TRAFFIC SAFETY

How do I get a stop sign or other traffic control sign put up on my street?

In order to get a stop sign or other traffic control sign you must contact the Traffic Safety Officer @ 445-5100 ext. 122. He will send a package of information and forms that must be completed. Once this package is returned he will then forward that package to the Traffic Engineer. The Traffic Engineer will then study the problem and based on all the information provided to him, his personal observations, and state guidelines he will make a recommendation. His recommendation will be to either approve or deny the request. This will then go before the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee who will make the final decision.

Should I license my bicycle?

Yes, you should register your bicycle. The information you provide for registration will come in handy should your bicycle be stolen. The police department will need the serial number so that it may be entered into the nationwide computer system as stolen. Also, the police department recovers many bicycles throughout the year. A license will provide the information necessary to return these bicycles to their rightful owners.

Where do I register my bicycle?

Bicycles may be registered at the City Clerks office. Bring the serial number, make, model, size and color of the bicycle with you. If you need any further information about licenses, please contact the Clerk's Office at 445-5026.

How do I report an accident / vehicle crash?

In order to handle crash report investigations efficiently and expeditiously the Eastpointe Police Department has set down the following guidelines for taking crash reports:

Both drivers must be present at the time of the report; the exceptions are a hit and run crash or a private property crash.

The vehicles involved must not have been repaired and must be brought to the station for inspection of the damage.

The department time limitations for taking reports are as follows:

Serious (Injury) Crashes - 72 hours to report
Minor (Property damage) Crashes - 72 hours to report
Hit and Run crashes - 7 Days to report
Private Property Crashes - 7 Days to report

I've made an accident report, how do I get a copy of it?

It generally takes 3 business days for the report to become available at the records bureau. You may contact them to obtain a copy of the crash report. The Records Bureau can be reached at 445-5100.

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REQUESTS FOR EXTRA ENFORCEMENT

Requests for extra enforcement for excessive speed, running stop signs, parking violations, etc. should be directed to the Traffic Safety Officer at 445-5100 ext.122. Each request will be evaluated and a determination made whether or not the request will be honored.

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MOTOR CARRIER UNIT

Disclaimer: The following information is provided as a general reference. You should consult the following organizations or reference material for specifics:

Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division, Michigan Department of State, Public Act 300 (Michigan Vehicle Code), Public Act 181 (Motor Carrier Safety Act), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR).

How do I know if the Motor Carrier Regulations apply to me?

The Motor Carrier Regulations apply to you if your vehicle(s) fall under the definition of Commercial Motor Vehicle.

What is a Commercial Motor Vehicle?

The Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1963 defines a Commercial Motor Vehicle or CMV as any self propelled or towed vehicle designed or used on public highways to transport passengers or property, except for a bus exempted in subdivision (b), if the vehicle is 1 or more of the following:

1.  Has either a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or an actual gross weight (GW) or

2.  Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or an actual gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 or more pounds.

3.  Is designed for carrying 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

4.  Is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded pursuant to 49 C.F.R. parts 100 to 180.

What this basically means is that if:

You drive a vehicle that the manufacturer specifies (GVWR) can carry over 10,000 pounds by itself or actually weighs (gross weight) with load over 10,000 pounds you fall under the regulations.

You drive a combination of vehicles that when the two vehicles weight ratings are combined, they exceed 10,001 pounds. An example of this would be a pick up truck which has a manufacturers rating (GVWR) of 8,000 pounds pulling a trailer which has a manufacturers rating (GVWR) of 3,000 pounds. When you combine (GCWR) the two 8,000 + 3,000 = 11,000 you fall under the regulations.

You drive a vehicle or combination of vehicles that actually weigh (including load) over 10,001 pounds; you fall under the regulations.

Do I need a medical card, I'm not driving a Semi Truck and I don't need a C.D.L.? If I do, how do I get one?

If you drive a commercial motor vehicle as defined then you must have a physical examination every two years and doctor must certify that you meet all the health guidelines. He must certify this by signing the Medical Examiners Certificate. This card must be carried on your person anytime you drive a commercial motor vehicle. The forms may be obtained through several different organizations, contact the Michigan Truck Safety Commission (1-800-682-4682) for further information.

Do my trucks need to be inspected by anyone before I drive them on the road?

Yes, the law requires all commercial motor vehicles to pass an annual (yearly) inspection. Even newly purchased trucks from the dealer must have the inspection. Law has established the guidelines for this inspection. You must carry a copy of this inspection with each vehicle. The forms may be obtained through several different organizations. Contact the Michigan Truck Safety Commission (1-800-682-4682) for further information.

What type of drivers' license do I need to drive a truck?

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE

GROUP A - To operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR)* of 26,001 pounds or more including a towed trailer or vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds you must have a CDL with a Group A endorsement.

GROUP B - If you drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds or a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds as long as the vehicle you are towing is rated under 10,000 pounds.

GROUP C - You must obtain a Group C Endorsement to operate small vehicles (less than 26,001 pounds GVWR) which:

1.  Are designed to transport more than 15 people (incl. the driver).

2.  Carry 15 people or less (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.

3.  Carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding

CHAUFFEURS LICENSE
You are required to obtain a chauffeurs license if:

1.  You are a person who operates a motor vehicle as a motor common carrier of property or a motor contract carrier of property as defined in section 1(f) and (h) of the motor carrier act, 1933 PA 254, MCL 475.1, or a motor carrier of passengers as defined in section 3 of The Motor Bus Transportation Act, 1982 PA 432, MCL 474.103.

2.  You are a person who is employed for the principal purpose * of operating a motor vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more.

3.  You are a person who operates a pupil transportation vehicle used for the regularly scheduled transportation of pupils between school and home, or a person who operates a bus or school bus.

