MV Ch. 2- Emergency Vehicles Flashcards
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
Is public way an element?
No.
ROA: Warrantless arrest in presence ANYWHERE
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
ROA:
Warrantless arrest in presence ANYWHERE (no public way requirement)
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
Elements: (3+)
- The suspect was operating or in charge of a motor vehicle; and
- The police officer was either in uniform or had his badge conspicuously displayed on the outside of his clothing; and
- The suspect committed any of the following acts:
- Stop: Refused or neglected to stop when signaled to do so by an officer;
- License or Reg: Refused to produce his license or registration
- In hand: Refused to permit the officer to take the license or registration in hand for the purposes of examination
- Name & Address: Refused to give his or the vehicle owner’s name and address upon request
- False information: Gave the officer a false name or address
- Sign: Refused to sign his name when requested by an officer
- Surrender Items: Refused to surrender his license, registration, or number plates withouth reasonable excuse to an officer or authorized RMV agent;
- In court: Refused or neglected to give his license to a judge or court upon request.
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
- The suspect was operating or in charge of a motor vehicle; and
- The police officer was either in uniform or had his badge conspicuously displayed on the outside of his clothing; and
- The suspect committed any of the following acts: (8)
- Stop: Refused or neglected to stop when signaled to do so by an officer;
- License or Reg: Refused to produce his license or registration
- In hand: Refused to permit the officer to take the license or registration in hand for the purposes of examination
- Name & Address: Refused to give his or the vehicle owner’s name and address upon request
- False information: Gave the officer a false name or address
- Sign: Refused to sign his name when requested by an officer
- Surrender Items: Refused to surrender his license, registration, or number plates withouth reasonable excuse to an officer or authorized RMV agent;
- In court: Refused or neglected to give his license to a judge or court upon request.
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
Can a judge dismiss this charge on the basis that it is not worth the time and judicial resources involved?
No; this decision belongs only to the prosecutor.
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
Motorist must be operating or in charge of the vehicle.
Is a driver who is outside a stopped vehicle (ex. at an accident scene) still subject to an officer’s 90 Sec. 25 authority?
Yes.
The next day, following an incident in which the defendant had driven away dangerously from a supermarket parking lot, a uniformed officer visited the defendant’s house, put his foot in the door when the defendant opened it, and asked to see his license and registration. The defendant refused to produce these items. His car was parked in the driveway.
Does Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25 apply at this time?
No.
The defendant was not “operating or in charge of a motor vehicle “ at the time of the officer’s demand, so 90 sec 25 did not apply.
May passengers be arrested or charged with Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25?
No- because they are not driving or “in charge” of the vehicle.
Note: a “narrow” exception MAY exist for the passenger who is the owner- if it is clear that he or she, as opposed to the driver, is “in charge” of the vehicle.
Should officers ask passengers for ID during a routine traffic stop?
No.
“dragnet… is uncomfortably associated with authoritarian societies”
However: officers may properly ask for ID if they reasonably believe a passenger is:
- A safety risk (possibly armed and dangerous)
- Committing a relevant CMVI (seatbelt, etc)
- Necessary to resolve a vehicle violation (ex. sitting next to Learners Permit Operator)
- In need of assistance (incapacitated, medical or mental health, runaway)
-Involved in criminal conduct
-Witness to a crime (driver under arrest for OUI or operating to endanger)
Officers should not ask passengers for ID during a routine traffic stop.
However, officers may properly ask for ID if they reasonably believe a passenger is: (6)
- A safety risk (possibly armed and dangerous)
- Committing a relevant CMVI (seatbelt, etc)
- Necessary to resolve a vehicle violation (ex. sitting next to Learners Permit Operator)
- In need of assistance (incapacitated, medical or mental health, runaway)
-Involved in criminal conduct
-Witness to a crime (driver under arrest for OUI or operating to endanger)
Officers should not ask passengers for ID during a routine traffic stop.
