Manvel Police Department
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 
Q. How do file a police report?
Q. I had a minor accident but did not call to report it to the police department, but I need a report for insurance purposes. What can I do?
Q. How can I get a copy of an accident report?
Q. What are the the new laws that went into effect September 1, 2009?
Q. How can I get fingerprinted?
Q. How can I find out how much a traffic citation will cost?
Q. Where can I get additional information on Real Estate scams and/or Mortgage Fraud?
Q. Do I need an alarm permit for a home alarm?
Q. What is the law on passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road?
Q. Can the police ask me to leave a parking lot because I am riding my skateboard?
Q. Can I lose my driver’s license if I get caught with tobacco by the police and I am under 18?
Q. How long after my driver’s license expires do I have before the police can ticket me for expired license?

Q. Can someone drive in the center turn lane? (on Hwy 6)

Q. Can I cut through the a parking lot when traffic is heavy?

Q. Is it legal to drive in the median to make a turn into a parking lot?
Q. How long does my turn signal have to be on to make a turn?
Q. Can I pass a school bus, unloading children, on a road with a median?
Q. Can I be arrested for a traffic violation?
Q. I heard something about "Points" being assessed to my driving record. What is this about?
Q. What are the recommended actions for Citizens in regard to the Department of Homeland Securities Threat Levels?

Q. How do file a police report?

A. You can either come by the station at 19701 Morris Ave or you can call Communications, 281.489.1212, and have an officer come to your house to take the report.

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Q. I had a minor accident but did not call to report it to the police department, but I need a report for insurance purposes. What can I do?

A. A person involved in an accident must either report the accident to Manvel Police Department or fill out Texas Department of Transportation Form CR-2 ("Blue Form")**. Manvel Police Department will not be able to investigate the accident, since the vehicles have been moved, evidence at the scene has been removed, or witnesses will not be able to be interviewed. In cases such as these, you will need to fill out the ST-2 form.. This form can be downloaded from any computer with Internet access or can be obtained in person by coming by the police department. You have ten days to fill out the form and submit it to the Texas Department of Public Safety, do not send the form to the Manvel Police Department.

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Q. How can I get a copy of an accident report?

A. Accident reports are available 24x7 from this website: http://accidentreports.manvelpd.org. If you do not have internet access or you do not want to purchase online, then you will need to fill out a "request for disclosure of public records**. You can either mail, fax or bring the form by the station. There is a $4.00 fee for accident reports. This fee must be paid prior to receipt of the report. Reports can be obtained in person Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 2:00 pm or via download from the the website above.

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Q. How can I get fingerprinted?

A. Everyone that is arrested gets fingerprinted. If you need to be fingerprinted for other purposes AND you have legal residence within the city limits of Manvel, you may come to the police station at 19701 Morris Ave, between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm Monday through Friday. This service is provided FREE of charge for those who qualify, you will need a valid drivers license or state ID. If you do not have residency status within the city limits of Manvel, you will need to contact your local police department or the Brazoria County Sheriffs Department at 281.331.9000.

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Q. How can I find out how much a traffic citation will cost?

A. Visit the Municipal Court's website or call via telephone at 281.489.1229. Criminal records are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Call 512-424-2000 for more information.

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Q. Do I need an alarm permit for a home or business alarm?

A. Yes and No, alarm permits are NOT required for home alarms; however,  they are required for ALL business alarms within the City of Manvel. Permits can be obtained from city hall with a $25.00 annual fee. Please contact the Permits & Inspections clerk at 281.489.0630. You can download the form(s) by clicking on the link below:

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Q. What is the law on passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road?

A. The new law states that when approaching ANY stationary emergency vehicle (Police, Fire, EMS etc.) with its emergency lights on you must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle (i.e., change lanes if you are on a multi-lane roadway). If you only have one lane then you must slow to a speed not more than 20 MPH below the posted speed limit. (Transportation Code 545.157)

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Q. Can the police ask me to leave a parking lot because I am riding my skateboard?

A. The police can ask you to leave a parking lot if the owner of the lot does not want you skating on their premises.

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Q. Can I lose my driver’s license if I get caught with tobacco by the police and I am under 18?

A. 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.

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Q. How long after my driver’s license expires do I have before the police can ticket me for expired license?

A. You can be ticketed for expired license the day after your license expires.

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Q. Can someone drive in the center turn lane? (on Hwy 6)

A. 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 impeding 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.

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Q. Can I cut through the a parking lot when traffic is heavy?

A. No, It is against the law to cut through any parking lot to turn onto one highway from another highway.

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Q. Is it legal to drive in the median to make a turn into a parking lot?

A. No, it is against the law to drive in, or across any median or area designated by crossed lines or hash marks to dive two roadways. It is not legal to drive in the median at any time.

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Q. How long does my turn signal have to be on to make a turn?

A. You are required to activate your turn signal at least 100 feet before you make your turn or change lanes.

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Q. Can I pass a school bus, unloading children, on a road with a median?

A. You cannot pass a school bus when unloading or loading children. The only exception is if the roadway is divided, separating the road into two separate roads. The separation may be made by a concrete barrier or grassy median, not by lines painted on the road.

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Q. Can I be arrested for a traffic violation?

A. Yes, with the exception of speeding and having an open container in a vehicle, you can be arrested for any traffic violation. It is at the officer's discretion on how to handle each situation.

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Q. I heard something about "Points" being assessed to my driving record. What is this about?

A. The Driver Responsibility law (TRC Chapter 708) was enacted by the 78th legislative session (House Bill 3588) and establishes a system that assesses surcharges based on certain traffic offenses. DRP only applies to offenses that occurred on or after September 1, 2003. Click here to read more about the program.

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Q. What are the recommended actions for Citizens in regard to the Department of Homeland Securities Threat Levels?

A. Download this one-page guide with recommended actions for each level. Citizen Guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System (PDF - 1 page, 132 KB)   Developed with input from the American Red Cross.

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Q. Where can I get additional information on Real Estate scams and/or Mortgage Fraud?

A. Here are a couple of websites that you can obtain further information regarding Real Estate Scams and/or Mortgage Fraud:

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** All forms are in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view/print the forms. Click here to download the latest version.

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