MV Ch. 4- Regulating Operators: Licenses & Learners Permits Flashcards
The right to operate a motor vehicle is referred to as a (blank) in Massachusetts.
Privilege
The right to operate a motor vehicle is referred to as a privilege in Massachusetts, that is conferred by: (3)
- A license
- A learner’s permit; or
- The right of properly licensed nonresidents to drive here.
Any person who operates a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles:
- Not included within the class of license issued; or
- Without required endorsements; or
-In violation of license restrictions; or - In violation of the terms of a learner’s permit; or
- In violation of am out-of-service order
is:
operating a motor vehicle without a license.
Unlicensed:
Who is the burden on?
The burden is on the motorist to prove he has a license; not on officers to prove that he does not have one.
-Even so, officers should still take steps to prove the suspect’s unlicensed status by obtaining a certificate from the registry (“certified copies…attested by the registrar… shall be admissible as evidence in any court of the commonwealth to prove the facts contained therein)
Is public way an element for 90 Sec 10 Unlicensed Operation?
No.
*Unlike other vehicle offenses (ex. OUI) which require operation on public way, 90 sec 10 requires that motorist operate on a “way”, which is a more inclusive term.
Way: “any public highway, private way laid out under authority of statute, way dedicated to public use, or way under the control of a park commissioner or body having like powers”
90 Sec 10 Unlicensed
Within the definition of a “way”, the key phrase is:
“way dedicated to public use”
This basically means any passage way which members of the public routinely drive on- such as access roads within mall parking lots, and roads within private living complexes and business developments.
As of July 1st, 2023, Massachusetts began issuing two drivers licenses- so that citizens AND undocumented foreign residents who live in Massachusetts can get a license. The two licenses are:
- Massachusetts REAL ID License
- Massachusetts License
Massachusetts REAL ID License:
To get a license that complies with the federal REAL ID Act, applicants must provide documents proving their identity AND lawful presence in the United States. In addition to driving privileges, a REAL ID license may be used for:
other purposes governed by federal law, such as boarding a commercial airliner.
Massachusetts License:
A Massachusetts license may be obtained by persons who do not have proof that they are lawfully present in the United States. This License permits driving, but will not be accepted for purposes governed by federal law. Applicants for a Massachusetts license must prove:
They live here, and provide the RMV with two (2) documents that prove their identity and date of birth.
- First, a valid and unexpired foreign passport or consular ID card, and
- Second, a valid/ unexpired foreign driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory; or original or certified copy of a birth certificate; or foreign national ID card; or foreign driver’s license; or marriage certificate or divorce decree issued by an U.S. state or territory.
*The documents must include at least one photo identification and one validated date of birth. If provided in a foreign language, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Motorist NEVER ISSUED license or learner’s permit:
Enforcement options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning (highly disfavored)
May NOT issue CMVI
Motorist NEVER ISSUED license or learner’s permit:
Military exception if MA resident returning from active duty (outside the United States):
45 day grace period
-provided he possesses a license to operate in a foreign country issued by the armed forces.
Motorist has EXPIRED license or permit:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning
May NOT issue CMVI
Motorist has EXPIRED license or permit:
Military exception if motorist’s MA license expired during active duty.
60 day grace period following honorable discharge.
Operator must carry his expired license and proof of his discharge.
Motorist has EXPIRED license or permit:
RMV may issue a temporary license known as the (blank) who has either lost his license or is unable to return before it expires.
Temporary is valid for a maximum of 120 days after expiration of motorist’s original license.
RMV only grants one extension.
E-10
Motorist has EXPIRED license or permit:
RMV may issue a temporary license known as the (blank) who has either lost his license or is unable to return before it expires.
Temporary is valid for a maximum of (blank) days after expiration of motorist’s original license.
RMV only grants one extension.
120 days.
Motorist has EXPIRED license or permit:
RMV may issue a temporary license known as the (blank) who has either lost his license or is unable to return before it expires.
Temporary is valid for a maximum of 120 days after expiration of motorist’s original license.
How many extensions will the RMV grant?
One.
Motorist has improper classification: (ex. defendant was licensed to drive a car but not a motorcycle)
Enforcement options:
- Arrest in presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning
May NOT issue CMVI
Note: The RMV does not typically suspend a motorists license for a 90 Sec. 10 violation. However, junior operator’s who violate the passenger restriction will lose their license. Also, those with Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) will lose their license for most offenses.
