Traffic Stops:
Steps to follow if you are stopped:
- Pull your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as safely possible and remain in your vehicle, unless the officer requests you exit the vehicle.
- Turn on your vehicle’s interior lights and relax. This will assist in having good communication with the officer.
- Keep your hands in the officer’s view, preferably on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to request your license, registration, and proof of insurance. You are required by law to have these three items with you when operation a motor vehicle in the State of Ohio and failure to do so may result in the issuance of a citation.
- At some point during the traffic stop, the officer may request you to exit your vehicle. The officer has the authority to order you out of the vehicle during a traffic stop(Pennsylvania v. Mimms). There are many reasons for the officer to do so, but many times it is to better communicate with you.
Common reasons for traffic stops:
- Moving Violations: such as speeding, weaving left of center, running a red light or stop sign, etc.
- Registration or Equipment Violations. It is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation of a law and not know it. It’s your responsibility to maintain a safe vehicle and know the laws governing driving privileges.
- Criminal Investigation: Your vehicle may match the description of a suspect’s vehicle.
- Safety Concerns: For example your trunk lid may be open or may have a tree limb or other object caught underneath your vehicle.
Important Reminders
As the driver of the vehicle you are responsible for the conduct of all occupants of your vehicle and all items in your vehicle.
If you do not agree with a reason you were stopped, a citation, or the officer’s demeanor; DO NOT ARGUE with the officer at the scene. You have the right to question your citation in court before a judge. If you feel that the officer has acted improperly, contact the law enforcement agency and ask to speak with a supervisor to fill a complaint.
Traffic Citations:
Adults that were issued a citation from the Oak Hill Police Department will have a court date and time set by the officer for your initial arraignment hearing in Jackson County Municipal Court. The officer will advise you of the court and your court date and time during the traffic stop and it will be noted on the citation. The citation will also note if a cash bond is applicable and it will note if are required to appear in front of a judge or if you may pay the bond as a fine prior to your court date.
Impounds:
If you have your vehicle is impounded by the Oak Hill Police Department, the vehicle will be stored in the Oak Hill Police Impound Lot on South Front Street. To get your vehicle out of impound, you must pay all fees that have incurred on the vehicle at the Oak Hill Village Building, 415 North Front Street, Oak Hill, OH 45656.
The total fee amount will include the tow fee, which is currently $90.00, any special fee that the tow has charged, the storage fee, which is currently $12.00 per calendar day, and in some cases an administration fee of $25.00 may be incurred on your vehicle if the vehicle is not claimed from impound before an impound notice has been sent to the registered owner and any lien holders of the vehicle.
When you come to get your vehicle out of impound, you may tow it away or drive it. If you want to drive the vehicle away, the vehicle must have a valid registration, valid proof of insurance, a valid licensed driver must operate the vehicle, and the vehicle must be in a safe condition for roadway operations.
The Oak Hill Impound Lot’s hours of operation are the same as the Oak Hill Village Building. Their standard hours of operation are as follows, with the exception of observed holidays:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesdays: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.