When can I use 911 to contact the Police?
911 is for emergency use only. You should never dial 911 unless there is a real or actual emergency (Medical or other). Abuse of 911 is a criminal offense. Please us 806-385-5161 for non-emergencies.
How do I file a police report?
Some police reports can be taken over the phone by calling the main number, 806-385-5161. Some reports have to be taken in person either at the police station or by an officer coming to your house.
How can I get a copy of an accident report?
Accident reports are available at the records division. You can get information on a report by calling the main number. You can get a copy of a report by written request, in person, or through the mail. There is a $5.00 fee for accident reports. The records window is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How can I get fingerprinted?
If you need to be fingerprinted, you may come to the police station at 100 W. 6TH ST. Fingerprints can be done Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a $10.00 fee for fingerprinting and a valid driver's license is required. Everyone that is arrested gets fingerprinted.
How can I find out how much a traffic citation will cost?
Call the municipal court at 806-385-5161.
Is there a teen curfew?
Persons age 16 and younger are prohibited from public places without adult supervision between 11:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, while school is in session, and from 12:00 a.m. through 5:00 a.m. on weekends, Friday and Saturday nights, and when school is out for the summer break.
How can I get a copy of my criminal report?
Criminal records are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Call 512-424-2000 for more information.
Can I ride a motorized scooter in the street or on a sidewalk?
Yes, you may ride a motorized scooter, gas,or electric on the streets and sidewalks, under the following circumstances:
- The scooter may not be more than 40cc.
- It must have a deck to enable standing or sitting.
- It may only be used on streets where the speed is no more than 35 mph,
- And if the street is not a main thoroughfare.
- For example: Waylon Jennings Blvd., Hall Ave., Sunset Ave., Delano Ave., Phelps Ave., etc.
- A scooter must obey all traffic laws.
What about mini-motorcycles or "pocketbikes"?
Miniature motorcycles are illegal to operate on public roadways! It is also illegal to operate these vehicles on sidewalks. Also known as "pocket-bikes and pocket rockets" can only be operated on private property. Some buyers have been told that they are legal on public streets in some circumstances, but there are no exceptions! One misconception is that they meet the legal definition of a motor assisted scooter. However, pocket bikes do not meet the statutory requirements of a motor assisted scooter as defined in TRC 551.301. The two primary reasons they are illegal are:
- They can not be registered as vehicles.
- They can not and do not meet the equipment standards required by federal and state law.
Drivers using mini-motorcycles on public streets could face numerous charges including:
- Operating an unregistered vehicle.
- No drover's license.
- No insurance.
- Several equipment violations.
What is the law on passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road?
The new law states that when approaching ANY emergency vehicle (Police, Fire, EMS, etc.), you must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, change lanes if you are on a multi-lane roadway. If you only have one lane then you must slow down to a speed not more that 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
Can the police ask me to leave a parking lot because I am riding my skateboard?
The police can ask you to leave a parking lot if the owner of the lot does not want you skating on their premises.
Can I lose my driver's license if I get caught with tobacco by the police and I am under 18?
Your license can get suspended by a judge if you do not attend the mandatory tobacco awareness class after being convicted of possession of a tobacco product.
How long after my driver's license expires do I have before the police can ticket me for expired license?
You can be ticketed for expired license the day after your license expires.
Can someone drive in the center turn lane?
The lane is designated as a left turn lane only. It is meant to enter an alley or driveway from the main portion of the roadway without impending traffic. The center lane is not designated for merging into traffic or passing vehicles. It is a violation of the law to drive in, or pass other vehicles the turn lane.
Can I cut through a parking lot when traffic is heavy?
No, it is against the law to cut through any parking lot to turn onto one highway from another highway.
Is it legal to drive in the median to make a turn into a parking lot?
No, it is against the law to drive in, or across any median or area designated by crossed lines or hash marks to divide two roadways. It is not legal to drive in the median at any time.
How long does my turn signal have to be on to make a turn?
You are required to activate your signal at least 100 feet before you make your turn or change lanes.
Can I pass a school bus, unloading children, on a road with a median?
You can not pass a school bus when unloading or loading children. The only exception is if the road way is divided, separating the road into two seperate roads. The separation may be made by a concrete barrier or grassy median, not by line painted on the road.
Can I be arrested for a traffic violation?
Yes, anyone can be arrested for any traffic violation except for speeding and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. It is at the officer's discretion on how to handle each situation.
E-mail questions to: lfdpd50@hotmail.com.