Even though Ch. 85 Sec 16 requires that any vehicle occupant provide “his true name and address” to a police officer at night, the Appeals Court insisted that that statute could not override:
Article 14.
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
The purpose of the uniform or displayed badge is to inform the driver that the person making the demand:
has the legal authority to do so.
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
Can normal driving amount to failure to stop?
Yes.
Ex. defendant continued for a few hundred feet after the officer turned his cruiser lights on, then continued to drive at a normal speed for 3/10 of a mile after the officer turned on his siren; this was enough to commit the crime of failure to stop
ex. failure to stop occurred when the defendant put his car in reverse and backed up toward the police cruiser in the breakdown lane; the officer had to use his airhorn to get the defendant to stop.
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
Behavior amounting to Failure to Stop:
Motorist must (blank) after stopping.
remain at the scene.
ex. roadside altercation between two motorists: “I don’t have all day. I’‘ll leave and go home” Trooper told defendant “Don’t leave because we are investigating”. Although the defendant had yet to be interviewed, Trooper was considering giving him a citation. Defendant took off and was later apprehended.
The conflicting reports of a serious incident on the highway created a reasonable suspicion for the responding officer to obtain both the defendant and truck driver. The defendant violated Se.c 25 when, despite the fact that the inquiry was not complete and the trooper had told him to stay, he left the scene anyway. The police had probable cause to arrest him.
The appeals court declared: “The statutory requirement that a motorist stop for police has no exception- even for a driver who reasonably believes the police detention is unjustified. If there is no legitimate basis for the stop, the driver’s recourse is not through flight…. but through orderly judicial process.”
Does failure to stop justify “fresh pursuit” into a neighboring municipality?
Yes.
Ex. detective justified in leaving Watertown and stopping defendant in Waltham
Ex. After Wilmington officer signaled for him to stop, the defendant slowly pulled to the right, but took an unusually long time to come to a stop; it was proper for the officer to follow him three or four feet over the Tewksbury line even though the failure to stop was not blatant.
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
Hand documents to Officer:
Must motorists lower window and hand their documents to the officer?
Yes.
Consider the precise language of 90 Sec 25, which states that it is a violation when a driver “refuses, on demand of such officer, to produce his license… or his… registration, or to permit such officer to take the license or registration in hand for the purpose of examination
May officers suggest that the driver open the glovebox to find the registration?
Yes.
Ex. Trooper: “ You’ve checked everywhere but the glovebox. Could it be in the glovebox?” (defendant did so, revealing a silver revolver)
Since the trooper did not open the glovebox or order the defendant to do so, he did not conduct a search requiring probable cause. It was based on consent. The trooper was not required to tell the driver he had a right to refuse.
Stopped for speeding, Edison Quito responded to the trooper’s request for his driver’s license by saying that he did not have it, but did have a work ID. Quito provided this card which bore the name Kevin Monez. Trooper checked this name and determined Quito was not Monez. When asked abut the improper identification, Quito said he made a mistake and showed the trooper a picture on his phone of his license.
Does this qualify for Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:?
Yes. He intentionally gave a false name.
Quito intentionally gave a false name- a violation under 90 Sec 25- so is “innocent mistake” defense failed.
Does 90 sec 25 apply when a motorist fails to stop in response to a police officer’s hand signal?
Yes.
However, contrary to popular belief, there is no civil infraction that applies to a motorist’s failure to obey an officer’s hand signal. (The only civil penalty for non compliance is limited to state highways- CMR 9.07 $20 CMVI)
**At the same time, 90 Sec 25 AND the highway regulation do not cover civilian traffic officers. (Both laws are strictly limited to police officers directing traffic). This is true even if the CTO is a retired police officer
90 sec 25 applies when a motorist fails to stop in response to a police officer’s hand signal. However, contrary to popular belief, there is no civil infraction that applies to a motorists failure to obey an officer’s hand signal.
