FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do if a police officer pulls me over?
Remain as calm as possible and pull over to the side of the road as quickly and safely as you can. Roll down your window, but stay inside the car -- don't get out unless the officer directs you to do so. Don't take any actions that can be mistaken for a dangerous move. For example, don't reach for a purse or backpack or open the glove box unless you've asked the officer's permission, even if you are just looking for your license and registration card. The officer may think you're reaching for a weapon. You can help us by turning on an interior light at night, this helps officers see inside your car.
I do not feel that the citation I received was valid, what can I do?
Do not become argumentative, disorderly or abusive. If an officer has already written a ticket, it cannot be voided at that time. If you believe that you have been unfairly cited, DO NOT make this argument on the side of the road. Your best alternative is to carry your protest to court. The court date and time is listed on the upper left portion of the citation.
Can I get my fingerprints taken at the Cottage Grove Police Department?
The Cottage Grove Police Department currently does not offer this service. The city of Madison Police Department offers this service on select days and times for a fee, contact them at 266-4906 for more information.
How can I get a copy of my driving record?
The Cottage Grove Police Department will not provide you with a copy of your driving record or advise you what your driving record reveals. You may obtain a copy from the WI Department of Transportation (WI DOT). Please go to the WI DOT website http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/enforce/other.htm for more information.
How can I get a copy of my criminal history?
The Cottage Grove Police Department will provide you with a police contact history for OUR agency; this is NOT a criminal history. You may obtain a copy of you WI Criminal History at the following website: https://wi-recordcheck.org/cc/html/index.html
How many consecutive hours may a car be parked on a street without being moved?
A vehicle parked on a village street needs to be moved every 24 hours. A vehicle parked on a town street needs to be moved every 24 hours unless written permission has been given by the Cottage Grove Police Department.
Will the Cottage Grove Police Department tow an abandoned vehicle off of private property?
The Cottage Grove Police Department will not tow vehicles from private property. The property owner needs to make arrangements; however if deemed necessary, the Cottage Grove Police Department will ticket vehicles on private property.
What are the curfew hours for Cottage Grove?
The curfew law in both the village and town of Cottage Grove is:
Ages 15 & Under: Sunday thru Thursday: 10pm - 5am and Friday & Saturday: 11pm - 5am and for Ages 16 & 17: Sunday thru Thursday: 11 pm - 5am and Friday & Saturday: Midnight - 5am.
How can I get road condition/travel/traffic information?
Motorists can now get up to the minute travel information by either dialing 511 or going to a website now offered by WI DOT. The website, www.511wi.gov provides travelers with traffic and road information of Wisconsin's main highways, including the Interstate system.