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City of Gaithersburg: Police Services FAQs

Dr. Helen Coy
  • Updated

Animal Control

  • Who should I call for an animal complaint?

    If you need to file a complaint, please follow the instructions below:

    1. For nuisance complaints such as barking dogs, defecation, or dogs off-leash, call 301-279-8000 and press 2, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

      For emergencies, such as sick or injured animals, animal bites, or animal cruelty, call 301-279-8000 and press 2, 24 hours a day.

    2. When calling, provide the following information to the call-taker:
      • Your contact information
      • The address of the pet owner you are complaining about
      • A description of the animal(s) involved
      • The time and date of the violation
         
    3. An Animal Services Officer will contact you to discuss the follow-up process.

    For the following animal-related emergencies, call 911:

    • An animal creating a traffic hazard
    • An animal locked in a hot car
    • Animal attack in progress
    • Animal cruelty in progress

  • Civil

    • Who should I contact if someone will not pay money owed to me?

      This is a civil matter and the complainant needs to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department at 240-777-7000.

  • Crime Stats

    • Where do I get statistics for various locations?

      Go to Crime Summary to see significant incidents that occur within the City. It is updated daily. Also www.crimereports.com can provide assistance, or call 240-773-5120.

  • Criminal/Criminal Law

    • How can I obtain a copy of my criminal record (or lack thereof) for employment purposes?

      You must be fingerprinted to obtain your criminal record. The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website lists locations where fingerprinting services are available. Visit www.dpscs.state.md.us.

    • How do I obtain a criminal background check?

      You must be fingerprinted to obtain your criminal record. For locations where this service is provided, go to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website at www.dpscs.state.md.us. City of Gaithersburg residents can contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at 301-258-6350 for fingerprinting.

    • How do I obtain a criminal warrant for someone?

      Contact the District Court Commissioner in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. You will be asked to fill out an application for charges that you will sign and swear to. If the Commissioner feels that there is probable cause, a warrant or a summons can be issued. Call 301-563-8850 for more information.

    • If I am legally stopped by a police officer on the street, can he search me?

      You can be subject to a search upon arrest or a pat down if there is reasonable suspicion that you have a weapon. Police can also ask your consent to be searched.

    • What happens if I refuse to sign a traffic ticket?

      You are subject to arrest. When signing a citation you are not admitting any guilt, but advising that you will comply with the requirements of the citation (appearing in court or paying the fine).

  • Fingerprinting

    • Where can I get fingerprinted?

      The City does not provide fingerprinting services at this time.

  • Landlord/Tenant

    • Who should I contact to have an officer standby as I get my belongings?

      Contact the dispatch center non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

    • Who should I contact to have my renter evicted?

      This is a civil matter and the complainant needs to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 240-777-7000.

    • Who should I contact to learn what my rights are as a landlord?

      For City of Gaithersburg residents, contact the Neighborhood Services Division at 301-258-6340. For County residents, contact Landlord-Tenant Affairs 240-777-0311.

  • Miscellaneous

    • Between what hours may construction take place or yard equipment be used?

      Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekdays, and between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekends.

    • Does the City Police handle bicycle registration?

      The Gaithersburg Police Department is no longer handling bicycle registration. This can be done online with the Montgomery County Bicycle Registration System.

    • Who does a citizen call for a gas leak?

      Washington Gas at 703-750-1400 or the Fire Department (911) if it’s an emergency.

    • Who does a citizen call for power outages?

      Pepco at 1-877-737-2662.

    • Who does a citizen call for water main breaks?

      WSSC at 301-206-4002.

    • Who does a citizen call to report loud music?

      Dispatch center’s non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

  • Moving

    • If moving, can I request restricted parking?

      Please email requests for temporary no parking signs to the City of Gaithersburg Department of Public Works at publicworks@gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6370. Signs must be posted 48 hours in advance.

  • Parking Permits

    • Who does a City resident contact for temporary parking permits for a special event?

      Gaithersburg Police Department. For example, if you are hosting an event in your home and live on a permit parking only street, you will need temporary permits allowing your guests to park on your street for your event for a specific date and time. Call 301-258-6400 for more information.

    • Who does a City resident contact to obtain a permanent parking permit for their residence?

      Gaithersburg Police Department at 301-258-6400.

  • Paying Tickets

    • If I have paid my parking ticket in full who can issue my flag release?

      Once your ticket is paid in full, MVA is notified within 24 hours of your payment.

    • If I have paid my speed camera ticket in full, who can issue my flag release?

      A speed camera operator at 4040 Blackburn Lane #200, Burtonsville, MD. 20866 or by phone at 866-818-3844 or contact Gaithersburg Police Department Staff at 301-258-6400.

    • Where can I find the City’s parking ordinance?

      Parking restriction information can be found on the City of Gaithersburg’s City Code web page under: City Code - Motor Vehicles and Traffic - Chapter 14.

    • Where can I pay my parking ticket?

