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Massachusetts Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it illegal to keep a license plate that isn't yours? My friend found one. (They aren't going to use it to drive.)

They found a license plate on the side of the road and they want to display it in their room. Again, my friend isn't going to drive with it, they just want to use it as a decoration. I'm in Massachusetts if that's any help. (02191 is my zip)

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on May 15, 2020

Finder's keepers, loser's weepers. The law is clear from Missouri to Massachusetts, Texas to Tennessee,

No, your "friend" has no duty to turn it in.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: I hit a pole while driving during a rainy night, the officers came unexpectedly and I told them my mom texted me.
Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Mar 18, 2020

There isnt really a question here. However if you appeal the ticket and go to the clerk's hearing there is a decent chance they will give you a break if you havent had any driving infractions before, on the distracted driving aspect. However, there can be some complications with insurance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it legal to get around a parked police cruiser by using the opposite driving lane?

It was on a two way back street. A police cruiser blocked one lane with a sign saying no through traffic. I used the opposite driving lane to safely get around the cruiser and enter the restricted street, but got a citation for marked lane violation. Do I have a case to contest?

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Sep 11, 2019

You should take a picture right away if you can, and file the appeal. I would say that is a good case, since you lived or were going to one of the restricted addresses you should have been permitted to travel. usually they stop traffic on one end and rotate the travel each way. So long as you did... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: 13 yrs ago I was speeding to an appt. Got pulled over and got a citation, I asked if I had to go to court.

Officer said no, I asked what to do with citation, he said he didn't care. I never heard anything else on this. Would there be a warrent out for me? I am from Mass.

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Aug 24, 2019

If it is a warning then you didnt need to do anything further. If it was a citation and you needed to pay a fine, and did not then you would have been notified of a license suspension. If it was a motor vehicle traffic offense that was also a criminal offense and you didnt show up, then a warrant... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: I got a speeding ticket driving someone else’s car. I don’t have insurance. What are the consequences if I pay it?

The city officer did not mention anything about my insurance status.

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Apr 4, 2019

Insurance run's with the car. So long as your friend had insurance on the car then you are OK.You are highly unlikely to be re-issued another ticket anyway.

If you don't pay the ticket on time or request a hearing on it then your license will be suspended. If you weren't...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: What is a moving violation and is it worse than a regular traffic ticket?
Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Nov 5, 2018

Usually they are the same. A moving violation is any offense that happens while the car is being driven.Moving violations contribute to SDIP insurance point and license suspension calculatios. So, speeding, marked lanes, failure to keep right, etc are all moving violations. Some moving violations... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My license was resonantly suspended due to an EZ pass bill.

I had been unaware of the suspension till I was pulled over a few weeks ago. i was not arrested, the officer allowed me to call a friend to come get me. after so research i was able to find out why it was suspended and paid the bill. After doing so i was told that everything should be all set.... View More

Melvin Alanson Heard
Melvin Alanson Heard
answered on Nov 2, 2018

I am sorry that your received a summons to appear in court for the criminal charge of operating with a suspended license. Heard Law Office is happy to advise you free of charge. Contact us directly at 617-631-3237 or melvin@heardlawoffice.com.

In Massachusetts, under MGL c. 90 s. 23,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: What do I do if I got a fix it ticket on a rental?
Daniel P Leavitt
Daniel P Leavitt pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 16, 2018

You will want to contact an attorney in MA who can advise you as to whether or not they can help once you explain to them the details of your case.

