Southwick Police 

Department

Emergency Dial 911

 

 

Motor Vehicle

Traffic Stops

 

                                                 If Stopped By A Police Officer For A Traffic Violation:

Occasionally a citizen will encounter a police officer during a traffic stop. In order to provide the safest environment for both the citizen and the police officer, it is recommended that a citizen follow these simple guidelines when stopped by an officer.

- Move your vehicle safely to the right out of traffic and well off the roadway.

- Keep your hands visible at all times, preferably on the steering wheel. (Especially in low light and night time conditions, you may want to turn on your interior light.)

- Let the officer know what you are doing before entering any pockets, purses, compartments or the glove-box.

- Display your driver’s license and vehicle registration upon the officer’s request  and allow the officer the opportunity to explain why the stop was made.

-Do not be argumentative or debate the stop, allow the officer the time to describe the violation and what will occur as a result of the stop.

- Remain in the vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out! If you are asked to exit your vehicle, keep your hands out of any pockets and visible to the officer.

- Avoid the use of cellular telephones during the traffic stop.

- Avoid smoking during the traffic stop

 

- These guidelines and precautions are for your safety and the safety of the police officer. More and more police officers are killed every year while conducting motor vehicle stops. Any controversy or debates can be discussed at a motor vehicle hearing.

  Motor vehicle stops are not personal and are very necessary to protect life, limb and, private & public property, as well as to maintain order on our streets and highways.

 

Related Links: Motor Vehicle Law M.G.L Chapter 89 & 90.

M.G.L. - C90/s25 - Fail To Produce Identification. - Arrest.

M.G.L. - C90/s7    - Defective equipment - Fine $35.00.

M.G.L. - C90/s17  - Speeding. Fine Minimum - $100.00.

M.G.L. - C90/s18  - Speeding. Fine Minimum - $100.00.

M.G.L. - C90/s24 - Operating Under The Influence/Alcohol - Fine - Arrest.

M.G.L. - C90/s24i - Open Container of Alcohol/Possession In Motor Vehicle - Fine $500.00

M.G.L. - C90/s24   - Operating To Endanger/Recklessly/negligently - Breach of peace, Arrest/Criminal.

M.G.L. - C89/s9  - Fail to Stop/Red Traffic Signal/Stop Sign - Fine $150.00.

M.G.L - C89/s4a  - Marked Lanes Violation - Fine $100.00.

M.G.L. - C90/s13a - Seatbelt Violations - Fine $25.00.

M.G.L - C90/s10   - Operating Without A License - Arrest.

M.G.L - C90/s23    - Operating After Revocation/Suspension - Criminal/Arrest.

M.G.L - C90/s34j   - Operating An Uninsured Motor Vehicle - Criminal.

M.G.L. - C90/s8b  - Junior Operator Violations - Fine $35.00/Administrative License Suspension.

 

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