Will Junior Operators who violate the passenger restriction lose their license?
Yes.
Motorist operating in violation of license or permit RESTRICTION (ex. operator is not wearing glasses, which appears as Restriction B)
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning
May NOT issue CMVI
(Ex. officer justified in stopping vehicle at 2:00am, since he knew the driver was violating a curfew restriction stemming from a probation violation)
Learners Permit Operator:
Requirements of accompanying motorist: (4)
- At least age 21; and
- At least 1 year of driving experience; and
- Holds a valid license from MA or another state; and
- Occupies the seat next to the driver
Learners Permit Operator NOT Accompanied by motorist:
- At least age 21; and
- At least 1 year of driving experience; and
- Holds a valid license from MA or another state; and
- Occupies the seat next to the driver
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning (highly disfavored)
CMVI $40 90 Sec. 8B
Note: The accompanying license holder (except for an RMV examiner) is also fully liable for violations committed by the learners permit holder.
Learners Permit Operator:
True or false?
The accompanying license holder (except for an RMV examiner) is fully liable for violations committed by the learners permit holder.
True.
Learner’s Permit Operator Fails to have learner’s PERMIT IN POSSESSION while driving:
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning
- Have licensed operator take control of the vehicle
May NOT issue CMVI
Learner’s Permit Operator Fails to have learner’s PERMIT IN POSSESSION while driving:
90 Sec. 8B (Learners Permit Violations) insists that the Learner’s Permit Operator possess his permit while driving. Otherwise, the LPO is considered unlicensed under 90 Sec. 10.
Does 90 Sec. 11 (License not in possession) apply in this situation?
No.
Learners Permit Operator driving between 12:00am and 5:00am:
Exceptions for LPO hours restrictions: (3)
- LPO is 18 years old or over; or
- Is under 18, but accompanied by a parent/ guardian who is validly licensed with at least 1 year of driving experience; or
- Is and “emancipated minor”
Learners Permit Operator driving between 12:00am and 5:00am, and does NOT meet one of the following exceptions:
- LPO is 18 years old or over; or
- Is under 18, but accompanied by a parent/ guardian who is validly licensed with at least 1 year of driving experience; or
- Is and “emancipated minor”
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning (highly disfavored)
May NOT issue CMVI
Note: The accompanying license holder (except for an RMV examiner) is also fully liable for violations committed by the learners permit holder.
CDL Operator lacks proper ENDORSEMENT: (ex. CDL driver operates a tank vehicle without the “N” endorsement)
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning (highly disfavored)
May NOT issue CMVI
CDL Operator Violating OUT-OF SERVICE order:
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning (VERY highly disfavored approach)
May NOT issue CMVI
Licenses:
Definition of Nonresident:
Nonresidents have a legal residence in another state.
- Nonresidents also live in the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Kingman Reef, etc etc)
Licenses:
What is the grace period for nonresidents once they becomes residents?
There is NO GRACE PERIOD for non residents once they become residents.
-As soon as they take up residence here, former nonresidents must obtain a valid MA driver license or learners permit.
(temporary licenses available to obtain before moving)
Licenses:
Nonresident vs resident
Chown Case (Hyannis bartender, New Brunswick license and reg, Trooper knew he lived and worked in MA- SJC said invalid because it didn’t meet specific registry factors outlined in 90 sec 3.5)
How should officers apply the Chown case?
Step 1: Always, the first issue is the validity of the motor vehicle stop.
Step 2: Production of license: Once the motorist provides an out-of- state or foreign license, the issues are: (1) whether the document is valid; and (2) whether the motorist is a resident.
Step 3: Residency factors: When officers develop a good faith belief that a motorist may be a Massachusetts resident, they should engage in a brief, roadside inquiry under 90 sec 3.5
” Shall be deemed to be a resident of the Commonwealth during any period in which he…” (Factors listed from most to least obvious)
- Is Registered to vote in the Commonwealth
- Paid resident tuition rates or is receiving free public school tuition for a child
- Filed a Massachusetts resident income tax return
- Applied for and received public assistance from the Commonwealth
- Declared a home mortgage settlement
- Obtained homeowner’s liability insurance coverage
- Filed a certificate of residency
- Obtained a real estate exemption
- Obtain any benefit, exemption, deduction, entitlement, license, permit, or privilege by claiming a principal residence in the commonwealth.
