Hartford, CT asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island

Q: Can police still issue citation after over a month of not contacting us about incident?

My wife was involved in car accident with no other motor vehicles and did not have proof of insurance at the time of incident and was never cited now after over a month they are trying to fine her is this possible by law?

1 Lawyer Answer
Bernard P. Healy
Bernard P. Healy
Answered
  • Pawtucket, RI
  • Licensed in Rhode Island

A: I do not have sufficient information to answer this question fully or accurately. I think the answer is not one you will want hear. The Police can issue a citation after over a month, despite not contacting you earlier. You mentioned that this was a single car collision. Did the police arrive at the scene ? Was a report initially filed ? Was there a question regarding insurance coverage ? It is not at all unusual for the police to issue a citation several months after a collision for failure to maintain insurance. The lack of insurance may not have been obvious at the time of the collision. Investigation may have revealed that lack later. There is not specific bar against a subsequent citation in regard to an automobile accident, particularly if the issue is lack of insurance.

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