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Traffice Safety & Parking
See the following links for various traffic safety items. If you have traffic or safety concerns about an area in Southbridge that does not amount to an emergency please call our business line (508) 764-5420. Emergencies should be called in to 911.
Massachusetts Highway Safety Division
Parking By-Laws
Section 7-201 No Parking During Street Sweeping Operations
During street sweeping operations, there shall be no parking on streets designated by the Town Manager or the director of public works. Any vehicle parked in violation of this By-law shall be removed by order of the Town Manager, chief of police or director of public works or their authorized representatives. If the vehicle is removed for the purpose of street sweeping operations, towing and storage charges may also be imposed, as otherwise provided by law. A record of registration numbers of each vehicle so removed shall be kept that also states the place to which it was removed and within 12 hours the police department shall notify the owner or his agent. Before the owner or his agent shall be permitted to claim a vehicle which has been removed as aforesaid to a garage or other convenient place, he shall furnish satisfactory evidence to the owner or person in charge of said garage, or the chief of police, of his identity and ownership or right to the possession of said vehicle. (Article VIII, § 34)
Section 7-202 Inoperable Motor Vehicles in Public Ways
No person owning, possessing or having charge of a motor vehicle that is inoperable shall allow said vehicle to remain out of use upon any street or way, except in case of emergency. No person shall perform any work including, but not limited to, repair work, maintenance work, changing parts, etc., on any motor vehicle on any public street, public way or public parking lot, except such emergency repair work as is necessary to remove said vehicle from the said street, way or parking lot. (Article VIII, § 35) (TCM 9/24/84)
Section 7-203 Parking of Vehicles in Excess of Certain Width and Height on Public Ways
No person shall park any vehicle in excess of 7 feet in width or 8 feet in height on any public way for a period of longer than 20 minutes, unless for some purpose incidental to the operation of the vehicle, loading or unloading of the vehicle, or the performance of a service during a normal working day. (Article VIII, § 36) (TCM 10/26/87)
- My child is 17 years old and just got her driver’s license. When it comes to passengers in the vehicle, and time of day, what do I need to know?
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A Junior Operator is by definition, any person who is under the age of 18 years old and holds a valid driver’s license. Under the Junior Operator’s Law, otherwise known as JOL, there are (3) restrictions as follows:
- JOL licensees may not operate a motor vehicle with a passenger(s) under 18 years old within the first 6 months of receiving the JOL. The only exceptions are; any immediate family member (i.e. sibling); or when accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old, with at least 1 year of driving experience and occupying the seat next to the JOL; or the JOL is an “emancipated minor”.
- No person holding a Junior Operator's license shall operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; or the JOL is an “emancipated minor”. A junior operator operating a motor vehicle during these hours is considered unlicensed and is subject to arrest.
- No person holding a Junior Operator’s license shall operate any vehicle requiring a Commercial Driver’s license (CDL).
- How old does my child have to be to get a permit to operate a motor vehicle?
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Any person who is at least 16 years of age and has not had a driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar, may apply for a Class D (passenger) permit at any RMV full service office.
- I was involved in an accident. Do I have to report it?
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Any accident where damage to property is over $1000, where there were injuries sustained or the driver of one of the vehicles left the scene MUST be reported to the police. Even if you were involved in a minor motor vehicle accident, you are required to stop and exchange information with the other driver; name, address and license/registration information.
- If I have been involved in an accident as described above, what should I do now?
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Police should be called to the scene. Notify police as to where the accident took place, if anyone is injured and how many cars are involved. If it is safe to do so, move the vehicles out of the roadway. Provide your driver's license and vehicle registration to the responding officers. Avoid arguments with the other driver about who caused the collision. The responding officers will ask you questions about the accident and the possible causes.
- Do I have to complete an accident report?
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If your accident is as described above, YES you must complete an accident report. You may pick up a copy of an accident report from any police station, or download the form from this website. Three copies of the report must be completed. One copy will be returned to the police station.