Massachusetts Traffic Violation Records

Traffic violation records are typically maintained by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in the state. Records of traffic violations that led to criminal charges may also be searched at the office of the Clerk of the District Court or the Boston Municipal Court for violations in the City of Boston.

Massachusetts enforces strict traffic laws to ensure the safety of its roadways. Despite these laws, traffic violations remain common in the state. Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Massachusetts. Approximately 7.36% of drivers in the state have a prior speeding violation on their record, a figure that is lower than the national average of 10.54%. Other common violations include illegal parking, driving under the influence (DUI), and using a mobile device while driving.

Traffic violations in Massachusetts may result in severe penalties. Typically, traffic violations lead to additional points on driving records. This may result in increased insurance premiums, fines, and license suspension or revocation for repeat offenders.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Massachusetts?

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is responsible for administering driver-related matters in Massachusetts. Generally, traffic violation records held by the RMV are not fully open to the public. Information classified as personally sensitive may not be available to the public due to privacy or safety concerns. Some driving records are protected from public disclosure under the federal DPPA (Driver's Privacy Protection Act), which does not permit the public disclosure of personal information contained in state driving records.

Note that some traffic offenses categorized as crimes, such as repeat DUI offenses and vehicular homicide, are usually handled by the Massachusetts court system. Typically, traffic-related criminal cases are processed in the District Court or Superior Court, depending on the severity of the offense. Court records, including those related to traffic crimes, are generally open to the public and can be accessed through the Massachusetts court system's online portal or by visiting the courthouse where the case was heard.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets?

You may check for traffic tickets through your account on the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) online portal. To look up a traffic ticket, visit the official RMV website and log in to your account on the MyRMV online portal. Upon logging in, you may access details of any traffic violations or tickets issued.

Additionally, since certain traffic violation records are considered public in Massachusetts, you may also look up traffic tickets through reliable third-party websites like publicrecords.us.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may pay your traffic ticket online, by mail, or by phone. If you are paying online, payment online may be completed online via your MyRMV account. If paying by mail, make your check or money order payable to MassDOT and write your citation number and driver's license number on your payment. Mail the payment in the pre-addressed envelope provided or to:

If paying by phone, call the RMV's Contact Center at (857) 368-8000 if your location is in the 339, 617, 781, and 857, or from outside Massachusetts. Persons residing in all other Massachusetts area code locations may call (800) 858-3926.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may request your driving record in Massachusetts from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) online or by mail. The RMV issues two types of driving records: unattested driving records (for personal or informational purposes) and true and attested driving records (for official or court purposes).

The state sets different fees for the two types of driving records. It costs $20 for a true and attested driving record, while an unattested driving record costs $8. The driving record provided by the RMV contains three years of driving history. Note that Massachusetts driving record includes moving violations, traffic tickets, accidents, and other driving offenses.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Massachusetts?

Traffic violations may be categorized as moving or non-moving violations. Moving violations occur when a vehicle is in motion and usually involve actions that directly impact road safety. Examples of moving violations in Massachusetts include

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Running a red light or stop light

Penalties for moving violations generally include fines, points in addition to driving records, and potential increases in insurance premiums. In serious cases, license suspensions may occur.

On the other hand, non-moving violations occur when the vehicle is stationary. Examples of non-moving violations include parking violations, expired registration or inspection stickers, and equipment violations such as driving with broken headlights or taillights. Non-moving violations usually attract penalties such as fines but do not typically lead to additional penalties. Note that repeated non-moving traffic violations, such as unpaid parking tickets, may lead to additional penalties, including vehicle towing or registration holds.

How Long Does OUI Stay on Your Record in Massachusetts?

Driving drunk or drugged is a serious crime under Massachusetts laws. While some states designate this crime as a DUI, in Massachusetts it is known as "operating under the influence" (OUI).

In Massachusetts, an OUI conviction stays on your record indefinitely. Compared to many other states, DUI offenses occur less frequently in Massachusetts. On average, Massachusetts records approximately 126.3 arrests per 100,000 residents, with OUI fatalities accounting for 28% of all fatal accidents. The severity score for OUI offenses in Massachusetts is estimated at 31.1 out of 100.

