In Vacaville, pedestrian signals are included at any signalized intersection that is intended to accommodate pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian signals are carefully designed to provide reasonable time for crossing a specific street safely. Transportation engineers around the world are moving towards symbol signs in place of word signs. Symbols are easier for people to comprehend in a shorter amount of time, and do not present a language barrier for non-English speaking pedestrians. Pedestrian signal indications should be interpreted in the following manner:

1. A steady white color WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication means that you may begin crossing. (In Vacaville, the “WALK” indications typically displays for 6 seconds).
2. A flashing orange color UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DON’T WALK) signal indication means it is too late to leave the curb; however, any pedestrian already off the curb may proceed across to a sidewalk or safety island. In Vacaville, the duration of the flashing display is determined using the distance that the pedestrian has to cross, typically with a standard walking rate of 4 feet per second.
3. A steady orange color UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DON’T WALK) signal indication is a warning to pedestrians not to leave the curb enter the roadway as cross traffic will be receiving a green light to proceed.

Pedestrians should only leave the curb during the “WALK” period. Once the pedestrian signal changes to a steady burning “DON’T WALK” it is no longer safe for a pedestrian to be in the crosswalk. Regardless of what the symbol shows on the pedestrian signal, pedestrians should be cautious when crossing busy intersections.

The City of Vacaville receives many requests for installing crosswalks on City streets. Crosswalks can either be "marked" with painted lines of white or yellow, or left "unmarked" at an intersection.

The purpose of a "marked" crosswalk is to encourage pedestrians to use a particular crossing. Normally, crosswalks are "marked" at places where there is an abundance of pedestrian movement, at a signal, and where pedestrians cannot recognize a proper place to cross. However, if "marked" crosswalks are not frequently used by pedestrians, then drivers tend to forget that they exist. As a result, accidents can occur when pedestrians rely on crosswalks to provide them with a safe barrier from traffic.

It is the City's policy not to install "marked" crosswalks mid-block (between intersections), except where the crosswalk is in front of, or directly adjacent to, schools. These crosswalks are painted yellow and imited to those locations where a crossing guard is posted during school hours.

As an added note.....National studies have shown that marked crosswalks actually increase the risk to pedestrians crossing the street. In these studies, it was found that pedestrians are given a false sense of security at "marked" crosswalks, and tend to blindly cross the street, trusting the crosswalk to keep them out of harm's way. As such, it is important that pedestrians remain attentive and cautious of on-coming vehicles on a roadway before crossing a street, regardless of the presence, or lack of, a crosswalk.

The purpose of a traffic signal is to assign right-of-way to opposing movements of traffic at an intersection. As such, it may be necessary to install a traffic signal if the traffic volume increases and four-way stop signs do not lessen problems. However, improperly placed traffic signals can cause an increase in traffic accidents, particularly rear end collisions. And, pedestrians can gain a false sense of security from crosswalks and red lights, which may result in an increase in pedestrian accidents.

Before installing a traffic signal at an intersection, traffic engineers have to evaluate the following questions:

1. Does the volume of vehicles entering an intersection create confusion or congestion?
2. Is there so much traffic on main streets that it may be dangerous for traffic on side streets to cross? Are accidents the result of this condition?
3. Is there an increasing demand for pedestrians to cross main streets?
4. Does the number of school children crossing a busy street create confusion, congestion, or hazardous conditions?
5. Will the installation of a signal reduce overall congestion?
6. Does the accident history indicate that a signal will reduce the number of accidents at an intersection?

Traffic engineers use national standards to evaluate an intersection that may need a traffic signal. Properly placing traffic signals will decrease accidents and improve traffic flow.

Traffic engineers and technicians are constantly upgrading the signal systems in the City. Traffic flow is being improved on major arterials in Vacaville by coordinating traffic signals, which will allow vehicles to travel along the signalized streets with fewer stops. If you think there is an intersection that should be studied for a traffic signal; or, if you notice an existing traffic signal that is not operating correctly, please contact the Traffic Engineering Division at (707) 449-5170.

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.

A parking ticket fine can be paid at the Police Dept lobby, by mailing it to the address listed on the bottom of your citation, or online at www.pticket.com. Payment can be made at the Police Dept. in cash, check or money order. Payment by credit card can be made at City Hall Finance.

When you believe a parking ticket was issued in error you may request a Police Dept “Initial Review” within 21 days of issuance of the citation or 14 days of mailing of 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.” The parking penalty amount will be submitted as a deposit, which will be refunded if the citation is cancelled. Please include any documentation, pictures, or paperwork that may support a dismissal. Also, legibly include your name, address, citation number, and phone number. 

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 vary.  Please contact the Records unit at 707-449-5229.  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.

1. Vacaville Tow - (707)448-6340 / (800)400-6340
2. Jeff Ramirez Tow - (707)447-0974