Do you know why the power, cable, or telephone is out or when it will be back on?
No. The Stow Police Department is not notified of this information by utility companies. You would need to contact the individual utility companies for that specific information. Do not call the police department to inquire as they have no more information than you have.
Why did I get a seat belt ticket when I just took it off when I got stopped?
The Stow Police Department has a zero tolerance policy for seat belt violations. The officer needs to see you with your seat belt on. It doesn't matter that you may have been wearing it as you were driving along, the officer may not have seen you wearing it as you passed him at highway speeds. When you are pulled over, leave your seat belt on and do not make any movements toward the glove box or anywhere else in the car. Simply sit with your hands in clear view and wait for the officer to approach make a request for a license or insurance paperwork. It may help you to avoid a ticket.
When is the tornado siren tested?
The tornado siren is tested on the first Saturday of every month at 6pm, provided storm conditions are not present at that time.
What should I do during a real tornado alert?
Take shelter inside your home on the lowest level, preferably in an interior, windowless room. If you are outside, lie flat in the lowest area you can find and cover your neck and head with your hands. Never take shelter in an automobile or mobile home or trailer. Never try to outrun the storm. Seek shelter inside a substantial building if possible.
Isn't there a law against Road Rage?
The term Road Rage was created in the media to describe emotion-based reckless, aggressive, and intimidating driving. There is no specific offense in Ohio Law entitled "Road Rage," but the actions which are labeled "Road Rage" are specific offenses. Among these are: menacing; reckless operation, impeding, and assault, to name a few.
How many drinks can I have before I become legally "drunk"?
There is no reliable means to predict how many alcoholic beverages an individual can consume before becoming "drunk" or impaired. However, it is more than just two beers.
In past years, various companies and websites have published charts which try to predict the blood-alcohol content (BAC) you will attain if you weigh "X" pounds and consume "X" number of drinks in "X" amount of time. However, these charts only consider three variables -- number of drinks, the time it took you to drink them and your body weight. Actually, there are many more variables which must be considered, for instance the SIZE of the drinks, so a generalized estimate as to level of intoxication or potential BAC would be very unreliable. It's always wiser to have a designated driver or to call a cab.
What percent can windows be tinted on the vehicle?
On Ohio registered vehicles, window tint must allow 50 percent light transmittance on the rear and side windows, and 70 percent transmittance on the windshield. In other words, the tint can not be darker than 50 percent on the side and back, and 30 percent on the windshield.
Remember, auto glass is slightly tinted from the factory and will make the tint you apply to your windows darker than advertised by the tint manufacturer. Additionally, no reflectorized material is permitted on any part of the windows and decals are prohibited on the rear windows and below the AS/1 line on the front windshield, except a State of Ohio Vehicle Inspection Sticker.
The Codified Ordinances of Stow state that "No person shall drive any motor vehicle... with any sign, poster or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, sidewings, side or rear windows of such vehicle other than a certificate or other paper required to be displayed by law, except that there may be in the lower left-hand or right-hand corner of the windshield a sign, poster or decal not to exceed four inches in height by six inches in width."
What colors and types (under body, in-car, etc.) of neon lights are legal?
Lights must not rotate, oscillate, or flash, but State law does not prohibit the use of colored neon lights under your car as long as they do not interfere or blind other drivers.
Ohio Revised Code, section 4513.17 prohibits flashing lights on motor vehicles with the exception of emergency vehicles, turn signals, and hazard flashers.
As long as the neon lights are dim (less than 300 candle power) they are not in violation of any State law. If the lights are brighter (more than 300 candle power) they must be directed to shine on the pavement the vehicle is sitting on and may not be visible to other drivers at a distance of no more than 75 feet. The lights can not exceed 500 candle power.
Colored lights, such as neon lights around a license plate are not illegal as long as a separate white light is the PRIMARY illumination for the plate. If the neon light is the only source of illumination for the plate, or it changes the visible colors of the plate, the neon lights could be illegal. State law requires a white light to illuminate the rear license plate.
Do I have to have a front license plate on my car?
Yes. Failure to display a front license plate on an Ohio-registered car is a registration violation
Are Stow Police Officers under a quota for writing traffic tickets?
No, Stow Police Officers are under no quotas. While Stow Officers conscientiously enforce Ohio Traffic Laws, there is no set level of activity for any category of traffic enforcement.
How fast can I go without getting a speeding ticket?
You may be issued a traffic citation for any speed over the speed limit.
Can I find Ohio Laws and Stow City Codes on the Internet?
Yes, there is a search-based, electronic version of the Ohio Revised Code at Ohio Laws Online. There is also an online version of the Stow Codified Ordinances as well as through the City of Stow Homepage.
When may I have my blood pressure checked?
Monday through Friday between 8am and 4:30pm. This service should be used for routine monitoring of blood pressure only. For any other serious health concerns or symptoms contact your physician.
Can I drive on my expired license plates to go to the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) and renew them?
No. You would need to obtain alternative means of transportation to the BMV to renew your plates in order to drive legally. See the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Home Page for additional information.
What is the grace period for my driver license expiration?
90 days prior to the expiration date. After the expiration date, there is no "grace period". You can be cited for having an expired driver license.
What is the RUOK program?
It is a program for Stow senior citizens or the homebound in which an automated system calls the resident to check their welfare. For further information contact Dispatch Services at (330) 689-5700.
How do I get a protection order?
Protection orders are not issued by the Police Department. Temporary protection orders are issued through the Stow Municipal Court System for specific instances of Domestic Violence. Civil Protection Orders are issued following the filing of a petition in the Summit County Domestic Relations Court. It is a civil matter and should be pursued with an attorney’s representation. You can also contact Victim's Assistance at (330) 376-0040 for advice and help.
How long do I have to wait before reporting a missing adult or juvenile?