Penalties for OUI in Massachusetts include fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 2.5 years, license suspension, and mandatory participation in alcohol education programs. Second and repeat offenses carry harsher penalties. Additional consequences may include the installation of an ignition interlock device and significantly higher insurance premiums.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts laws related to speed restrictions are codified under Sections 17, 17A, and 18 of Chapter 90 of the state's General Laws. These sections establish basic speed rules, depending on the area, road conditions, traffic, and other factors. Statutorily, the state sets the following speed limits:

• 65 mph on certain parts of interstate highways
• 55 mph on any other way
• 50 mph on divided highways outside a thickly populated business district
• 40 mph on any other highway outside a thickly populated business district
• 25 mph inside a thickly populated business district
• 20 mph in an established school zone or within a senior safety center zone, if established
• 15 mph within 1/10 mile of a vehicle selling merchandise and displaying flashing amber lights

Massachusetts has a basic fine of $50 for speeds up to 10 miles per hour over the stipulated limit. Each mile per hour beyond this incurs an additional $10. Note that speeding in designated work zones incurs doubled fines.

Also, a minor traffic violation, such as speeding, adds two points to your driving record. Repeat offenders may be punished with license suspension for up to 30 days or revocation of driving privileges.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Massachusetts?

A speeding ticket typically stays on your Massachusetts driving record for 6 years.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may contest a traffic ticket in Massachusetts in the following way:

• Request a Hearing: Submit a request for a civil hearing within 20 days of receiving the ticket. A magistrate will review your case.
• Challenge the Officer's Observation: Argue that the officer's perception or interpretation of events was incorrect.
• Present Evidence: Provide witness testimonies, photographs, or video footage supporting your claim.
• Question the Accuracy of Equipment: Challenge the accuracy of radar guns or other speed-measuring devices.
• Prove Necessity or Emergency: Argue that the violation was necessary to avoid harm or due to an emergency situation.

However, consider hiring an experienced traffic attorney in cases where:

• Your ticket involves a major violation Your case involves technical evidence such as radar calibration or witness testimony
• You have prior traffic violations on your record
• You are contesting the ticket in court

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Unlike Massachusetts, most states participate in the Driver's License Compact (DLC), an agreement among participating states to share information about traffic violations. Hence, if you receive a ticket in another DLC-participating state, the violation will be reported to your home state, and you will be penalized following your home state laws.

Additionally, the Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC) ensures that drivers comply with traffic citations issued in member states. If you fail to pay or address an out-of-state ticket, the state where the violation occurred can notify your home state. Consequently, your home state may suspend your driver's license until the matter is resolved. Massachusetts is an NVC-participating state.

Still, you may contest an out-of-state speeding ticket. To contest such a ticket, follow these steps:

• Request a Hearing: Contact the court in the jurisdiction where the ticket was issued to schedule a hearing.
• Hire a Local Attorney: An attorney familiar with the local traffic laws may represent you in court, potentially without requiring your presence, and may increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any documentation, such as GPS data, photographs, or witness statements, that supports your case.
• Request Discovery: Obtain evidence the prosecution has against you, like calibration records of speed detection devices or dashcam footage, to identify possible defenses.
• Consider Mitigation: If disputing the ticket is not possible, attending a driving course or demonstrating a clean driving record may reduce fines or prevent points on your license.

How Does Massachusetts Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

While many traffic laws are consistent across the United States, such as the prohibition of speeding, drunk driving, and running red lights, the specifics of these laws often vary from state to state. For example, Massachusetts has a few traffic regulations that may differ from those established in other states. Some of these laws relate to:

• Headlights: Massachusetts requires drivers to turn on their headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use.
• Move Over Law: Drivers must move over to another lane when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
• Child Passenger Restraints: Children under eight years old must be secured in a federally approved child passenger restraint system.
• Hands-Free Law: Massachusetts prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving.
• White Cane Law: This law requires drivers to yield the right of way to blind pedestrians carrying a white cane or using a guide dog