Driving in Massachusetts is a privilege, not a right. The RMV keeps your driving record, and three kinds of events on it can cost you your license. This lesson explains civil and criminal violations and how to handle a citation.
Your driving record lists three types of events that can cost you your driving privileges:
- Civil motor vehicle infractions
- Criminal violations
- Motor vehicle crashes where you're found more than 50 percent at fault
Know the rule
Depending on the violation, you may get more than one penalty: a fine, loss of license and/or prison. Penalties may be stronger if you hold a Junior Operator's License, are under 21, are a repeat offender, or drive with a CDL.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Civil motor vehicle infraction (CMVI)
A noncriminal violation, such as speeding or not obeying a traffic signal, that can usually be settled by paying a fine.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Time to pay a CMVI fine or request a hearing to dispute it
Handbook p. 64 ↗Know the rule
Every CMVI fine under Chapter 89 or 90 includes a $5 public safety surcharge. Requesting a hearing costs a $25 filing fee, refunded only if the court finds you NOT RESPONSIBLE for ALL violations on the citation.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Your driving record shows responsibility if you:
- Pay the citation by mail (paying a fine accepts responsibility)
- Request a hearing and are ordered by a court to pay the fine
- Don't respond within 20 days (you're also charged a large late fee)
Know the rule
The RMV records all Massachusetts moving violations on your record; they can raise your insurance rate and lead to suspension. Parking violations are not CMVIs: the city or town handles them, but unpaid ones block renewing your license or registration.
Handbook p. 65 ↗Criminal motor vehicle violation
A serious offense such as driving with a suspended license, operating under the influence (OUI), or leaving the scene of a crash. If you're convicted, the court sets any fine or prison term.
Handbook p. 66 ↗Know the rule
For a criminal violation you may be arrested immediately, your vehicle may be towed, your license may be taken, and you may be held in jail until you go to court.
Handbook p. 65 ↗You may be arrested and charged if you refuse to:
- Give your name and address
- Give the name and address of the vehicle's owner
- Show your driver's license
- Show a valid registration certificate for the vehicle
- Sign your name in front of the officer
Know the rule
Out-of-state violations impact your record as if they happened here. Failing to pay or appear elsewhere can suspend your Massachusetts license, and the RMV applies Massachusetts suspension penalties, which may be stricter than the other state's.
Handbook p. 66 ↗Minimum reinstatement fee Massachusetts charges after a suspension for unresolved out-of-state obligations, plus proof they're resolved
Handbook p. 66 ↗Put it into practice
You get a ticket for running a red light and forget about it for a month. After 20 days without a response, you're found responsible and charged a large late fee, and if you still don't pay, your license will be suspended.