FAQs • Auburn, CA • CivicEngage

Is red light running a serious problem?: Drivers who run red lights are responsible for an estimated 260,000 crashes in the U.S. each year, killing over 800 people each year. Nationally, red light running fatalities increased by 15% between 1992 and 1997, far outpacing the 6% rise in all other fatal crashes. Red light running accidents are also the most likely to cause injury. Occupant injuries occur in 45% of red light running accidents, compared with 30% for other types.

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Traffic

1. How do I drive through a signal if it is out due to loss of electricity?: According to the California Vehicle Code, when a signalized intersection is blacked out due to a loss of power, all motorists must treat the intersection as an all-way stop.

2. How do I report an obvious malfunction with an existing traffic signal?: If a traffic signal light bulb is out, has been knocked over, is stuck in red, or does not turn green for a particular direction, please call Auburn Police Dispatch at 530-823-4234. Be sure to give the operator the intersecting streets, the direction of the problem, and a clear description of the problem.

3. How do pedestrian signals work?: A pedestrian signal allows a safer way for pedestrians to cross the street at signalized intersections. The pedestrian signal, when activated, provides time for the pedestrian to enter the street on the steady "Walk" and to finish crossing the street on the flashing "Don't Walk" signal. The pedestrian signal is normally activated by a push-button that tells the signal controller that there is a pedestrian who wishes to cross the street.

4. How much will this citation cost?: The court sets all fines and will inform you by mail regarding the amount owed, or will do so in court on your court date.

5. May I attend traffic school to take care of this citation?: DMV allows drivers to attend court-approved traffic school once every 18 months, and drivers must pay all the applicable fines and fees for their citations, plus the additional amount for the school itself.However, by attending traffic school the violation will not be added to your record.

6. May I pay my traffic citation by mail?: Yes. The court will mail out a notice but does not guarantee its delivery. If you receive a notice in the mail, you may pay the fine via mail. Otherwise, you need to appear in court on the date and time listed on the citation.

7. May I contest this citation?: Yes. Appear in court on the date and time listed on your citation, and explain to the judge that you wish to contest the citation.

8. What if the court does not send me a letter after I get a traffic citation?: If you don't get a letter, you must appear in court. The court date, time and location will be indicated on the bottom of your citation.

9. What is red light running?: A violation occurs when a motorist deliberately enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red. Motorists who are already in an intersection when the signal changes to red - while waiting to turn, for example - are not red light running.

10. Is red light running a serious problem?: Drivers who run red lights are responsible for an estimated 260,000 crashes in the U.S. each year, killing over 800 people each year. Nationally, red light running fatalities increased by 15% between 1992 and 1997, far outpacing the 6% rise in all other fatal crashes. Red light running accidents are also the most likely to cause injury. Occupant injuries occur in 45% of red light running accidents, compared with 30% for other types.

11. What is the difference between a green arrow and a round green signal indication?: A green arrow gives you the right-of-way to make a protected turn. A round green ball means you have to yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before you make your turn.

12. Why does it take so long sometimes for the signal to turn green?: There could be many reasons for this. Many intersections are congested and have a lot of traffic approaching from different directions. Sometimes you just have to wait your turn. If a pedestrian pushes the pedestrian button, the "Walk" and flashing clearance will stay on for a certain amount of time, requiring conflicting traffic movements to have a red light. The longer the pedestrian crossing distance, the longer the flashing clearance has to stay on.

Occasionally, a fire or police vehicle, train or ambulance may preempt the signal with their strobe lights, causing the conflicting traffic movements to remain red. Sometimes it is an issue of priority, as a roadway with heavier traffic will typically have more green time than the side street with less traffic to reduce overall delay to the most number of drivers. Some of our busier roadways have the signals synchronized during peak traffic hours, and that may cause the side street approaches to wait longer than normal.