      You can pay your parking ticket online, at the Gaithersburg Police Station, or by mail or by phone at 1-877-220-0401. Payment must be received by GPD prior to 30 days from the ticket issue date to avoid penalty charges.

    • Where can I pay my speed camera ticket?

      On our Safe Speed Program page, by calling 1-866-818-3844, or in person at 4040 Blackburn Lane #200, Burtonsville Md. 20866 or by mail, check or money order, made payable to Montgomery County, mailed to Montgomery County, P.O. Box 1054, Rockville, MD 20849.

  • Report a Crime

    • What should I do if I see a person driving recklessly or aggressively?

      If you have a cell phone dial #77 and this will connect you with the nearest State Police barrack. Give the dispatcher your name, phone number, the highway on which you are traveling, the direction of travel, color, make and license number of the vehicle. Follow the directions of the dispatcher and a lookout will be given for the vehicle. Do NOT attempt to keep up with a reckless driver - it will only jeopardize your safety.

  • Traffic

    • Is it illegal for a person to ride in the cargo bed of a pick-up truck?

      A child younger than 16 years may not ride in an unenclosed cargo bed of a pick-up truck.

    • Who does a citizen call if they lost their copy of a MOVING violation traffic ticket?

      For tickets issued in Montgomery County, call the District Traffic Court at 301-563-8800. Or you can use the online form at www.courts.state.md.us/district/forms/general/dr049O.pdf. Follow the instructions for completing the form, select your option, print, date, sign, and return the form to the Traffic Processing Center within 30 days after receipt of the citation. Use the Judiciary's Online Case Search to access information such as citation number, fine amount, date of the violation, and county in which you received the citation in order to have your payment or request applied correctly.

    • Who should I contact to report an abandoned vehicle?

      Contact the Montgomery County Abandoned Auto Section at 240-773-6411.

    • Who should I contact to report traffic light malfunctions or outages?

      Contact the Montgomery County Traffic Engineering and Operations Section at 240-777-6000 Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. After hours call the dispatch non-emergency center at 301-279-8000.

  • Vehicle Equipment

    • Are blue headlights legal?

      No, blue headlights are not legal. Headlights must be white in color. Any required lamp, lens, or reflector that is obscured by any object or shielded by a nontransparent material, or any headlamp equipped with aftermarket clear, tinted or screen type color is prohibited. For more information see Maryland law, mgaleg.maryland.gov.

    • How can I tell if my window tint is legal?

      On passenger cars, convertibles and station wagons:

      • All windows with aftermarket (added) tint must have at least 35% light transmittance.
      • Red, yellow, amber, and reflective window tint is prohibited.

      On multipurpose vehicles, limousines, vans, and class “E” trucks that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) equal to or less than 10,000 pounds:

      • Windows on the driver and right front passenger doors with aftermarket (added) tint must have at least 35% light transmittance. Red, yellow, amber, and reflective tint is prohibited on these windows. All other windows can be tinted to any degree of darkness or color. However, reflective tint is prohibited.
      • Post manufacture window tint is prohibited on the windshield of any vehicle below the AS1 line or 5 inches from the top of the windshield.

    • How do I obtain a title for a salvaged or self-assembled vehicle?

      Through the Motor Vehicle Administration. Visit www.mva.state.md.us.

    • How do I transfer a motor vehicle title in Maryland?

      Typically all you need is the signed title, a vehicle inspection and a check for the taxes owed. For more information visit www.mva.state.md.us.

    • I bought a used car and need to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspected before I can register it. How can I get a VIN inspection?

      You can call the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101 and the duty officer can help you set up an appointment.

    • I just received a Safety Equipment Repair Order. How do I comply?

      On the copy of the SERO that you received, you will see the violation for which you were cited. Those with an asterisk (*) may be visually inspected by a member of any police agency that participates in the SERO program. For violations without an asterisk, you must take the vehicle to a certified inspection station and they must certify that the problem was corrected. After the problem is corrected, mail the SERO to the address provided on the copy you received.

    • I want to install some “after-market equipment” on my vehicle. I’m not sure whether it is legal or not. Who can I check with?

      Contact the Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Section via e-mail at msp.ased@maryland.gov.

    • What is the maximum lift height for a vehicle? And how do you measure it?

      The maximum height for Class A (passenger vehicle) is 20 inches, Class M (multipurpose) is 28 inches, Class E (pickup trucks) registered 10,000 pounds or less is 28 inches, Class E (pickup trucks) registered over 10,000 but not more than 18,000 pounds is 32 inches. This is measured from ground level to the frame side rails. Contact the Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Section at msp.ased@maryland.gov for additional information.

    • Who does a citizen call if they lost their copy of a Safety Equipment Repair Order?

      Maryland State Police at 301-424-2101.

  • Vehicle Operation

    • How much over the speed limit do I have to go before I will get a ticket?

      Anytime that you drive over the posted speed limit you may legally be issued a citation.

    • I got a traffic ticket and want to attend traffic safety school to get the fine reduced. How do I do that?

