Nearly everyone is stopped by a police officer during their driving years. Since most of us are not pulled over very often, it can be upsetting or confusing. Listed below are some commonly asked questions and their answers, as well as an explanation of some of the procedures followed by officers while on traffic duty. |
Why did the officer stop me? |
 |
A moving violation (such as speeding, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, failure to signal, crossing marked lanes) is the most common reason for stopping a vehicle. |
|
License, registration, or equipment violations are other reasons a vehicle may be stopped by an officer. Massachusetts motor vehicle laws are long and complex, so it is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation of the law without knowing it. |
|
Courtesy or safety concerns are other reasons an officer might stop your car. |
Depending on the circumstances and violation(s), the driver may be arrested, issued a citation (criminal or civil - see Types of Charges), or given a verbal or written warning. (See Types of Tickets).
|
My car was searched. I didn't think you could do that ! |
Usually, your vehicle will not be searched during a routine traffic stop for minor violations. There are, however, certain circumstances under which an officer may search your vehicle, with or without your permission. There are 2 types of searches, as well as a vehicle inventory:
|
|
Consent Searches require that the officer ask your permission to search your vehicle. You have the right to refuse a consent search. |
|
Probable Cause Searches are conducted when a police officer is aware of certain information which legally allows a search of your vehicle without your permission. For example, if the officer observes drugs or weapons in your car, he has probable cause to believe there may be more contraband in the vehicle and has the right to search without your consent. In addition, criminals often use cars to facilitate crimes. You vehicle may match the description of a suspect's vehicle, in which case you may be stopped as part of the investigation. Investigations often involve searching a car in association with the crime. |
|
Vehicle Inventories are routinely conducted when your car is going to be towed by order of the Holden Police Department. This policy is a standard procedure of most police departments in the area, for the simple reason that it protects you, the officer, and the towing company from any misunderstandings regarding missing or damaged property. Vehicle inventory does not require your permission.
|
What should I do if I am stopped? |
|
Stop your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible. |
|
Stay in your vehicle. If you get out of your car you subject yourself and the officer to danger. |
|
Turn on your interior light if it is dark out. Good lighting assists good communication. |
|
Keep your hands in view at all times, preferably on the steering wheel. |
|
Be patient. When the officer requests your license and registration, provide it promptly. Understand that for their safety, police officers are trained to ask for indentification first, and provide an explanation second. |
|
Respect the officer's right to ensure his or her own safety. The officer is in uniform, displaying a badge and nametag. You have the advantage of knowing who you are dealing with. Extend the courtesy by presenting your identification without an argument. It makes sense and it's the law. |
|
Stay calm. Do not argue the stop or citation with the officer. Citation appeal procedures are written on the back of the ticket.
|
Why .... |
|
....did the officer sneak up along the side of my car? Police officers are trained to minimize their exposure to traffic to reduce the liklihood that they will be injured. The second reason is that they are trained to protect themselves tactically. Many police officers have been killed by drivers wanted for various crimes, or have reason to believe they may be suspected of a crime. |
|
....did 2 or 3 officers show up for a minor traffic offense? Officers frequently back each other up without being summoned. This protocol maximizes safety for officers.
|
|
....did the officer sit in the police car for so long? What are they doing? Holden Police Department cruisers are equipped with a mobile data terminal that allows the officer to verify that your driver's license and registration status are valid. This process, though comparatively fast, could take a few minutes.
|
What if I don't like the officer's demeanor? |
|
An officer's demeanor is a difficult characteristic to measure in terms of how it is delivered and received. The Holden Police Department is committed to positive citizen contacts and proper conduct. If you feel that the officer's demeanor was improper, the department has an internal affairs system to investigate such claims. Please come to the station at 1420 Main Street in Holden and ask to speak to a supervisor, who will help you begin the formal complaint process.
|
Did you know...? |
|
When driving a motor vehicle, you must have a valid driver's license and registration in your possession. Without these, you could be issued a citation. |
|
It is the driver's (not the owner's) responsibility to make sure all of the lights and safety equipment are functioning properly. |
|
As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that children are wearing their seatbelts or are in their child safety seats. Click here for: Massachusetts seatbelt law Massachusetts child safety seat law |
| |
Also, the mass.gov Child Passenger Safety page has a lot of useful information. |
|
You must signal your intent to pass, turn, or change lanes before performing the action. |
|
Following too closely to the vehicle in front of your vehicle is a moving violation. You should be at least three car lengths away. |
|
Children under age 12 and pets are prohibited from riding in the backs of open pick-up trucks. |
|
Thickly settled zones have a 30 MPH speed limit; rural zones have a 40 MPH speed limit. |
 |
