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Police chief reports 118 traffic stops, AG guidance on inspection-sticker enforcement
Summary
The police chief reported 118 stops in January (41 for low-level speed, 25 for 11–24 mph over, 4 for 25+), 18 accidents and guidance from the Attorney General not to stop motorists solely for expired inspection stickers pending litigation; animal-control incidents and vehicle maintenance/warranty notes were also covered.
Candia’s Police Chief gave the board a month-by-month report at the Feb. 9 Select Board meeting that included traffic-stop breakdowns, accident counts and enforcement guidance related to vehicle inspection stickers.
The chief said the department recorded 118 traffic stops in the month: 41 for low-level speed infractions, 25 for drivers 11–24 mph over the limit and four for drivers exceeding 25 mph over the speed limit. Officers reported 18 accidents (nine with no injury, one with injury and three unknown) and five vehicles off the road likely due to snow. He said three arrests were linked to motor-vehicle incidents and that total calls for the department were 676 for the reporting period.
On inspection stickers, the chief said departments statewide were taking an advisory posture because of litigation (referencing a challenge tied to Clean Air Act–related litigation); he said the Attorney General’s office had directed departments not to stop motorists solely for an inspection sticker while legal questions are pending. "We're not gonna be pulling people over just for the inspection of the vehicle," he said, adding that officers will still enforce headlights, taillights, brakes and other moving violations.
The chief also reviewed animal-control activity (16 incidents: 4 loose dogs, 5 wildlife calls and 7 registration-related notifications), described equipment issues (two patrol vehicles out for major repairs but covered by warranty) and noted purchases and staffing updates.
The board asked clarifying questions about enforcement priorities and the chief described plans to continue accreditation work and to adopt model policies from other departments.
The board did not take formal policy action during the report; the chief asked residents to clear snow from vehicles and obey safety rules in school zones.