      You can request this from the judge at your trial. He may give you probation before judgment and you will have to set up Driver Improvement Program School. This can be done at most community colleges.

    • I received a speeding ticket in Maryland and lost it? What do I do?

      You can contact the District Court of Maryland at 301-563-8800 and give them your name. It takes awhile for the information to be entered into the computer. If a citation is not paid then you will get a court date in the mail. Or you can use the online form www.courts.state.md.us/district/forms/general/dr049O.pdf. Follow the instructions for completing the form, select your option, print, date, sign, and return the form to the Traffic Processing Center within 30 days after receipt of the citation. Use the Judiciary’s Online Case Search to access information such as citation number, fine amount, date of the violation, and county in which you received the citation in order to have your payment or request applied correctly.

    • What are the penalties for impaired driving in Maryland?

      For the first offense a $500.00 fine and up to 2 months imprisonment. For the second offense, a $500.00 fine and up to 1 year imprisonment.

    • What happens if I refuse to sign a traffic ticket?

      You are subject to arrest. When signing a citation you are not admitting any guilt, but advising that you will comply with the requirements of the citation (appearing in court or paying the fine).

    • What should I do if I witness or come upon a crash?

      Pull safely off the roadway, see if anyone is injured and, if you have a cell phone, dial 911. Make sure that you give the dispatcher your exact location (Route number and direction of travel), your name and phone number, how many persons were injured and the severity of injury.

  • Vehicle/Vehicle Law

    • Are radar/laser detectors legal in Maryland?

      Yes, in vehicles that are less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

    • Can a person under the age of 16, with a learner's permit from their home state legally drive in Maryland?

      No. Maryland does not recognize out-of-state permits.

    • Do motorcycle riders have to wear a helmet in Maryland?

      Yes. The helmets must meet the standards set by the Motor Vehicle Administration. For more information visit www.mva.state.md.us.

    • How can I clear my own driving record?

      You can ask for an expungement through the Motor Vehicle Administration. For more information visit www.mva.state.md.us.

    • How do I request a motor vehicle accident report?

      You may obtain the collision (accident) report in two ways: by mail or in person at the Gaithersburg Police Station located at 16 South Summit Avenue.

      Please Note: The Police Department is required to verify that the person requesting the police report is an involved party in the incident. If your collision report was taken by a Montgomery County Police Officer or a Maryland State Trooper, you will need to contact those respective agencies, as we are unable to release collision reports handled by other law enforcement agencies.

      By Mail: To request a collision (accident) report, please mail the following items to the address below:

      Mailing Address:
      Gaithersburg Police Department
      16 South Summit Avenue
      Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

      In Person: You can obtain a copy of the report at the Gaithersburg Police Department located at 16 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Reports for collisions investigated by the Gaithersburg Police are available five days after the date of the collision during station hours (8 a.m. - 9 p.m., 7 days a week, excluding City Holidays). Please bring:

      It is recommended that you call the Gaithersburg Police Department at 301-258-6400 prior to coming to ensure the report is available.

    • I just moved to Maryland. When do I have to obtain an in-State driver’s license and vehicle registration?

      Within 60 days.

    • I understand that when I get a traffic ticket, I also get “points” on my driving record. What are “points” and how does the points system work?

      The point system is administered by the Motor Vehicle Administration. Traffic violations are misdemeanor crimes in Maryland and, for moving violations, upon conviction you are assessed points to your driving record. When you are convicted of a traffic violation, points accumulate for a two year period. A license will be suspended when a driver accumulates 8 points and revoked when a driver accumulates 12 points.

    • In Maryland, can I be stopped for not wearing my seatbelt if I do not commit any other violation?

      Yes. In Maryland it is a primary offense (one for which you can be stopped) to operate a vehicle while not wearing a seatbelt.

    • Is a front license plate required on Maryland-registered cars?

      Yes. When two plates are required, one must be on the front and one must be on the rear of the vehicle. They must be mounted in the manner intended by the manufacturer (not in the rear window or secured with a metal coat hanger, etc).

    • Is it legal for me to use a mobile phone or text while driving?

      Mobile phones can only be used hands-free and texting is prohibited. Using a mobile device not in hands-free mode and texting are both primary offenses.

    • What percent can windows be tinted on the vehicle?

      For passenger cars, 35%. Windows behind the driver’s seat may be tinted darker on SUV’s. Tint may be tested by the Automotive Safety Enforcement Section at the Glen Burnie Motor Vehicle Administration.

    • Who should I contact to report an abandoned vehicle?

      Contact the Montgomery County Abandoned Auto Section at 240-773-6411.

  • Warrants/Restraining Orders

    • Where can I obtain a restraining order?

      The police cannot issue a restraining order. You must go to the Court Commissioner’s office in Rockville. The phone number is 301-563-8850, toll free 1-800-944-1341.

    • Who does a citizen call to see if they have a warrant?

      Montgomery County Warrants at 240-773-5360.

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