Columbia Police Questions & Answers

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Is it illegal for a vehicle to sit on a Columbia street with no license plates? Section 14-547 of the City of Columbia's ordinances states, "No person shall leave any unlicensed, partially dismantled, nonoperating, wrecked or junked vehicle on any street,  highway or public property within the city."

Does the Citizens Police Academy still exist in Columbia? The Citizens Police Academy was temporarily on hold due to the department's reorganization, and due to staffing. It will begin again this fall. Applications can be done on-line at the police main page at gocolumbiamo.com/Police.

Can you please explain when U-turns are and are not allowed? I recently moved here from a city where there were almost no restrictions on U-Turns and I'm quite confused. Are U-Turns legal at any intersection that does not have "No U-Turn" signs posted? City Ordinance and State Statute both place restrictions on U-turns. City ordinance states that U-turns are not legal upon any street in a business district. They're also not legal at an intersection where a "no u-turn" sign is posted. As well, u-turns can only legally be made when they can be done safely and without interfering with other traffic.

State statute further makes it illegal to do a u-turn at any intersection controlled by a traffic signal, or by a police officers. U-turns cannot be made upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, or at any place upon a roadway where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of another vehicle approaching, for a distance of 300 feet.

My question is about turning right on red. I know that it is legal in a normal situation unless it is posted otherwise. How about the new double right turn lanes with signal lights? For example coming off I-70 onto 63 South. Especially when it is the inside right lane and the light is red. Thanks. Yes, it is legal. When there is a center divider (median) that prevents crossover (such as they have at that intersection) then both lanes can turn right on red. Drivers must still yield to cross traffic.

Required position and method of turning at intersection. 300.215: The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows: (1) Right turns: Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except where multiple turn lanes have been established.

Is there a citizenship requirement for a police officer job application? Can a green card holder apply as well? You do have to be a U.S. citizen in order to be a Columbia Police Officer.