Q: Kurt Meidinger of Beaumont asked why the state of California doesn’t install cameras along freeways to record traffic infractions and then mail traffic tickets to speeding and unsafe drivers caught on camera.
A: Currently, traffic cameras are installed and used by Caltrans to monitor traffic conditions, such as delays and congestion caused by crashes and other incidents. However, the cameras do not record anything and only offer a live feed, said CHP spokesperson Tami Grimes in the CHP Sacramento office. They are not used for traffic enforcement. It’s up to the California Highway Patrol, not Caltrans, to enforce laws on freeways.
Regardless, it’s not currently legal to use cameras to enforce laws on the state highway system, Grimes said. California Vehicle Code section 21455.6(c) specifically prohibits the use of photo radar, a type of speed safety system camera, for speed enforcement purposes, she said, adding that there are two instances in which cameras can be used for enforcement:
Section 21455.5 CVC allows for the use of automated traffic enforcement systems (cameras) to enforce red light violations. A section of California Vehicle Code allows for the establishment of a Speed Safety Pilot Program within specific jurisdictions (the cities of Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach, and the city and county of San Francisco), to use a speed safety system (cameras) for enforcement of speed-related violations.
DMV news
A bit of news residents of Murrieta and the Temecula Valley will appreciate: On Thursday, May 16, the Department of Motor Vehicles is opening an “Express” field office at 27890 Clinton Keith Road, Suite F, in Murrieta. The office opens at 8 a.m. Thursday.
Limited DMV services will be available including: original and replacement ID cards; driver’s license replacements with changes (address/name); driver’s license knowledge (written exam) retests; commercial driver’s license medical updates/submissions; duplicate vehicle titles; commercial motor vehicle partial year registration; and applying for a disabled person parking placard. To apply for an original driver’s license and take a behind-the-wheel driving test, you’ll need to go to a full-service DMV office.
Customers will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, no appointments, and all payments must be made with credit or debit cards, no cash. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; Wednesday hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special kudos
Finally, kudos to the city of Riverside for being responsive to residents reporting potholes and to the CHP Inland Division for a recent successful freeway enforcement action. Officers with the CHP Inland Division conducted a Special Enforcement Detail in the Riverside area April 30, focusing on various freeway traffic violations. They issued 265 citations; 156 were for driving solo in the carpool lane (a common complaint of our readers).
Related Articles
What’s a Renewal Identification Number on vehicle registrations and when do I need one?
Has the law changed to expand which freeway lanes semi trucks can drive in?
Freeway shootings in California have declined in past 2 years, CHP says
Regarding potholes, On the Road shared the email link in a previous column to the Riverside call center so folks could report potholes to the city. Riverside resident Richard Jones told us he recently reported six big potholes on Fifth Street downtown near Market Street and within a few days, Jones said, the potholes were filled.
We’ll share the information again: to report potholes in Riverside, use the 311 call center or use the app, call 951-826-5311, or email callcenter@riversideca.gov. Visit https://riversideca.gov/publicworks/streets/streets-faq and https://crmweb.riversideca.gov.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call us at our new phone number, 951-368-9995.