Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I file a police report?
A. You can either come by the police station at 6615 N. Masters or you can contact the Manvel Police Department at 281-489-1212 and have an officer come to your house to take the report. Reprots can not be taken over the telephone.
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 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 CR-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 Transportation; do not send the form to the Manvel Police Department.
Q. How can I get a copy of an accident report?
A. Accident reports are available 24/7 from this website: http://manveltx.accidentreports.us. If you do not have internet access or you do not want to purchase online, then you will need to fill out an Open Records Request form**. You can mail, fax, or bring the form by the police department. There is a $6.00 fee, payable by check or money order, no cash, payable to City of Manvel, for each accident report. This fee must be paid prior to receipt of the report.
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 6615 N. Masters, 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 Sheriff’s Office at 281-331-9000.
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.
Q. Do I need an alarm permit for a home or business alarm?
A. Yes, if you your residence or buisiness is located within the City Limits of Manvel. Alarm permits are required for all monitored alarm systems including police, fire, and medical alarms. The alarm permit application can by download by clicking here.
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 (change lanes if you are on a multi-lane roadway). If you only have one lane then you must slow to a speed at least 20 MPH below the posted speed limits. (Texas Transportation Code 545.157)
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.
Q. Can I lose my drivers license if I get caught with tobacco by the police and I am under 18?
A. You license can be suspended by a judge if you do not attend the mandatory tobacco awareness class after being convicted of possession of a tobacco product.
Q. How long after my drivers 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.
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 in the turn lane.
Q. Can I cut through 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.
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 town separate roads. The separation may be made by a concrete barrier or grassy median, not by lines painted on the road.
Q. Can I be arrested for a traffic violation?
A. Yes, with the exception of speeding and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, you can be arrested for any traffic violation. It is at the officer's discretion on how to handle each situation.
Q. I heard something about "Points" being assessed to my driving record. What is this about?
A. The Driver Responsibility law (Texas Transportation Code Chapter 708) was enacted by the 78th legislation session (House Bill 2588) and establishes a system that assesses surcharge 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.
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, 132KB). Developed with input from the American Red Cross.
