Signal Timing

Many drivers ask why they have to wait so long for a signal to change. The reason is that many of the City's arterials are time coordinated. The goal of coordination is to get the greatest number of vehicles through the system with the fewest stops in a comfortable manner. Therefore, in traffic signal coordination the busiest traffic movements are given precedence over the smaller traffic movements. If you are waiting for a green light to cross the "coordinated" street where there is heavy traffic on the main street and very light traffic on the side street, you will probably feel like you are waiting for a very long time. In reality, most of Fullerton's traffic signals require a driver to wait less than 120 seconds. If you experience unusual timing at an intersection or have questions regarding the particular timing at an intersection, you can contact Traffic Engineering at (714) 738-6899 or (714) 738-6845 for further information or assistance.

Equipment Malfunctions

To notify the City of malfunctioning city owned traffic signals, please call (714) 738-6899 or (714) 738-6845 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To report malfunctioning traffic signals after normal work hours, please call the Police Department at (714) 738-6700. To report malfunctioning traffic signals at Freeway on/off ramps (Caltrans controlled), please call (949) 936-3600 or (213) 620-3991.