FAQs • Shrewsbury, MA • CivicEngage

What are the current seat belt regulations?: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 7AA: 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. Reviewmore information, including exceptions.

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Police Department

1. 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, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 26. The accident report form may can be picked up at the Shrewsbury Police Department or any other police department in the Commonwealth. Review Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 26.

2. 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 application and additional steps to take are available on the firearms use and applicaton information page.

3. 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. More information is available on the firearms use and applicaton information page.

4. I wish to carry pepper spray in my purse. Do I need a permit?: No, changes in the firearms law in 2014 allow carrying of chemical spray without an FID card. firearms use and applicaton information page.

5. 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 the operator(s) name, date of birth, current address, license number and expiration; vehicle(s) registration number, make, model, color; vehicle owner(s) name and address; and witness(es) names, addresses and phone number(s).

6. What are the current seat belt regulations?: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 7AA: 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. Review more information, including exceptions.

7. 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 $1,000 to any 1 vehicle or other property shall, within 5 days after such accident, report in writing to the registrar on a form approved by him and send a copy thereof to the police department having jurisdiction on the way where such accident occurred.

This is 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 5 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.

Review more details about accident report requirements.