Out-of-State “Careless Operation” Tickets for Massachusetts Drivers
Recently, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has been mailing notices of License Suspensions to Massachusetts drivers for “Careless Operation” tickets in other states. When a driver holding a Massachusetts License is convicted of Careless Driving out-of-state, the Registry of Motor Vehicles may impose a 60 day license suspension under Massachusetts General Law Ch. 90 Sec. 22c. Frequently, these cases arise out of citations issued by Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey.
Example: A Massachusetts Driver is issued a “Careless Operation” ticket while driving in New Jersey. The driver pays the New Jersey Citation as it does not seem to carry major penalties in New Jersey. The driver subsequently receives a letter in the mail from the Massachusetts RMV notifying the driver of a 60 day license suspension in Massachusetts for “M81 – Careless / Improper Driving / New Jersey.” The individual must now take action to reinstate his/her license through the Massachusetts RMV.
Under M.G.L. Ch. 90 Sec. 22c, the RMV will impose the penalty for a Careless Operation ticket as if it was received in Massachusetts – which carries a mandatory 60 day loss of license. It is also possible to receive a Suspension Notice from the Massachusetts Registry well after the out of state citation was issued.
Those facing a license suspension for an out of state careless operation ticket should request an appeal with a Hearings Officer at the RMV. At an appeal hearing, drivers are entitled to be represented by a lawyer. If a driver is represented by a lawyer, the attorney will be able to present evidence and make arguments on their behalf during all stages of the RMV appeal process.
Appealing an Out of State Careless / Improper Driving Suspension in MA
Massachusetts Drivers who have had their right to operate a vehicle suspended as a result of an out of state careless operation citation may appeal the suspension to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Suspensions in Massachusetts for out of state violations are first appealed to a Hearings Officer at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If the suspension is not modified or removed at the first hearing, the decision may be appealed to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals is a 3 person Board that hears appeals from the RMV Hearing Officer level.
Depending on the specific circumstances of the suspension, a variety of legal avenues may be available to modify or avoid the suspension. The RMV makes all determinations on a case by case basis and are very fact dependent. Having an experienced attorney present your case is often invaluable to those facing a possible license suspension.
Massachusetts RMV License Suspension Lawyer – Flat Legal Fees
At Caselden Law, we specialize in handling RMV license suspensions. Our law firm has successfully handled numerous cases involving Massachusetts License Suspensions resulting from out of state careless operating citations. Our Boston RMV Lawyers are well versed in the laws pertaining to license suspensions and will work tirelessly to correct our client’s license issue.
Contact our office today to receive a free of charge no obligation quote for representation. We handle all RMV matters on a flat-fee basis.
Contact Us for a Free and Confidential Case Quote. We Handle All RMV Cases on a Fixed Legal Fee Basis.