About Traffic Engineering

What is Traffic Engineering?

Traffic engineering is the branch of civil engineering that aims to achieve the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians on roadways.

Traffic Control Devices

Devices, markings and other objects that control the movement of vehicle and pedestrian traffic are referred to as "traffic control devices." These include signs, pavement markings, traffic lights, and any other roadway features that regulate the movement of traffic. The placement of traffic control devices is carefully determined by professional traffic engineering staff.

Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

Citizens should keep in mind that all traffic control devices are operated and maintained by experienced engineering professionals, and must conform to state standards. To see standard design specifications for California traffic control devices, refer to the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Enforcement

Traffic enforcement falls under the heading of law enforcement, and is carried out by law enforcement agencies such as the  California Highway Patrol (CHP), Sonoma County Sheriff's Department or City Police.

If you have observed a pattern of traffic safety violations in a specific area, you should not hesitate to contact law enforcement. When doing so, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible, such as the specific location(s), day(s), or time(s) of the day that the violations are observed.

• More about traffic enforcement