The only civil penalty for noncompliance is limited to: State Highways. Under 720 CMR 9.07, officer may issue a $20 CMVI to motorists who fail or refuse to obey their hand signals on a state highway.
At the same time, 90 Sec 25 AND the highway regulation do not cover civilian traffic officers. (Both laws are strictly limited to police officers directing traffic).
However, two other laws may be use to protect both Police Officers AND Civilian Traffic Officers:
- Operating to Endanger (A police officer who sees the violation may arrest the driver. If based on the report of a CTO, and officer can stop the offender and issue a citation as a complaint application)
- Improper Passing of Vulnerable User (Must keep a safe distance of atleast 4 feet AND drive at a reasonable speed whenever they pass a vulnerable user).
(Blank) occurs when a motorist drives negligently in a way that risks public safety.
Failure to follow and officer’s or Civilian Traffic Officer’s signals- whether on purpose or due to inattention- usually qualifies.
Operating to Endanger
Note: As for enforcement, police officer who sees the violation may arrest the driver. If based on the report of a CTO, and officer can stop the offender and issue a citation as a complaint application.
Any violation defined in the 720 CMR series must occur:
On a state highway.
Ex. Following Too Closely- is a CMR and MUST occur on a state highway
Public Interference with Emergency Vehicles:
When approaching a stationary emergency response, highway maintenance, or recovery vehicle with flashing lights, a motorist must: (2)
- Always proceed with due caution (reduce speed properly given the road condition); and
- Switch into a non adjacent lane if practical (on a highway having at least 4 lanes, with 2 lanes proceeding in the same direction as the operator’s vehicle.
ROA: CMVI
Public Interference with Emergency Vehicles:
Yield to emergency vehicles: Driver must: (3)
- Immediately pull to the rights and stop; and
- Not continue until the emergency vehicle passes; and
- Never drive within 300 FEET of an emergency vehicle with lights or sirens activated.
Public Interference with Emergency Vehicles:
Yield to emergency vehicles: Driver must never drive within (blank) feet of an emergency vehicle with lights or sirens activated.
300 feet.
ROA: CMVI
Public Interference with Emergency Vehicles:
Willful Obstruction of Emergency Vehicle:
No person may willfully obstruct or hinder an emergency vehicle exercising its right of way to respond to a fire or emergency.
ROA:
Arrest for this breach of peace in presence. Otherwise, complaint.
-Misdemeanor
Failure to Stop or Obey Police Officer Ch. 90 Sec. 25:
ROA: Warrantless arrest in presence anywhere (no public way requirement)
NOTE: Criminal Fine of $100, but this is NOT a civil infraction.
RMV Action:
Suspension for 60 days
True or false?
Pedestrians must yield to emergency vehicles, whether or not crossing signal is activated.
True.
(must cite CMR if infraction occurs on a state highway; otherwise must cite to local ordinance or bylaw)
Must emergency vehicles yield to pedestrians if crossing signal is activated?
NO.
PEDESTRIANS must YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES, whether or not the crossing signal is activated.
Public Interference with Emergency Vehicles:
Fire Scenes: Rules about Driving and Parking Ch. 89 Sec 7A: (2)
- No driving over hose- without the permission of a FIREFIGHTER.
- Parking is prohibited: (1) within 800 feet of a fire; or (2) within established fire lanes(during working fire); or (3) on or beside a traveled public or private way leading to a fire.
Note: Restricted use: Ch. 89 sec 7A may not be used for simply parking in a fire lane. 7A applies to interference with a working fire. For the typical fire lane violation, officers may issue a parking ticket and, if they choose, may tow the vehicle.
CMVI $105
Public Interference with Emergency Vehicles:
Fire Scenes: Rules about Driving and Parking Ch. 89 Sec 7A:
Does this apply if someone simply parks in a fire lane (no active fire).
No.
Restricted use: Ch. 89 sec 7A may not be used for simply parking in a fire lane. 7A applies to interference with a working fire. For the typical fire lane violation, officers may issue a parking ticket and, if they choose, may tow the vehicle.
