FAQs Traffic
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: When a vehicle is towed because of an unlicensed or an arrested driver the fee is $193. When the vehicle was towed due to an expired registration in excess of six months the fee is $50. Vehicle release fees are payable only by 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 do I do if I receive a parking ticket?
A: A parking ticket fine can be paid at the Police Department lobby, by mailing it to the address listed on the bottom of your citation, or online at www.pticket.com.
When you believe a parking ticket was issued in error, you may request a Police Department “Administrative Review” within 21 days of receiving the citation; or you may mail a letter of explanation to the address listed on the front of this brochure to the attention of “Parking Cite Review.” Please include any documentation, pictures, or paperwork that may support a dismissal. Also, legibly include your name, address, citation number, and phone number. You will be notified of the finding by mail within 15 days after your review request is submitted.
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.
Q: How do I register my bicycle?
A: As required by the California Vehicle Code, you must register your bicycle. The fee for bicycle registration is $5.00 for a two year period. Complete the license application form and submit it to the Records Section. The bicycle’s serial number will then be verified and you will be provided with a registration sticker to affix to your bicycle.
Q: Who has to wear a helmet?
A: While riding a bicycle, skateboard, inline skates or scooter, a helmet must be worn by everyone under the age of 18 years.
Q: Can bicycles be ridden on sidewalks?
A: It is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk per City Ordinance 10.52.180.
Q: Does my child have to use a car seat?
A: Children must be secured in appropriate child passenger restraints (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds.
Q: Are motorized scooters legal?
A: Please note the information release pertaining to motor scooters.
Q: Do you tow vehicles from private property?
A: We do not tow vehicles from private property unless a vehicle is involved in criminal activity or the driver is arrested. A property owner may remove a vehicle from private property if the property is properly posted as per 22658 of the California Vehicle Code and all of the requirements of 22658 are met. The tow contact and response is the property owner's responsibility.
Q: Do you respond to collision reports on private property?
A: We do not respond to or investigate traffic collisions on private property unless, the collision involves a hit & run where the responsible driver is known or a license plate number is obtained or there are injuries or a fatality. Should you be involved in a traffic collision on private property you should obtain the license plate numbers of the involved vehicles, obtain drivers' names, witness' names, contact information, drivers' license numbers, and insurance information. Upon obtaining this information you should contact your insurance agent for further assistance.
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