How do I Report a Complaint?
Citizens who see a traffic light that is not working properly are asked to call the New York City Call Center, 311, immediately. The public can report a defect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers can request a work order number that can be used to check the status of repairs. Traffic light defects include pedestrian and vehicular signals which are out or which are not operating properly.
How Long Should This Take?
The Department's Signal Maintenance contractors are required to arrive at the scene of the most serious problems -- all lights out, and damaged or knocked-down signals -- within two hours of notification. If a bulb is out, the contractor is required to respond within 48 hours.
For more information on traffic signals, visit our FAQ page.
How Can I Request a New Traffic Signal?
You can request the installation of a traffic signal by writing to the Commissioner, Department of Transportation, to 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041. You can also request an Accessible Pedestrian Signal, which plays audible messages to assist visually impaired users.
The Intersection Control Unit will conduct a preliminary study that will take into consideration traffic and pedestrian volumes, vehicular speeds, accident history, visibility, signal spacing, and other conditions. We also will conduct a field investigation. The data collected then will be analyzed according to Federally mandated guidelines.
This process takes some time to complete, but it provides traffic engineers with enough information to reach decisions that will be in the best interests of public safety and efficient street operation. A study will take approximately 12 weeks. If the installation of a traffic signal is deemed appropriate, it will be scheduled for installation, and will be prioritized based on our analysis of the data. Most new traffic signal installations are completed within six months of approval.
For more information on traffic signals, visit our FAQ page.