Frequently Asked Questions

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) sets the regulations and framework for how speed limits are established. The speed limit must be established consistent with the CVC in order to be enforceable by the Police Department. The CVC requires the speed limit to be based on and Engineering and Traffic Survey that determines the 85th percentile speed. This speed is considered a safe and reasonable speed for a given road.

If you have concerns with speeding in your neighborhood, please contact Traffic Engineering staff through the contacts listed above. Traffic Engineering staff follows the framework adopted in the Traffic Management Toolbox to evaluate these issues. The toolbox includes different classes of tools from enforcement, signing and striping, and physical infrastructure improvements.

The purpose of Stop signs is to control the right-of-way assignment at an intersection. This complies with the guidance set in the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) for when Stop signs should be used. Research indicates that stop signs are not effective at controlling vehicular speeds as drivers go faster after the sign to make up for "lost" time.

Traffic Engineering evaluates intersections to determine the need for signalization or to modify a signal to add protected left-turn phasing. A Traffic Signal Priority List (TSLP) is developed and used to determine which projects will be funded from the current and future capital budgets.

Red curb and the restriction of parking using signs is reserved for when there are visibility issues at intersections and by the request of emergency services. Parking restrictions are not typically installed at driveways as it is not feasible to refresh red curb paint at all locations.

No, the cameras at traffic signals do not record. The cameras are only used for vehicle detection.