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1. Does the Watertown Police Department install or inspect child car seats?

Effective Octover 1, 2009, due to staffing shortages, the Watertown Police Department will no longer offer Child Safety Seat installations and inspections. The Watertown Police Department Traffic Division is proud to make available a nationally certified Child Car Seat technician. Please contact Officer Charles Samios to schedule a car seat installation at 617-972-6497.

2. How do I make a parking complaint?

Call the main business number, 617-972-6500. Explain the situation in as much detail as possible (type of car, color of car and license plate if possible) to the Dispatcher or Police Officer that answers the call and a cruiser will be dispatched to investigate your complaint.

3. How do I report speeding cars in my neighborhood?

Call the main business number, 617-972-6500. Explain the situation in as much detail as possible (type of car, color of car and license plate if possible) to the Dispatcher or Police Officer that answers the call and a cruiser will be dispatched to investigate your complaint. You may also make a request to have one of the Department’s Radar Trailers placed on your street.

4. How do I pay or appeal a parking ticket?

Follow the directions on the ticket (PDF) to request an appeal. Parking tickets may be paid in person at Town Hall or through the mail using the address on the ticket.

5. How do I pay or appeal a moving violation?

Follow the instructions on the back of the citation (PDF) to request an appeal or make your payment. You may also pay moving violations online through the Registry of Motor Vehicle’s website.

6. I locked my keys in my car, can the Police Department assist me?

Due to safety concerns regarding side impact airbags and the anti-theft features of modern vehicles, the Watertown Police Department will no longer provide motor vehicle lockouts absent an emergency situation. You will need to call a towing company.

7. When do I have to file an accident report?

If any person is killed or injured or where there is damage in excess of $1,000 to any one vehicle or other property you must file an accident report.

8. Where can I obtain an accident report form?

Any police department will carry a supply of accident report forms. Forms can also be downloaded (PDF).

9. How long do I have to file an accident report?

You have 5 business days starting the next business day after the accident.

10. Where do I file my accident report?

You need to have 3 copies of your accident report and send them to the following:

• The police department that has jurisdiction over the location where your accident occurred
• Registry of Motor Vehicles
• Your insurance company or keep for your own records if not needed by same

It is suggested you contact your insurance agent and they will in turn mail your accident reports to the appropriate agencies.

11. What kind of information should I retrieve from the other operator if I’m in an accident?

You should obtain the following information:

• Operator’s name, current address, license number and expiration, and date of birth
• Vehicle’s registration number, make, model, color
• Vehicle owner’s name and address

12. Can I get a copy of the police officer’s accident report?

It is the policy of the Watertown Police Department not to release the investigating officer’s report of an accident until all persons involved file their reports. However, the police department will release the front side of the officer’s report which contains the necessary operator, vehicle and insurance information.

Need additional information? Visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles website.

13. When does the all night parking ban start?

Typically, enforcement of the all night parking ban begins the Sunday following Thanksgiving and ends on April 1st. These dates may vary from year to year. Check our homepage for the most current information. Parking on any public way within the Town of Watertown between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. for more than one hour is prohibited, this overnight parking is typically only enforced during the winter months.

14. What is an abandoned motor vehicle?

A vehicle left parked and unattended for 72 hours or more. If a vehicle is legally parked on a public way and is left for more than 72 hours by its owner, said vehicle may be deemed to be abandoned as provided by Chapter 90 § 22C. The assigned officer, may after investigation, tow said vehicle in accordance with departmental towing procedures.