A surprise compliance check of school transport vehicles in Hingham this morning yielded 18 violations and two criminal complaints. MassDOT RMV inspectors teamed up with the Hingham police to perform the checks outside the South Shore Educational Collaborative.
Registry inspectors and police officers stopped 62 vehicles. Among the complaints filed- the driver of a South Shore Community Action Council van from Plymouth did not have a valid 7-D license. Driving without the required 7-D license carries a $500 fine.
Officers also issued citations for defective equipment such as bald tires and safety violations such as vehicle overloading and not ensuring that children are properly secured in car seats or seat belts.
Repeat offenders are called in for a hearing with RMV officers which could result in the suspension of their 7-D license.
Drivers of the so-called 7-D vehicles must undergo a criminal background check to apply for a special license. The 7-D vehicles, usually cargo vans and station wagons, must also undergo special inspections twice a year to ensure safety features are working properly.
RMV teams up with local police periodically for surprise 7D compliance checks. Earlier this month, the Registry teamed up with Brockton police to issue 17 citations townwide on buses, vans and station wagons carrying youngsters to Brockton elementary schools.
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