FAQs Traffic

Q:  What are some of the laws I need to be aware of around schools?
A:  Our Traffic Unit has prepared a list of frequently asked questions related to school zones.

Q:  What do I do if I lost my traffic citation or have a question about my traffic citation?
A:  For any traffic citation questions contact the Solano County Courts, Traffic Division at (707) 421-7460 (Adults) or (707) 421-7631 (Juveniles).  When you receive a citation for a traffic violation, the Solano County Courthouse will mail you a bill within 4 weeks. The Vacaville Police Department does not accept payment for traffic violation fines. When you receive a notice to correct a traffic citation (fix-it ticket) and the violation has been corrected, bring your citation and the related vehicle to the Police Department for the ticket to be signed off. 

Q:  How do I get my vehicle out of impound?

A:  The Records Section handles vehicle releases:

·          Please be prepared to provide your vehicle’s license plate number, VIN number, or a case number to assist the Records Section in locating the associated paperwork in a timely manner.

·         Some vehicles may be released immediately and others may be placed on a 30-day hold. When your vehicle has been placed on a 30-day hold and you wish to have it released sooner, the registered owner must complete an “Impound Hearing Form.” The Hearing Officer will contact the registered owner with his or her decision within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) after the form is submitted.

·         A vehicle can only be released to the registered owner. Transfer of ownership through DMV for a recently purchased vehicle must be completed before its release. When the registered owner is unable to come to the Police Department, a “Request Release Form” can be submitted to Records staff. If the registered owner is incarcerated, the jail can provide a vehicle release form for completion by registered owner. Both forms give another person permission to obtain the release on the registered owner’s behalf.

·        The vehicle must be currently registered or the registration must be formally in process. When your vehicle is not currently registered, you must go to DMV first to obtain the appropriate registration documents or a one-day moving permit. Bring the paperwork with you to the Police Department for the release process.

·         The registered owner must have a valid Driver’s License. When the Registered Owner does not have a valid license, they must bring a valid driver with them to the Police Department to obtain the release.

·     Vehicle release fees are as follows:  Vehicles that are impounded or stored due to driver violations including the following CVC section: 14601, 14602, 14607, 22651(h)-driver arrested 22651(p)-driver unlicensed or suspended are $211.  Vehicles that are impounded or stored due to vehicle violations including CVC sections: 22651(B)-obstructing traffic, 22651(n) road closure- notice posted, 22651(o)-registration expired over six months, 22651.5-continuous alarm within 500 feet of occupied building, 22669(a)- abandoned vehicles, 22669(d)-hazardous vehicle are $87. Vehicle release fess are payable in cash or money order and do not include the fees accrued at the tow yard. Each tow yard has specific requirements for a vehicle release. Call the tow yard at which your vehicle is stored to avoid any additional vehicle release delays.

Q:  What should I do if I have been involved in a traffic collision?

A:  A person should first ensure that no one is injured. If there are no injuries the drivers should pull off into a parking lot or to a place of safety out of the roadway. If no one is injured, all parties should exchange information; driver’s license numbers, vehicle license numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance companies. The involved persons should also note if there were any passengers, the location of the collision, and the time of day.
     If there are injuries involved or you feel that you need the assistance of the Vacaville Police Department for any reasons, please call 9-1-1 or (707) 449-5200 immediately.
                                                      

Q:  How can I obtain a copy of a traffic collision report?

A:  Either personally request a copy of the report in person by filling out the report request form located at the front counter of the Vacaville Police Department or call our Records Division at (707) 449-5226. Please have your report number and/or the names of the parties involved for easier processing.

Q:  There are speeding cars on my street and my kids play in the street. What can I do? Can I place cones in the street or a "Children at Play" sign in the street?

A:  Should you have a speeding problem on your street please call the traffic line at (707) 449-5282 and provide the location, time of day and vehicle description. You will be contacted by a traffic officer. California Vehicle code section 21465 prohibits the placing of any unofficial sign, signal, device, or marking, or any sign, signal device. This section applies to "Children at Play" signs on the public roadway. This is an infraction and subject to a citation. This does not prohibit you from placing the "Children at Play" signs on your property. There is a City Ordinance that prohibits children playing in the street. The street is an extremely dangerous place for children to play. We encourage the use of public parks for the children to play.