Welcome to You Asked...Patch Answers where we answer readers questions. We recently received questions about verbal warnings given out by police. Patch readers want to know why some get a verbal warning while others get a fine. Here's your answer.

According to Reading Police, they write warnings because they like to educate drivers. When drivers end up with a monetary fine, it could be because police did not feel that the driver was receptive to what happened or because they were pulled over more than once for the same offense.

North Reading Police had a similar response. The circumstances have a lot to do with whether the driver is issued a fine or a warning. 

“There are many laws and they are long and complex. It is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation and not know it. An officer can give a verbal warning, a written warning, a civil citation with a fine, a criminal complaint resulting in a later court appearance or make an arrest," said North Reading Police Chief Mike Murphy. “But ultimately it's the circumstances (severity of infraction, driving record) that determine what the enforcement action is.”

Either way, each department is committed to providing drivers with a safe driving experience, which involves enforcing motor vehicle traffic laws.