Caution: These factors MUST control the arrest decision
Step 4: Arrest decision: If the discussion concerning these factors obviously indicates that the motorist is a Massachusetts resident, then officers may arrest him pursuant to 90 Sec. 10 and 21.
Licenses:
Proving resident vs nonresident:
If the roadside investigation is inconclusive, DO NOT ARREST (for Unlicensed)
Instead officers have a choice:
- Just let it go! -officers may allow the motorist to continue to operate on the valid nonresident/foreign license initially presented and end their investigation
- Or, officers may record the biographical information of the motorist and allow him to drive away. They may then conduct an investigation into this person’s residency status.
- Armed with certified proof, officers could send or deliver a citation to the motorist for a violation of 90 Sec 10 and, depending on the facts, a violation of 90 sec 3.5 (Register MV improperly to avoid taxes/premiums)
Licenses:
Nonresident exemptions: (2)
- Nonresident students
- Nonresident active duty military members and SPOUSES.
Licenses:
Nonresident active duty military members and SPOUSES: who are not from Massachusetts but on assignment here, do not need to get a Mass license. They simply must have:
valid driver’s licenses from their home state.
However, this exemption does not apply to their children or any other family member.
Licenses:
Nonresident active duty military members and SPOUSES: who are not from Massachusetts but on assignment here, do not need to get a Mass license. They simply must have valid licenses from their home state.
However, this exemption does not apply to:
their children, or any other family member.
Motorist has valid out-of -state license, but NOT IN THEIR POSSESSION or accessible:
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning
May NOT issue CMVI
Motorist is under 16 years old, eve if motorist has been issued a valid out-of-state license:
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning
May NOT issue CMVI
Out of state: Motorist NEVER ISSUED LICENSE; or license EXPIRED; or CLASSIFICATION or RESTRICTION VIOLATION on ou-of- state license
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning
May NOT issue CMVI
Out-of-state Learners Permit Operator VIOLATION:
Enforcement Options:
- Arrest in Presence 90 Sec 10 and Sec 21
- Complaint 90 Sec 10
- Written/verbal warning (Highly disfavored approach)
- CMVI $40
Enforcement note: A learner’s permit issued by another state is valid in Mass, provided the LPO conforms to 540 CMR 2.06. Therefore, officers should simply treat any out-of- state LPO exactly as they would treat a Mass LPO. The accompanying license holder is also fully liable for LPO violations.
90 Sec. 10 is arrestable under:
90 Sec. 21 (Arrest without a warrant)
Under 540 CMR 2.06, licenses are classifed according to:
the type of vehicle that the license holder may drive.
Notes: Classes A,B,C are CDL- A driver may only have one CDL from one state. Classes D and M are not CDL- they apply to regular drivers
License Classifications
- GCWR 26,001 or more pounds, towing more than 10,000 pounds
- GCWR 26,001 or more pounds, towing less than 10,000 pound
- Designed to transport 16 or more passengers including driver, or is to be placarded for hazardous materials
- Typical motorist
- Motorcycle
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
- Class D
- Class M
Are firefighters exempt from CDL licensing requirements?
Yes. may operate “emergency or fire equipment” with a Class D license.
The license holder’s classification entitles him to operate certain types of vehicles, while restrictions limit:
the manner in which he may safely operate.
A motorist who violates a restriction is Operating Without a License under 90 Sec. 10 and is subject to arrest.
Chart 2: License Restrictions:
Code B:
Corrective lenses
Prescription corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses must be worn.
Chart 2: License Restrictions:
Code I:
Junior Operator’s License
“Junior Operator” appears on the face of the JOL indicating an under 18 motorist.
Chart 2: License Restrictions:
Code H:
Limited to Employment
Usually referred to as a “Hardship License”. This restriction allows a person who license has been suspended or revoked to drive to and from work. Valid hours are printed on the license
Chart 2: License Restrictions:
Code G:
Limited to Daylight only
Operator cannot operate during hours of darkness. Most commonly given to persons that have difficulty seeing at night (known as “night blindness”)