Massachusetts Registry News

In 2005, Massachusetts enacted Chapter 122 of the Acts of 2005. More commonly known as Melanie’s Law, the express purpose of the legislation was to increase penalties for drunk drivers In Massachusetts. The law forces repeat OUI offenders to use the ignition interlock device, it imposes harsh administrative license suspension penalties for chemical test refusals, […]

Prior to appearing before the Board of Appeal at a Hardship License Hearing, it is important to have as many “loose ends” tied up. This is especially true if your license or right to drive is suspended or revoked in another state. The Board will not override a National Driver Register (NDR) suspension or revocation. Therefore,

Pursuant to G.L. c. 277 § 70C, in some suspended license, no liability policy, unlicensed operation, and other misdemeanor cases, the prosecution or the court may reduce the criminal charge suspension to a non-criminal civil infraction or violation.  This is an attractive option, because it can be resolved with the payment of a fine. However, even when a criminal

Driving on a suspended license can hurt your chances of getting a hardship license from either the Registry of Motor Vehicles or the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal. The Board members believe that driving on a suspended license shows a lack of respect for the law and the Board of Appeal has interpreted this

Even a first offense DUI in Massachusetts can cost thousands of dollars and many of the costs are “hidden.” It starts with the towing and storage fees. Under Melanie’s Law, the police are required to tow and impound vehicles of those drivers who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test.  The police

Marked lanes violations often accompany charges such as operating under the influence, negligent operation, reckless driving and speeding.  In most cases, two violations on a single ticket will count as two separate surchargeable events for the purpose of 7 surchargable event license suspensions and habitual traffic offender revocations.  The Massachusetts marked lanes law, G.L. .c.

The Registry will suspend your license for 60 days for the accumulation of 7 surchargeable events within any 3 year period. However, you can appeal the suspension to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal and attempt to get the suspension reduced or get a 12 hour limited hardship license. The only issue that can

The Boston Globe reported today that the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and other senior RMV staff members manned licensing counters at various Registries on Friday, to give more of their employees an opportunity to take New Years Eve day off. One of the benefits of this practice, which the Registrar has done before, is that