See the following links for various traffic safety items. If you have traffic or safety concerns about an area in Essex that does not amount to an emergency please call our business line 978.768.6200. Emergencies should be called in to 911.
Massachusetts Highway Safety Division
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Motor Vehicle & Accident Reporting FAQs
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.