The Porterville Police Department answers numerous calls from citizens asking many types of common questions. This page addresses the most frequently asked questions.

Q:	I am getting stopped by the police, what should I do next?
Q:	I have been involved in an accident, what should I do next?
Q:	Who is required to wear a seat belt in a vehicle?
Q:	When does a child have to be in a Child Safety Seat?
Q:	Is it illegal to play my stereo too loud?
Q:	How can I reduce the chances of being a victim of vehicle burglary?
Q:	When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
Q:	What is the difference between the two laws?
Q: A:	I am getting stopped by the police, what should I do next? As soon as it is safe, pull over to the right side of the road and stop. Do not stop in the middle of traffic, turn into private driveways, or ignore lights and sirens. After you are safely stopped on the right side of the road, turn your vehicle’s engine off and remain in your vehicle. An officer will then contact you and you will be advised at to why you are being stopped. By law, you are required to present to the officer your (1) Driver’s License – CVC 12951(a), (2) Your Vehicle Registration Card – CVC 4462(a), and (3) Your Proof of Insurance – CVC 16028(a). You could be either warned for the offense(s) you committed, or issued a citation. If you are issued a citation, the Officer will explain what you are being cited for and then ask you to sign the citation. The citation will have the date and time of the violation, your name, the offense(s) you are being cited for, the location of the offense(s), the Officer’s name, and applicable court dates and information. Signing the citation ISN’T AN ADMISSION OF GUILT, IT IS MERELY A PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT. If you refuse to sign the citation, you can be arrested under California Vehicle Section 40302(b) and your vehicle could be towed at your expense.
Q: A:	I have been involved in an accident, what should I do next? If the accident is minor, move your vehicle to a safe location. If the accident is major, turn on your hazard lights and make sure the police is notified immediately. Be sure to tell the dispatcher the location, if there are injuries, and how many vehicles are involved. Under the Vehicle Code Section 20001(a), the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident and shall fulfill the requirements of VC Sections 20003 and 20004. CVC 20003: "The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall also give his or her name, current residence address, the names and current residence addresses of any occupant of the driver's vehicle injured in the accident, the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, and the name and current residence address of the owner to the person struck or the driver or occupants of any vehicle collided with, and shall give the information to any traffic or police officer at the scene of the accident. The driver also shall render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including transporting, or making arrangements for transporting, any injured person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if that transportation is requested by any injured person." CVC 20004: "In the event of death of any person resulting from an accident, the driver of any vehicle involved after fulfilling the requirements of this division, and if there be no traffic or police officer at the scene of the accident to whom to give the information required by Section 20003, shall, without delay, report the accident to the nearest office of the Department of the California Highway Patrol or office of a duly authorized police authority and submit with the report the information required by Section 20003."
Q: A:	Who is required to wear a seat belt in a vehicle? Under CVC Section 27315, everyone in your vehicle must be securely fastened in a safety belt. This is regardless of age, seating location, etc. As the driver of the vehicle, you can be given a citation if you or anyone else in your vehicle is not wearing their seat belt.
Q: A:	When does a child have to be in a Child Safety Seat? Please visit www.carseat.org for more information.
Q: A:	Is it illegal to play my stereo too loud? Yes, under CVC Section 27007, you cannot operate any sound amplification system that can be heard ourside the vehicle from 50 or more feet while on the road; unless the system is being operated to request assistance or warn of a hazardous situation.
Q: A:	How can I reduce the chances of being a victim of vehicle burglary? Do not leave valuables inside your vehicle. Park in a well-lit area. Get an alarm with a flashing LED light and shock sensor. The light lets people know you have an alarm. Shock sensors are designed to go off when the window is broken. It is very common for thieves to break a window to remove property and never set off the car alarm. Park on well-traveled paths. Avoid parking in alleys or small dark streets. Most parking lots have major roads near them; this allows your vehicle to be seen by people passing by. Park inside your garage. If this is not possible, get motion lights for your driveway. Do not leave garage door openers in vehicles left outside. This could facilitate intruders getting into your house. If you have expensive stereo equipment, keep it out of sight. Get a removable stereo or removable faceplate. Be cautious about leaving items in a vehicle trunk. Most trunks can be accessed from within the vehicle.
Q: A:	When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect? The new laws take effect July 1, 2008. Click here for more information from the CHP.
Q: A:	What is the difference between the two laws? The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. The second law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).