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Traffic Unit
These officers receive extensive training in traffic enforcement and collision investigation, which include a 40-hour basic collision investigation course, 80-hour advanced course, 80-hour reconstruction course, and an 80-hour commercial vehicle investigation course. Officers remain current in traffic related issues by attending conference updates and seminars, and interaction with other law enforcement agencies. General Traffic Enforcement The City has 48 miles of roadway and is approximately 2.6 square miles. Traffic enforcement is also conducted on a routine basis by officers assigned to the patrol division. They may be directed to various locations throughout the city in response to increased collisions and/or other traffic-related issues. The police department has identified the following top three traffic violations and/or primary causes for collisions within the city:
Driving Under the Influence Impaired drivers are the most dangerous violators on the roadways. To address this issue, the police department conducts saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints at various times throughout the year, which are funded in part by a grant through the Office of Traffic Safety.
Seat Belt Enforcement The police department has participated in the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign since 2005. This highly visible campaign is recognized statewide and is designed to save lives and prevent injuries by identifying and ticketing drivers and occupants who fail to buckle up. The maximum fine for seat belt violations for persons 16 and older is $91 for a first offense and approximately $193 for a second offense. California courts pay serious attention to violations involving children under the age of 16 who are not properly secured inside a vehicle. If cited, drivers may receive one (1) “point count” on their driving record and a maximum fine of $340 for the first offense; which increases to $871 for the second offense. Vehicle Impounds and 30 Day Holds The police department actively enforces traffic laws relating to improperly licensed drivers. Unlicensed drivers may be unfamiliar with the rules of the road, i.e. improper training or instruction or how to practice safe driving techniques; therefore a potential danger to other motorists. A driver with a suspended or revoked driver’s license has been ordered by a court not to drive because of previous driving violations, and that continuing to do so is a flagrant disregard for the safety of other motorists. California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 14604(a) states that the owner of a vehicle has a duty to ensure that the person driving their vehicle possesses a valid license. The registered owner may be cited if an officer determines he/she allowed an unlicensed driver to drive their vehicle. To reinforce law enforcement’s efforts to provide safer roads for California motorists, the State enacted CVC Section 14602.6 which authorizes local agencies to tow and impound vehicles for 30 days when driven by unlicensed, suspended or revoked drivers. Also, CVC Section 23109.2 authorizes the removal and seizure of a motor vehicle used in a speed contest. The California State Automobile Association for Traffic Safety (CSAA) found unlicensed and suspended drivers are four to six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision nationwide. These statistics demonstrate the need to identify drivers who are improperly licensed and hold them accountable. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers perform inspections of commercial vehicles and focus on unsafe conditions or equipment such as faulty brakes, steering, and structurally deficient trucks and trailers. Officers are also equipped with portable scales for determining appropriate weight requirements for overweight vehicles and trucks as set forth in the Vehicle Code. These trucks damage asphalt roadway surfaces, and those exceeding the overall length Traffic Safety Commission
The primary duty of the Safety Commission is to discuss traffic related issues affecting the community. The public is also welcome to attend and provide their input regarding traffic related issues as well. | | | |||||||
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The San Pablo Police Department Traffic Unit was formed in 2003 with the assistance of grant funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety. The Unit currently consists of one Sergeant and two patrol officers, whose primary responsibility is to investigate traffic collisions and enforce traffic laws. Additionally, they respond to traffic complaints and hazards, assist in the coordination of special events, commercial vehicle enforcement, taxi inspections, and participate in special enforcement campaigns.
Officers use both hand-held and fix-mounted radar lasers to monitor speed violators. In addition, the City has installed confirmation lights at certain intersections, which allow officers to park at various locations to monitor selected intersections for red light violators. 
The police department also participates in the Contra Costa County “Avoid the 25” Program, which is a cooperative effort among law enforcement agencies to enforce DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
laws. This program utilizes traffic-related checkpoints, saturation patrols and DUI warrant sweeps, which are primarily implemented during peak holiday seasons when there is a noticeable increase in these offenses. 
requirements often times impede traffic and/or strike stationary objects such as posts, street signs, and fire hydrants, while attempting to negotiate narrow streets or parking lots. Many streets are not designated as truck routes and are not large enough to allow proper passage, therefore drivers and owners of these big rigs are often cited for these violations.
The San Pablo 