4.  You are a person who operates a taxi.

5.  You are a person who operates a limousine as defined by section 3 of the limousine transportation act, 1990 PA 271, MCL 257.1903.

NOTE: For purposes of subsection (1)(b), a person shall be considered to be employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle when the person's employment customarily involves the necessary use of a motor vehicle for hire or for transporting passengers for hire, or for transporting for gain or hire any merchandise for display, sale, or delivery.

What type of license plate do I need for my truck?

There are various types of commercial truck plates available. You must tell the clerk at the Secretary of State office exactly what type of vehicle you have, what you plan on doing with it and if you are towing a trailer for pleasure or in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise (business). When you go to the local Secretary of State branch office you should have the following information ready:

1.  Type of vehicle (dump truck, stake truck, pick up truck, etc)

2.  Weight of the vehicle

3.  Whether you plan on pulling a trailer

4.  The total weight you plan on carrying (loaded weight of truck) (loaded weight of trailer also)

Note: Improper or incorrect type of license registration plate could lead to fines and penalties in excess of $500 and confiscation of the license plate.

Fuel Permit, what is that and do I really need one?

You must obtain a Motor Fuel Tax License (Fuel Permit) if you use a diesel powered motor vehicle for the transportation of persons or property and meets any of the following criteria:

1.  Has 3 or more axles regardless of weight

2.  Has 2 axles and a gross weight or registered weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or,

3.  Is used in a combination of vehicles and the gross combination weight or registered combination weight exceeds 26,000 pounds

4.  Is required whether you operate only in Michigan or across state borders. Your particular operation will determine which tax license you will need.

(** Source: Truck Drivers GuideBook - Michigan Truck Safety Commission)

For further information on FUEL Permits and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) contact the Michigan Department of Treasury - Fuel Tax Division

What about...?

There is not enough space to cover every question that you may have. It is recommended that if you have unanswered questions you can contact the Eastpointe Police Department Motor Carrier Unit or any of the following valuable resources:

Michigan Truck Safety Commission (800) 682-4682 (Training, Driver evaluation, Truck Drivers Guide Book )
Web Site: www.mtsc.org

Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division (517) 336-6195
Web Site:  http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1593_3536---,00.html

Michigan Secretary of State (517) 322-1460: http://www.michigan.gov/sos

International Registration Plan Unit (517) 322-1097

Michigan Department of Treasury (FUEL TAX PERMITS )
(517) 373 - 3180
Web Site: http://www.michigan.gov/treasury

Michigan Department of Transportation (Oversize Permits)
(517) 373-2120
Web Site: http://www.michigan.gov/mdot

U.S. Department of Transportation - Office of Motor Carrier
Web Site: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

U.S. Department of Transportation: www.dot.gov/

Federal Highway Administration: www.fhwa.dot.gov

NO ZONE - Public Awareness Campaign
Web Site: www.nozone.org

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RECORDS BUREAU

What are the hours of operation for the record bureau?

How do I obtain a copy of a police report I made?

You should wait 3 business days from the date you made the report and then come to the record bureau between the listed times.

What does it cost for a copy of a report?

Freedom of Information Act

Requests should be directed to the Eastpointe Police Department Administrative Officer.

Criminal Records Check

A criminal records check (Criminal History) may be obtained by making a request to the Michigan Department of State Police- Central Records Division. For specifics on how to do this you may contact them at (517) 322-5509.

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ANIMAL CONTROL

I've lost my dog / cat, who should I call?

The animal control officer maintains a list of lost and found animals. You may call to report a found animal that you are holding or to report a lost animal.

Where does the Animal Control Officer take stray animals?

All stray animals picked up by Animal Control are taking to the Macomb County Animal Shelter. The shelter is located in Mt. Clemens and may be contacted at 586-469-5115.

How do I contact the animal control officer?

The Animal Control Officer 's schedule varies, if you need to speak with the A.C.O., you should contact the police department at 445-5100. The desk officer will take a message and forward it to the A.C.O., who will get back with you as soon, as is practical.

What are the hours that the Animal Control Officer is available?

Generally, the animal control officer works 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The days that the A.C.O. is available vary from week to week.

How do I get an animal trap?

You must call the Animal Control Officer at 445-5100. If a trap is available it will be brought out and set it up. If no traps are available when you call, your name will be put on a waiting list, and you will be called as soon as a trap becomes available.

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

How can I arrange a tour of the police station?

Tours may be arranged through the Crime Prevention Officer at 445-5100.

How can I find out if I have a warrant for my arrest?

You must appear in person and present positive identification; a check will be performed statewide.

How can I get a copy of my driving record?

The police department cannot provide you with a copy of your driving record. You must contact the Secretary of State to obtain this.

How do I report drug activity in my neighborhood?

You may call the police department general number or the Special Investigations Unit at 445-5100. The more information you can provide the better it is. Information such as names and address of the person you are reporting. Vehicle information (license plate numbers if possible), type of activity, hours that it's occurring, etc. You do not have to leave your name however it is helpful should further information be needed.

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HOW DO I REPORT A CRIME?

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POLICE AUCTIONS

PROPERTY - Police auctions are generally held once a year either in the summer or fall. The auction is advertised at the police station and in the local paper.

AUTOMOBILES - Vehicles, which are impounded or deemed abandoned by this department, are disposed of at public auction according to law. The auctions are generally held once a month at the impound yard. To find out when the next auction is you may contact our impound yard.

Towing Services - Wood's Towing (586) 775-5220.

*** We hope that this section provides you with some helpful information and basic guidelines. If you need any further police information, you can contact us on the general information telephone line at (586) 445-5100.

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