Motor Vehicles & Traffic Stops
Do I have to have my Driver's License with me whenever I am operating a vehicle?
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. 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.
Why does an officer sometimes issue a written warning and other times issues a fine for the same violation?
The Bolton Police Department permits it?s officers to use their discretion when issuing citations. 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, time of day, weather conditions, traffic volume, and the presence of special hazards, i.e. children in the area, play grounds, blind driveways, etc.
How many written warnings can I receive before my license is suspended?
Click here for MA DOT RMV website, to see how surchargeable events can affect your license and right to operate:
If I am stopped for speeding in Bolton and the officer states he "got me on radar", do I have the right to inspect the radar and view the speed at which he states I was traveling?
No. An officer is not obliged to show you the radar. Traffic stops are inherently dangerous and as such, the Bolton Police Department does not generally 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. You may request to do so from the Chief of Police during normal business hours and we will permit you to inspect our radar records.
How are the fines for speeding tickets calculated?
Any speed over the speed limit within the first 10 M.P.H. is a One Hundred and Five ($105) dollar fine. An additional $10.00 is assessed for each M.P.H. over ten m.p.h. For example, if the speed limit is 30 M.P.H. and a violator is stopped for traveling 45 m.p.h., the fine would be $155.00.
I just got a ticket and what to fight it, can I do this at the Police Station?
NO. All traffic citations, with the exception of written warnings, must be contested at the Clinton district court. A hearing must be requested to dispute any citation, you will find detailed instructions on how to request a hearing on the back of your citation. You may speak to the issuing officer and get an explanation at the police station, but to pursue the citation any further you must go through the proper procedure.
When an officer is doing radar at night does the officer have to have his/her headlights and or parking lights on?
NO, it is at the officer's discretion to leave his/her lights on but it is in no way a requirement.