Who to Report Non-Working Traffic Lights To: A Quick Guide to Addressing Traffic Light Issues

In the United States, if you encounter a non-working traffic light—whether it's flashing, completely dark, or stuck on one color—it’s important to report it promptly to ensure road safety. Typically, malfunctioning signals are the responsibility of the city or county transportation department. Many cities have dedicated 311 services (either phone or app-based) for non-emergency public infrastructure concerns. For highways or state roads, the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) may be the appropriate contact. If the issue creates immediate danger, you can notify local law enforcement so temporary measures (like traffic direction) can be set in place while repairs are arranged.

Tips 1:

As a designer, I’ve noticed that effective city infrastructure starts with streamlined reporting channels—just like well-planned room layouts. Consider how intuitive access points improve experience; for instance, online reporting forms for city services should be clearly marked and easy to use, much like a functional home office layout optimizes workflow and reduces friction in your daily tasks.

FAQ

Q: Who is responsible for repairing traffic lights?

A: Local transportation departments (city or county) usually handle traffic light repairs; on highways, this may fall to the state DOT.

Q: What should I do if a traffic light is completely out?

A: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop and report the outage to local authorities using 311 or the city’s public works contact.

Q: Is there an app for reporting non-working traffic signals?

A: Many cities offer 311 apps or online forms for reporting infrastructure problems, including faulty traffic lights.

Q: Should I call emergency services for a broken traffic light?

A: Only call local police if the malfunction poses immediate danger or leads to heavy congestion; otherwise, use non-emergency reporting channels.

Q: Can I report a traffic signal issue anonymously?

A: Yes, most reporting systems allow for anonymous tips, although providing contact information can help if more details are needed for repairs.