A missing juvenile should be reported immediately. A missing adult may be reported at any time. They should be reported immediately if circumstances indicate foul play.
How long do I have to file an accident report?
If you are in a collision, Ohio law mandates that you stop immediately and exchange information with the other parties involved. Failure to do so is considered hit-skip (a first degree misdemeanor). If there is no one else around, your name, insurance and contact information should be left on the other car or the police called to the scene. If there are injuries or significant damage to the cars involved, you should always contact the Police Department.
Who can I call to find out road conditions in Ohio?
You can call (888) 264-7623 or for the Ohio Turnpike only, call (440) 234-2030. Additionally road conditions are available via the internet from The Ohio Department of Transportation and local weather is available at The Weather Channel Online.
Do you know when the city leaf pick up begins?
You may call the Stow Street Department at (330) 689-2829 or check for information in your local newspapers such as the Stow Sentry, the Akron Beacon Journal or the Record Courier.
When are CPR classes?
These are scheduled by the Fire Department. You may contact Stow Fire Dept at (330) 688-7411
Where are the fire stations located?
Fire Station No.1 is at 3800 Darrow Rd.; Fire Station No.2 is at 4199 Hudson Dr and Fire Station No.3 is at 4238 Fishcreek Rd.
Can I have a bonfire?
Open burning is not permitted in Stow. You may have a small cooking fire that must be extinguished as soon as cooking is completed. You should request permission from the fire department before you start your cooking fire by calling (330) 688-7411.
Are there 4th of July fireworks in Stow?
No, there are no "organized" fireworks in the City of Stow on any holiday.
Additionally, Section 1519.01 of the Stow Codified Ordinances states that "No person shall possess at any location other than his principal place of residence, any fireworks as defined herein, nor shall any person possess for sale at retail, or sell at retail, or discharge, ignite or explode any fireworks, as defined herein, within the Municipality" also, "No person shall sell or give fireworks of any kind to children under the age of eighteen years."
Can you discharge firearms in the City of Stow?
No. Firearms, pellet guns and paint ball guns of any kind may not be discharged within the city limits.
I’m receiving harassing telephone calls. What can I do?
Contact your local telephone company and they will instruct what to do from there. Most require a police report in order for action or prosecution. Telecommunications harassment can also come from unwanted e-mail, faxes, instant messaging, paging, etc. Reports may be made to an officer over the phone.
How do I get a records check?
You may come to the police station between the hours of 8am-4:30pm and speak to the Records Department.
When is the next Neighborhood Watch meeting?
Please look in the Stow Sentry for meeting announcements. Usually, they are second Tuesday of the month at 7pm (you should confirm the actual time) and are held in the Community room of the Safety Center.
Are you hiring?
You would need to contact the Civil Service Department at City hall at (330) 689-2805.
What are Reserve Officers and what do they do?
Reserve Officers are volunteer civilian, non-sworn, non-commissioned officers who assist with vehicle lockouts, vacation watches, minor traffic details and city sponsored functions.
What time do you close?
The Police and Fire Departments never close. Dispatch Services and Officers and Fire Personnel are here, serving the communities of Stow and Silver Lake 24hrs a day, every day of the year. The Police Records Division is open from 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday, except holidays.
How do I find out if I have a warrant?
You may contact the Stow Municipal Court by calling (330) 564-4200
If you do have a warrant through this department, please call us immediately or contact the Stow Muni Court to make arrangements to clear it. In many cases, minimal bond is needed to take care of an active warrant and secure a new court date. This is always better than being inconvenienced by a physical arrest at home or during a traffic stop.
What is the noise ordinance for the City of Stow?
The Unlawful Noise ordinance is 509.08. You can view this and all Stow Ordinances Online by clicking this link.
What time is curfew for juveniles under the age of 18 years old?
Sunday through Thursday is 11pm. Friday and Saturday is 12 midnight. This is YEAR ROUND. There is no "summer break exception".
What are the hours are for the Recycling Center on Graham Rd?
The Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority Hazardous Waste Recycling Center located at 1201 Graham Rd (next to Carter Lumber) is open April through September. Tuesday’s from 1pm-4pm and Wednesday’s from 630pm-930pm. You may contact them at (330) 374-0383 for further information.
How do I get to the police department, I need directions.
The police department is located at the corner of Darrow Rd. (SR91) and Graham Rd. (map quest)
From the south, take SR8 North to the Graham Rd/Silver Lake exit. Turn right (east) on Graham and continue approx. 2 miles. The entrance is marked by a red brick sign that says "STOW CITY CENTER". Turn left (north) and follow the signs.
From the north, take SR8 south to the Graham Rd/Silver Lake exit. Turn left (east) and continue over the overpass. Again going approx. 2 miles to the STOW CITY CENTER sign. Please call (330) 689-5700 if you need further assistance from your location.
Who do I call when I’ve lost or found a dog?
We have an animal control officer for the City of Stow. His direct line is (330) 689-5840. His hours are 7:30am-3:30pm Dispatch Services also keeps a list of lost and found dogs after hours when the animal control officer is not working.
How do I find out about sex offenders in my neighborhood?
The Summit County Sheriff maintains an online list of registered sex offenders
When may I be fingerprinted and are there any restrictions?
Click this link for important information about Civilian Fingerprinting
What court does the Stow Police Department use?
Stow, like 15 other communities in Summit county uses the Stow Municipal Court.
Are there any on-street parking restrictions?
There is no parking allowed on any city street between the hours of 3a-7a. This is posted at the Stow city limits. Other parking restrictions can be viewed at the online Ordinances of Stow.
How do I know if Stow schools are closed due to weather?
Tune to your local television and radio stations. Stow Police and Fire departments do not provide that information. Some stations provide an online list which is updated frequently.
