Below is a list of traffic offenses that justify the driver’s warrantless arrest (pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 21) in Massachusetts:
- operating a motor vehicle without a license (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 10);
- operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 23);
- operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 24[1][a][1]);
- using a motor vehicle without the owner’s authority (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 24[2][a]);
- failing to stop after causing a personal injury (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 24[2][a]);
- operating a motor vehicle negligently or recklessly (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 24[2][a]);
- refusing to submit to a police officer, i.e., failing to stop and/or identify yourself (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 25);
- causing serious bodily injury to another while operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 24L);
- causing a vehicular homicide (M.G.L. c. 90, Sec. 24G[a] or [b]);
As with any arrest, police must first have probable cause that you did in fact violate one or more of the listed offenses.