Parking is prohibited within how many feet of a fire?
within 800 feet.
CMVI $105
Public Interference with Emergency Vehicles:
Fire Scenes: Rules about Driving and Parking Ch. 89 Sec 7A:
- Parking is prohibited: (1) within 800 feet of a fire; or (2) within established fire lanes(during working fire); or
(3) :
(what is number 3?)
(3) on or beside a traveled public or private way leading to a fire.
Public Understanding of Police Traffic Stops:
Prosecutors and police should impress on judges the clear guidance that citizens receive from the registry about how to behave during a traffic stop.
There are times when courts dismiss what officer perceive as potentially dangerous movement and behavior by vehicle occupants on the basis that the occupants had not reason to know that their behavior might cause the police to react. This assumption is false, and it fails to take into account that:
All licensed driver arespecifically told how to conduct themselves during a traffic stop.
Note: It can even persuasive if the prosecutor offers this information into evidence during the motion to suppress hearing.
Public Understanding of Police Traffic Stops:
The Massachusetts Driver’s Manual- under the heading “General Guidelines if you are stopped by a police officer- educates motorists. The following are included: (8- just read)
- Pull over to the side of the road and stop when signaled by a police officer. You must pull over whether the officer is in a police car or on foot.
- Your actions during a traffic stop may determine the police officer’s reaction. Arguing, suddenly reaching under the seat or into unseen areas of the passenger compartment are not appropriate.
- To help reduce the levels of anxiety, you should do the following during a traffic stop:
-Do not stop you vehicle in an intersection, in front of a driveway, or in a travel lane. If the officer directs you to pull over in a certain place, pull over where directed.
- Put the car in park (if an automatic transmission) or in neutral with the parking brake in (if a standard transmission). Turn off the engine and radio.
- Stay in the vehicle (both you and your passengers). Only get out if instructed by the officer. Keep hands in plain view.
- If it is dark, leave your headlights on and put the interior overhead light on.
- Roll down your window as the officer walks toward you.
- The officer will usually explain why you were stopped. If not in uniform, the officer will show you their credentials or you may ask to see them.
- Wait until the officer asks for your license and registration before you (or a passenger) reach into the glove compartment. Do not suddenly reach into clothing while the officer approaches or is present. If you do not own the vehicle, state the name and address of the owner. If you fail to comply, or provide a false name or address, you can be fined $100. You can also be arrested and face criminal charges if you refuse.
- You registration identifies your insurance carrier and explains that an insurance card is not issued under Massachusetts Law.
- Keep your hands in plain sight and tell your passengers to do the same.
- Do not make any sudden movements or gestures that could seem threatening. Examples of this could be reaching under the seats or into unlit areas of the vehicle.
- Once a citation is issued, the officer is required to file it and cannot take it back. You have the right to challenge the citation in court.
- Remember that a police officer never knows what to expect when stopping a driver. The officer may be more likely to listen to you and less likely to feel threatened if you follow these guidelines.
State of Emergency Driving Ban:
During a state of emergency, who may order a driving ban?
The Governor.
State of Emergency Driving Ban:
Because violating the ban is a crime, police officer may stop any motorist- except for an obvious first responder or plow driver- as a potential violator.
What enforcement action may a police officer take for a violation of an emergency driving ban?
- May arrest- for this obvious breach of peace in their presence
- May warn the motorist and direct him to leave the roadway
- May apply for a criminal complaint
However, what they may not do: Officer should NEVER issue a motor vehicle citation for a travel ban violation.
State of Emergency Driving Ban:
True or False?
Officers should never issue a motor vehicle citation for a travel ban violation.
True.
Officers may warn motorist and tell them to leave roadway, apply for criminal complaint (Emergency, Violation of Executive Order During State of Emergency), or arrest for the obvious breach of peace. But may NOT issue citation.