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello i was at the court today to fight a apeeding ticket in Massachusetts

Hello i was at the court today to fight my speeding ticket and the magistrate found me not guilty of the passing violation but for the other section "speeding rate of speed exceeding posted limit c90 17" he reduced the price from $335 to just $100. so the ticket was for $440 but ut came... View More

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Sep 21, 2018

It is possible you may still be assessed SDIP points, but certainly not as many. Whether you receive any points depends on your prior driving record. No surcharge points are assigned to the first minor, non-criminal traffic law violation in the operator's policy experience period usually. A... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: Is a warning documented by the police?
Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Sep 14, 2018

Yes. If you are asking whether a warning issued to you is tracked, it is. It doesnt get you SDIP points or consequences, but if you get too many you will likely get an invitation from the RMV to attend a recidivist driving education program most likely. I have never heard of this happening to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: My daughter only had a driving permit when she was pulled over on 7/4/18 and was given a "Criminal Application"

My daughter only had a driving permit when she was pulled over on 7/4/18 and was given a "Criminal Application" because she was not with an 18-year old with a license. We sent for a hearing (as to whether a criminal complaint against her), and she now has a date. There were extenuating... View More

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Aug 17, 2018

A criminal Complaint application means that they will schedule it for an arraignment if she is charged with a felony, or a show cause or clerk's hearing if it is a misdemeanor. Most likely she will get to a clerk's hearing however you ahd the right to also request one if you read the back... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it legal to drive alone once i am 18 with a learner permit?
Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Apr 10, 2018

No. You need a driver's license to drive alone.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: do you have to let the court know if you are attending a speeding ticket court date?
Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Apr 10, 2018

No- when you get the notice from the Court telling you the date and time to show up for your hearing with the clerk- magistrate, do it. Plan to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before the start of your ticket hearing too. They will expect you.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: Can you be 16 and pay your speeding ticket, with no parent?
Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Apr 10, 2018

Certainly if you have the money to do so. However, if you are on a Junior Operators license you could have some serious consequences like a 6 mos license loss. Telling your parent might help them get you a lawyer to assist in managing the consequences and file the ticket appeal. If you do pay it,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: We are RI residents and received a parking ticket in MA. Can we use good driving record?
Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Apr 10, 2018

Not on a parking ticket usually. Cities and towns are almost relentless in collecting all the fees they can. If the ticket goes unpaid long enough, the fines and fees will accrue and your right to operate in MA eventually impacted.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Question about getting a ticket for Operation to endanger in M.A

I was driving last night and someone was in front of me on my college campus. The street is divided by a single solid line. The person infront of me was brake checking. So I tried to go around them and then they sped up. So I went back in my lane. Well campus police saw that I was trying to pass... View More

Ismail Mohammed
Ismail Mohammed
answered on Jan 27, 2018

You will be summonsed to appear in court. Hopefully it will be for a clerk magistrates hearing. If it is, then with the assistance of an attorney, you may be able to have the case dismissed before. A clerk magistrates hearing will determine if there is probable cause to charge you with a crime.... View More

Q: Can an attorney represent me to clear a bench warrant?

Hi there!

I was a student in MA back in 2015/2016. I was stopped by police and my insurance had lapsed. I thought I would receive a ticket but due to unforeseen circumstances I had to quickly move back home (to Florida where I currently reside). I changed my address and what not but I... View More

Joseph B. Simons
Joseph B. Simons
answered on Jan 26, 2018

It may be possible to avoid a trip to Massachusetts if you hire a criminal defense attorney here. No guarantee that the judge will agree to waive your appearance, but I have been able to do it successfully for several out-of-state clients.

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: How to remove the points for speeding ticket if I cannot attend the court?

I got a speeding ticket of 390$ and this is my first speeding ticket when I was travelling form NJ to MA. Now that I am back to NJ, I think it is really difficult for me to travel to that court which is in MA. Is there any way I can remove those points from my record as I cannot attend the court... View More

Mark Cheser
Mark Cheser
answered on Nov 27, 2017

You need to ask a Mass attorney, in NJ it would likely not happen.

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: When is it sufficient to try to get into the right lane after coming from a one-lane left hand turn on a two-way High tw

Two lane Highway

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jul 14, 2017

See my prior answer. You posted this in NY as well. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it illegal to drive a car with a full motorcycle helmet in the state of Massachusetts?
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jun 27, 2017

That might obstruct your vision. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law... View More

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