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OUR COMMITMENT
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The impact on
public safety and quality of life caused by cars speeding through
residential neighborhoods is the number one concern of the residents
of Belmont. The Police Department is committed to work with The
community through awareness, education and enforcement.
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Did You Know…
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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 responsibility to make sure
all of the lights and safety equipment are functioning.
As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure
that children are wearing their seatbelts or are in their child
safety seats.
You must signal your intent to pass or turn 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.
You are required to stop for a solid yellow light
when safe to do so. |
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED |
- Keep your hands in view at all times, preferably on the
steering wheel. Wait for the officer to request your license and
registration.
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- Police officers are trained to ask for identification first,
and provide an explanation second. Then give the officer a
chance to explain why you were stopped. Providing your
documentation will speed the process. Remember, in most cases,
the officer is in uniform, displaying a badge. You have the
advantage of knowing whom you are dealing. Extend the courtesy
by presenting the requested paper work with out an argument. It
makes sense and it’s the law.
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- Do not argue the citation with the officer. If you think that
the citation was wrongly Issued, the proper procedure is to
request a hearing through the district court.
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Why did the officer…
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- Why did the officer sneak up along side my car?
Police officers are trained to minimize their exposure to traffic
and, therefore, reduce the likelihood 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 who are
wanted for various crimes, or have reason to believe they may be
suspected of a crime.
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- If it’s only a minor offense, why did two or three officers
show up?
Officers in the vicinity frequently back each other up without
being summoned. This is a protocol that maximizes safety for the
officers.
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- Why did the officer sit in the police car for so long? What
are they doing?
Most Belmont Police Department cruisers are equipped with a
mobile computer that allows the officer to verify that your driver’s
license status is valid. This process, although comparatively fast,
could take a few minutes.
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- What if I don’t agree with the ticket?
All citizens have the right to an appeal before a Clerk
Magistrate. Follow the directions on the back of the citation.
Criminal Citations may be appealed to the Cambridge District Court,
40 Thorndike Street, Cambridge, MA 02141.
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- How will the citation affect my insurance?
The Merit Rating Board determines this. Contact your insurance
agent for further information.
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Why did you stop me?
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Moving violations are the most common reason that a vehicle is
stopped for. Some examples include speeding offenses, failure to
stop at a stoplight or sign, failure to use a signal, or failure
to drive within the marked lines.
License, registration or equipment violations are other reasons
a vehicle may be stopped by an officer. It is not uncommon for a
driver to be in violation of the law without knowing it.
Massachusetts’s motor vehicle laws are long and complex.
depending on the circumstances, officers may arrest an operator,
issue a criminal or non-criminal citations, or give a warning for
these violations.
Investigations often involve searching a car in association
with a crime. In today’s mobile society, criminals use cars to
facilitate crimes. Your vehicle may match the description of a
suspect’s vehicle.
Courtesy or safety concerns are other reasons an officer might
stop your car. For instance, your trunk may be open, something may
be hanging under the vehicle, or you may have left something on
your roof.
The primary aim of traffic law enforcement is to
reduce traffic crashes, injuries and death through fair, impartial
and reasonable enforcement of traffic laws.
If you feel that you have been the victim of
racial or gender profiling, please call
1-866-6RACIAL
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Traffic Safety Information
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Crosswalk: Ch 89-11
Fine: $100.00
- Failure to yield right of way to a pedestrian in a cross walk
- Passing a motor vehicle stopped for a pedestrian in a
crosswalk
- Stopping or blocking crosswalk
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Failure to stop for a School Bus when bus is signaling: Ch
90-14 Fine $200.00
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SPEEDING
No where in Belmont is speed allowed over 30 MPH
Some streets are posted lower than 30MPH
Fine of $50 up to 10MPH over the limit
Then $10 for each additional MPH
Plus a $50 Head Injury surcharge is added
45MPH in a 30MPH Zone ($100 + $50 = $150.00)
Secondary roads accounted for 40% of all
vehicle miles traveled, And over 60 percent of all speed-related fatal
crashes.
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"Gains" From Speeding
If you drive 45 mph instead of 35 mph on a five
mile trip, you will save
Less than two minutes before arriving at
your destination
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