Police

In calendar year 2002, the Traffic Unit managed a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. One of the main objectives is to target DUI drivers. The grant included funds for the purchase of two additional motorcycles, a new checkpoint trailer, a requirement to perform checkpoints and community presentations, and funds for personnel costs. Total grant funds were $149,959.

In July 2002, the Traffic Unit was awarded two additional OTS Grants. One grant was to purchase speed enforcement equipment and to increase speed related citations. The second grant was to develop and implement new hand-held technology to investigate Driving Under the Influence incidents. Total funds for both grants were $89,700.

During 2002, the Traffic Unit continued to implement changes to the Tow Franchise Agreement and our Impound Tow Hearing procedures. These changes streamlined the administrative work for the Traffic Unit.

In calendar year 2002, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests increased by 125, or 59% from 213 in 2001, to 338 in 2002. The Traffic Unit conducted 12 Sobriety Checkpoints and participated in the Avoid the 13 DUI Campaign. Over 24,000 vehicles were screened at the checkpoints. One of the Traffic Unit's goals was to send 12 officers to DUI training. This was accomplished and resulted in increased enforcement. DUI collisions rose by 19 in 2002 from 39 in 2001 to 58.

In calendar year 2002, citations (primarily for hazardous moving violations) increased by 2570, or 65%, from 3941 in 2001, to 6511 in 2002. Traffic collisions have decreased by 84, or 7%, from 1143 in 2001, to 1059 in 2002. Patrol officers attribute the numbers to an increase in Traffic Unit personnel, better training and a focus on traffic safety.

In calendar year 2002, Suspended and Unlicensed arrests have increased by 19, or 2%, from 783 in 2001, to 802 in 2002. Vehicles stored for the mandatory 30-day period have increased by 186, or 21%, from 650 tows in 2001, to 836 in 2002.

In late 2002, the Traffic Unit submitted a grant proposal to the Office of Traffic Safety for additional funds to combat DUI. The proposal called D.I.R.E. (Driving Impaired and Restraint Enforcement) will attempt to increase education and enforcement efforts related to DUI and seatbelts.

Online Payments -
Parking Tickets/Citations
(If your citation was hand-written, please allow up to two weeks for the payment system to upload your citation). For parking citation appeals forms - Placard Citation Review and Parking Citation Review and Appeal Instructions (non-placard)

This condensed version of the City of Petaluma Municipal Code Book was designed to assist officers of the Petaluma Police Department and citizens of the community as a quick reference for the most commonly used sections of the code.

Towing Franchise Agreement

The charts below are excerps from the State of California's Department of Motor Vehicles web site. Please look there for more information.

The 2011 Traffic Unit Traffic Safety Report

The 2010 Traffic Unit Traffic Safety Report

If you want to report a complaint about suspected traffic violations in your neighborhood, call (707) 776-3775 (voicemail only) or complete the form at the link below. It will be emailed to our STOP office. We usually read email every day.

Traffic Complaint Form

Motorized Scooter Information and California Vehicle Code

The police department has received an abundance of calls regarding motorized scooters. Many parents are under the belief that their children are able to ride motorized scooters to and from school and around their neighborhoods. In order to educate parents and children on the safe operation of the motorized scooters, please distribute this to your children. This letter is to inform you that California Vehicle Code Section 21235, subsections (a) through (j), outline the operation of a motorized scooter.

Under California Law, the following should be observed when operating a motorized scooter: (Effective January 1, 2000)
VC 21235 -An operator of a motorized scooter shall not do any of the following:

• Operate a motorized scooter unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
• Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit in excess of 25 miles per hour miles per hour unless the motorized scooter is operated within a class II bicycle lane.
• Operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212.
• Operate a motorized scooter when the operator is under the age of 16 years.
• Operate a motorized scooter with any passengers in addition to the operator.
• Operate a motorized scooter carrying any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
• Operate a motorized scooter upon any sidewalk, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.
• Operate a motorized scooter on the highway with the handlebars raised so that the operator must elevate his or her hands above the level of his or her shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.
• Leave a motorized scooter lying on its side on any sidewalk, or park a motorized scooter on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic.
• Attach the motorized scooter or himself or herself while on the roadway, by any means, to another vehicle on the roadway.

Please keep the above listed section in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase or allow your child to ride a motorized scooter. A violation of this section could result in a citation to appear in court.

For more information, call us at (707 778-4372 or email us at stop@ci.petaluma.ca.us.

Proposed Truck Route

Recommended Pilot Car Requirements

Petaluma Police Target Bicycle and Pedestrian Violations This Friday