The Groveland Police Department is commited to providing all residents, visitors, and those passing through with a safe driving experience. Part of this commitment involves enforcing the motor vehicle traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Moving violations are the most common reason an officer initiates a traffic stop. Examples of the violations are speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign or red light, failure to use a signal when turning, and failure to drive within marked lanes. Registration, inspection stickers, and equipment violations are other reasons.
There are many laws and they are long and complex. It is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation and not know it. Depending on the circumstances, an officer can give a verbal warning, a written warning, a civil citation with a fine, a criminal complaint resulting in a later court appearance or make an arrest. Some police investigations are of crimes involving vehicles, and you may be stopped because your car matches the description of the suspect vehicle. Courtesy or safety concerns are other reasons for a traffic stop. For example, your trunk may be open, something may be hanging under your car, or you may have left something on your roof.
Tips:
1. If you are stopped, you should pull your car as far to the right as possible, out of the lane of travel. You shouldn’t slam on your brakes or come to a stop in the travel portion of the road. After stopping, you should stay in your vehicle and turn on your interior light. Good lighting assists in good communication. Relax and remain in your car. If you leave you car, you subject yourself and the officer to danger.
2. Keep you hands in view at all times, wait for the officer to ask for a license and registration.
3. Police officers are trained to ask for identification first, and provide an explanation second. In most cases, the officer is in uniform with a badge and nametag. You have the advantage of knowing with whom you are dealing. Extend the courtesy by presenting the paperwork without argument, be patient, and wait for an explanation. This makes the most sense, and it’s the law.
4. Do not argue a citation with the officer. If you disagree with the ticket, the proper procedure is to request a hearing through the appropriate district court.
For more information please visit the RMV website here.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why did the officer sneak up along side my car?
Police officers are trained to minimize their exposure to traffic for their own safety. The second reason is to protect themselves tactically. Many police officers have been killed by drivers who are wanted for various crimes, or have reason to believe they may be suspected of a crime.
If it’s only a minor offense, why did other officers show up?
Officers in the area often back each other up without being summoned. This is a protocol that maximizes safety for all officers.
Why did the officer sit in his car for so long?
Officers first call the stop in to the police station, giving the registration number and location of the stop. They wait for a response from the dispatcher before approaching the operator. After receiving information from the operator, the officer normally has to do a computer check on the license and registration. This procedure does take some time, but usually no more than a few minutes.
What if I don’t like the officer’s demeanor?
An officer’s demeanor is a difficult characteristic to measure relative to how it is delivered and received. The Groveland Police Department strives for positive citizen contacts and proper conduct. If you feel the officer’s demeanor was improper, you should contact the police department and make an appointment to speak with the Police Chief.
How will a citation affect my insurance?
This is determined by the Merit Rating Board. You should contact your insurance agent for further information.
Can the officer search my car?
If an officer asks your permission to search your car, you have the right to refuse. However, the officer may be aware of certain information that legally allows a search of your car without your permission.
If I am stopped by a police officer for speeding or other violation and I do not have my license with me, how long do I have to produce the license?
The operator must always have his/her license on his/her person or in some easily accessible place while driving a vehicle and must produce same upon the request of a police officer, M.G.L. Chp. 90, Sec. 11. You cannot go home and get your license and bring it to the officer. It is a civil infraction for not producing your license when asked to do so by an officer. This would also apply to a vehicle registration.
How many written warnings can I receive before my license is suspended?
A violator who receives three (3) written warnings within a twelve month period, beginning on the day of the first violation, will have his/her license suspended for seven (7) days, M.G.L. Chp. 90C, Sect. 2.
Why are some motor vehicle violators issued a written warning and other violators are issued a fine for the same violation?
Some police departments have strict policies governing when an officer shall write a fine for a violation and when a written warning is permissible. Most departments permit their officers to use their discretion. In the case of speeding, many factors are taken into account. The speed at which the vehicle is traveling, width of the street, population density, and the presence of special hazards, i.e. children in the area, play grounds, blind driveways, etc. Speeds greater than 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit on a street usually results in a fine being written.
If I am stopped for speeding in which the radar was used to clock my speed, do I have the right to inspect the radar and view the speed at which it is alleged that I was traveling?
No. An officer is not obliged to show you the radar. Traffic stops are inherently dangerous. Police officers generally do not allow operators to stand outside of their cars. It is safer for the driver to remain in their vehicles.
Do I have the right to request information concerning the calibration and servicing of a radar unit?
Yes. In Groveland, all you need do is to come to the police station and we will permit you to inspect our radar records.
How does an officer calculate the fine for a speeding ticket?
Any speed over the speed limit within the first 10 m.p.h. is a fifty (50) dollar fine. The violator is accessed an additional $10.00 for each m.p.h. over ten m.p.h. For example, if the speed limit is 35 m.p.h. and a violator is stopped for traveling 50 m.p.h., the fine would be $100.00. Also, there is an additional $25.00 surcharge added to ALL speeding tickets for the Head Injury Fund. This is required by the Massachusetts State Legislature.