbers of the manufacturer of a motorboat or the identification number of the manufacturer of a motor or engine designed for use in a boat with intent thereby to conceal the identity of such motorboat, motor or engine shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; and possession of any motorboat or any such motor or engine or of any part thereof, the identifying number or numbers of which have been so removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, obliterated or mutilated shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of the foregoing provision. Whoever sells or otherwise disposes of or attempts to sell or otherwise dispose of such motorboat, motor or engine, knowing or having reason to believe that the identifying number or numbers of said motorboat, motor or engine have been so removed, defaced, altered, changed, destroyed, obliterated or mutilated, shall be punished by the same fine or imprisonment, or both.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 2 Numbering; exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 3 Application for certificate of number; display](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4 Lost, destroyed or mutilated certificates of number; replacement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4A Altering, forging or counterfeiting certificates of number of motorboat; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4B Removal, defacing, etc. of identification number of motorboat, motor or engine; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5 Classes of motorboats; required lighting, signaling and fire extinguishing and control devices](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5A Wearable personal floatation devices](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5B Automatic shut–off nozzle for motorboat fuel dispensing devices; fine](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5C Discharge of sewage into waters designated as a no discharge area; fine](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5D Violations of Sec. 37B of Chapter 21; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5D.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 6 Exhaust; use of cutouts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 7 Compliance with Sec. 5; pre-requisite to departure from boat livery](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S7.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 8 Operation while under influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics, etc.; breath or blood testing; water skiing; professional exhibitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S8.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4B. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.