If you are stopped by a police officer while in your car:
When you notice the emergency lights on, pull your vehicle over to the right as soon as it is safe.
You should pull over as quickly as possible even if you do not know why you are being stopped.
There could be a mechanical problem with your car you are unaware of or you may have committed a minor traffic violation without realizing it.
Stay in your vehicle while the officer approaches.
Exiting your vehicle does not assist the officer and may be perceived as a threat
Turn on your interior light if stopped at night.
This helps the officer determine if there is any weapons or other threats inside the vehicle.
Keep you hands in a area where they can be seen easily, preferably on the steering wheel.
Reaching under the seat or glove box or keeping your hands out of site will cause the officer concern that you may have a weapon.
Give your driver's license and any other information the officer asks for when asked.
Some officers may not explain the reason they have stopped you until you provide the identification.
This is to avoid debate over the reason of stop before getting the needed information.
Answer all questions honestly. Information about prior arrests or traffic violations
is easily verified during normal record checks done on stops.
If you are asked to step out of the vehicle, do so without any sudden or threatening movements.
Touching or threatening a police officer or acting in a disorderly manner can result in the filing of additional charges and you will be arrested.
If a citaion is issued, it is best not to argue about it on the side of the road. If you feel that you did not commit the violation your best option is to appear in court for an appeal.
If you want to apply for firearms...
Persons wishing to apply for a new License to Carry Firearms or Firearms Identififcation Card, or those seeking renewal for their current License to Carry or Firearms Identififcation Card should call Officer Holmquist at (508) 586-2525 to schedule an appointment. If he is unavailable at that time you may leave a voice mail message. Please include in your message your name, address, reason for the call and a number where you can be reached.
If you need to report a crime...
For ALL EMERGENCIES, pick up the
phone and dial 911.
For non-emergencies, please call the West Bridgewater Police business line at
(508) 586-2525. You may also come to the Police Station to report a crime.
To get a copy of a police report or an accident report...
Police Reports and Accident reports are available from the Records Department at the West Bridgewater Police Department. This service is mail only. To obtain a request form you can stop by the police department. These forms are located in our lobby. Copies are $6.00.
Once a speeding citation is issued by the Police, the appeal process is done through the court system. The process is outlined on the back of the citation that is issued. The citation needs to be sent back within 20 days whether you decide to pay for the infractions that are listed or are requesting a hearing. If the citation is not received within 20 days, you will lose your right to a hearing, will have to pay substantial late charges and your license to operate or registration will be suspended until you pay in full, including all late charges and reinstatement fees.
Massachusetts now has laws governing drivers under the age of 18. The laws create an integrated system called Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), whereby teen drivers must progress through a three-stage licensing process. GDL is designed to provide teens with the opportunity to gain driving experience and maturity while limiting their exposure to risky situations.
Learner’s Permit Restriction:
A driver operating under the Learner’s Permit must be accompanied by a person in the front passenger seat who is:
1. at least 21 years of age
2. is a licensed driver by his or her state of residence has been driving for
at least one year
Applicant for Junior License must have:
Attained age of 16 1/2 years.
Held a Learner’s Permit for
at least 6 months. (The 6 months immediately preceding your application must
be free of any at-fault accidents, moving violations or drug or alcohol convictions.)
Completed a certified Driver’s Education Program, including 30 hours of
classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 6 hours of
in-car experience observing another permit holder’s supervised driving.
Clocked 12 hours of supervised driving with a parent, guardian or designee, in addition to the 6 hours in a Driver Education Program.
Nighttime Restriction:
Junior Licensee must be accompanied by a parent/guardian between midnight and 5 a.m.; Unsupervised driving from 12-1 a.m. and 4-5 a.m. shall be enforced only as a secondary offense. Drivers must first be pulled over for another offense.
Passenger Restriction:
For the first 6 months after receiving a Junior Operator’s License: No passenger under the age of 18 is allowed unless there is a passenger age 21 or over in the front seat. Immediate family members -- wife, husband, brothers and sisters -- are exempt. Violation results in license suspension:
(a) 1st Offense - 30 days; (b) 2nd Offense - 60 days (c) 3rd and subsequent - 90 days.
Operating Under the Influence:
If a driver under the age of 18 fails the breath test (.02 Blood Alcohol Concentration limit for drivers under 21) or refuses the breath test, the driver will receive an automatic minimum one-year license suspension.
Driving to endanger; drinking from an open container while driving; anyone under 21 purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol results in license suspension:
1st Offense - 180 days.
2nd and subsequent Offense - 1 year.
Speeding:
1st Offense - $ violation calculated per 90 M.G.L. 20 ($50 plus $10 per m.p.h. if operating in excess of 10 m.p.h. over the posted speed limit)
2nd Offense - 180-day license suspension and $ violation.
3rd Offense
- 1 year and $ violation.
Applicant for full license must wait until the full term of suspension is served
while operating under Junior License.