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Traffic Division
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of evidence is obtained when one of the red light cameras
takes my picture for running a red light?
Speeding is a major problem on my street. How can I get assistance
from the Traffic Division?
What is the difference between a Motorcycle Officer and a Traffic
Officer who drives a car?
I received a Parking Ticket, yet my neighbors car did not for the
same violation. Why did this occur?
My vehicle was impounded for 30 days. In the past, I had a vehicle
impounded for only 24 hours. Why the difference?
My vehicle has been impounded for 30. How can I contest the storage?
I have noticed an increase of DUI Checkpoints (Driving Under the
Influence) within the City of El Cajon. Why is this occurring?
Q: What type of evidence is obtained when one of the red light
cameras takes my picture for running a red light?
A: Two types of evidence are obtained. First, a series of still
shots are taken which show the license plates of the car and the
occupants of the vehicle. Second, a 12 second video is taken,
showing approximately 6 seconds before and 6 seconds after running
the red light. Click here to see
an example of the video. You may view your red light video prior
to going to court. Your original notice will have a phone number to
call to arrange an appointment.
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Q: Speeding is a major problem on my street. How can I get
assistance from the Traffic Division?
A: Speeding is a major cause of accidents and one the primary areas
of concern for all traffic personnel. Whenever possible, streets
that receive a notable number of complaints receive immediate
attention. This may be through simple radar enforcement, use of the
Radar Trailer or by teams of officers working together to reduce a
particular problem. All of this takes a significant number of
man-hours per day and is dependant on staffing and the specific
problem being addressed. A chart is maintained that logs in specific
complaints. Each area is given attention, depending availability of
officers and the number of hours needed to address the problem.
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Q: What is the difference between a Motorcycle Officer and a Traffic
Officer who drives a car?
A: Motorcycle Officers normally specialize in traffic enforcement
via radar as well as target specific problem areas of the city where
collisions occur. Their ability to maneuver easily makes them ideal
for this purpose. They also work special events, where space and
rapid response is critical. Examples of this are the San Diego
Stadium or various parade events.
A Traffic Officer assigned to a car also works traffic enforcement,
but spends the majority of his time as an investigator of
collisions. Such officers also work Hit & Run collisions, as well as
more serious accident scenes.
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Q: I received a Parking Ticket, yet my neighbors car did not for the
same violation. Why did this occur?
A: Parking enforcement is a major task for the Traffic Division and
can be overwhelming in the sheer number of violators. The reason a
particular vehicle is cited and another by-passed can be due to a
number of factors. These include: Number of complaints on a selected
vehicle, limitation of time on behalf of the citing officer,
previous markings by an officer on a particular problem vehicle,
vehicles selected by priority in terms of the seriousness of the
violation and finally, the officer was called away prior to
completing all of the tasks on that specific street.
It is always best that, if you have a concern or question as to
citation, call the officer in question and ask them your question.
This insures you have the proper answer as to why a particular
action was taken.
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Q: My vehicle was impounded for 30 days. In the past, I had a
vehicle impounded for only 24 hours. Why the difference?
A: The most common reason a vehicle is impounded for 30 days is a
Driver’s License violation. This is explained via Sections 22651{a}
thru {t} of the California Vehicle Code {VC}, as well as 22651.3
thru 22658 VC. This book is available at your local library.
Additional sections to assist you are 14601{a} thru 14610 VC, which
explain common license violations as well as impounds for those
offenses.
Additional reasons for 30 day impounds include Reckless Driving or
Drag Racing. These offenses begin at 23103 VC and beyond.
Examples of a 24 Hour Impounds are: Expired registration tags over
{6} months, select parking violations, expired drivers license over
{30} days, as well as drivers arrested for a criminal offense while
in possession of the vehicle.
Examples of 30 Day Impounds are: Suspended or Revoked drivers
license with prior offenses, engaging in a Speed Contest {Drag
Racing}, no Driver’s License issued with prior contacts for same
offense {Never had a driver’s license issued during lifetime} as
well as vehicles impounded as evidence during a criminal
investigation {Hit & Run, for example}.
There are many other reasons for impounding a vehicle, but these are
among the most common. If you have questions, it is always best to
ask the officer at the time of impound as to the reason for the
seizure. You are also welcome to call the El Cajon Traffic Division
at {619} 441-1632 for more information.
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Q: My vehicle has been impounded for 30 days. How can I contest the
storage?
A: If your car has been impounded for 30 days, you may request a
"Post Storage Hearing" to appeal the impound. You must submit your
request within 10 days of the date of the impound. You may come in
to the police station for a copy of this request, or a copy the
"Request for Vehicle Storage
Hearing" is provided on the Internet for you to fill out and
bring to the station. A hearing officer will call you within 48
hours (excluding weekends and holidays) to schedule an appointment.
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Q: I have noticed an increase of DUI Checkpoints {Driving Under the
Influence} within the City of El Cajon. Why is this occurring?
A: Driving under the Influence offenses, primarily alcohol, have
reached record proportions in the State of California. Over the past
few years, the number of offenders has cycled up and down, but once
again are on the rise for 2003. This is a major safety issue for all
citizens in our county and one that must be addressed in an
assertive manner.
Over a period years, MADD {Mothers against Drunk Driving}, the
California Legislature as well as the court system, have joined
forces to enact and enforce strict laws regarding DUI drivers. This
has resulted in a number of innovations, among which is the DUI
Checkpoint. In essence, drivers are directed into a specified area
during which they are contacted by an officer. They are asked for a
drivers license, along with inquires to see if they have been
drinking that evening. During contact, drivers are often handed
information sheets or ribbons as an educational tool to reinforce
the negative consequences of drunk driving. Representatives from
many organizations are often present at these checkpoints, including
MADD, outside law enforcement agencies as well as the news media.
Fortunately, many drivers do not drink and drive and the contact is
a positive one. If a driver is found to have been drinking, they are
directed to a Secondary Area where they are tested. If arrested,
their license is taken from them and the car impounded. The license,
being property of Department of Motor Vehicles, is returned to DMV
along with an attached notice. A temporary ‘Admin Per Se’ driving
form is issued to the driver, which allows driving and appeal rights
for 30 days. Thereafter, the license is automatically suspended per
DMV.
Questions regarding the law on Driving Under the Influence, and your
obligations regarding those offenses, can be found beginning with
23152{a} of the California Vehicle Code {VC} thru 23249.50 VC.
If you have any other questions regarding DUI Checkpoints, please
contact the Traffic Division at {619} 441-1632 and every attempt
will be made to assist you.
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