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Frequently Asked Questions
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I have inherited several firearms that are now in my house. Do I need a permit to keep them in my house?
Yes. In order to legally store firearms in your house, you must hold a valid permit for the types of weapons you have.
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| 2. |
I wish to carry pepper spray in my purse. Do I need a permit?
Yes, in order to legally carry pepper spray, or any other incapacitating chemical spray, you must possess a valid FID-Restricted license.
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| 3. |
How do I apply for a License to Carry Firearms?
The applicant needs to completely fill out and sign the form entitled "Application for New/Renewal of a Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry Firearms." An application is available at the any police department within Massachusetts. The applicant also needs to fill out the form entitled "Acknowledgement of Limits on the Use of Deadly Force." This form is part of a complete Applicant for Firearms License kit that is available at the Bolton Police Department. An applicant must also submit all of the following:
- Three 1"x1" photographs of the applicant.
- First time applicants must also furnish written references of two parties stating the applicant is of suitable character.
- Proof of citizenship. i.e., birth or naturalization certificate.
- A copy of any previously issued FID or LTC.
- First time applicants must provide certification from a Firearms Training Safety Course (except for pepper/mace FID cards).
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| 4. |
When is an operator required to fill out an accident report?
According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 26, every person operating a motor vehicle which is involved in an accident in which any person is killed or injured or in which there is damage in excess of one thousand dollars to any one vehicle or other property shall, within five days after the accident, report in writing to the registrar on a form approved and send a copy thereof to the police department having jurisdiction on the way where said accident occurred; provided, however, that such police department shall accept a report filed by an owner or operator whose vehicle has been damaged in an accident in which another person has unlawfully left the scene of such accident. Such report shall not be required during the period of incapacity of any person who is physically incapable of making a report. If the operator is not the owner of the vehicle and is physically incapable of making such written report, the owner shall within five days after the accident make such report based on such knowledge as he may have and such information as he can obtain regarding the accident. (Chg. by L. 1985, chap. 168, eff. 10/16/85).
The Registrar may require any such operator or owner to file a supplementary written report whenever in the opinion of the Registrar the original report is insufficient.
The Registrar may revoke or suspend the license of any person violating any provision of this section (Chg. by L. 1985, chap. 168, eff. 10/16/85)
All persons that fall under the above category should make copies of their accident report for the following agencies:
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles
- The Police Department where the accident occurred
- Your Insurance Company
- Yourself
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| 5. |
After being involved in an accident, how long do I have to submit an operator's accident report to the police department?
The person operating the vehicle or, in the case where the operator is hospitalized and unable to submit the report, the owner if not the operator must submit the report within 5 days after the accident, M.G.L. Chp. 90, Sec. 26. The accident report form may can be picked up at the Shrewsbury Police Department or any other police department in the Commonwealth.
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If a police officer isn't available to investigate the accident, what information should I get from any other operators, witnesses or involved parties for my report?
You should obtain:
- Operator(s) name, current address, license number & expiration, and date of birth
- Vehicle(s) registration number, make, model, color
- Vehicle owner(s) name and address
- Witness(es) names, addresses and phone number(s)
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| 7. |
What are the current seatbelt regulations?
Under M.G.L.c90s7AA:
All children under the age of 5 years old must be secured in a federally approved infant, toddler, convertible or booster seat appropriate for the child's age and weight.
Children 5 years of age or older and who weigh more than 40 pounds must wear a seat belt that is properly adjusted. Children old enough to use a vehicle's safety belt should not be allowed to place the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back. It is allowed and recommended that children who weigh between 40 and 60 pounds use a federally approved booster seat designed for this weight range.
The seat belt law applies to children riding in all types of privately owned vehicles and all vehicles for hire, such as taxi cabs. It is the responsibility of the child's parent or caregiver to provide the car seat for use in taxis and in any and all vehicles that transport their child(ren), regardless of vehicle ownership.
Older children/teens and adults riding in a motor vehicle are now required to wear a safety belt.
Exceptions Apply:
- To adults for vehicles that were not manufactured with safety belts (i.e. antique autos and vehicles that are not supplied with safety belts)
- To persons unable physically to use safety belts.
- To persons riding as a passenger in a vehicle used to transport persons for hire.
- To passengers in vehicles in which all seating positions equipped with safety belts or child passenger restraints are occupied by other passengers who are using the restraints.
For more information call the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau at (617) 727-5073, or the Injury Prevention and Control Program, Ma. Dept. Of Public Health Toll Free 1-800- 227SAFE
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| 8. |
What should I do if a police officer pulls my vehicle over?
- Stop your vehicle as far out of the travel lane as possible.
- Turn on the interior light.
- Keep your hands in view at all times, preferably on the steering wheel.
- Wait for the officer to request your license and registration.
- Relax and STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.
- The officer will explain the reason for the motor vehicle stop.
- DO NOT argue with the officer, if you think that you have been wrongly cited the correct procedure is to request a hearing through the district court.
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