Traffic: Frequently Asked Questions
We have provided some answers to frequently asked questions of our station staff regarding traffic related issues.
- Why did I receive a citation instead of a warning?
Studies show that when a deputy issues a citation, the effect on the violator is much more long-lasting than if the deputy has issued or warning. The bottom-line is that when a person receives a citation, they are statistically a much safer driver, for a much longer time, than if they had only been issued a warning. - What if I didn’t commit the violation that I was cited for?
If you feel you did not commit the violation, or you feel you had a good reason for committing the violation and the deputy cited you anyway, do not argue with the deputy at the time of the stop; you will have the opportunity to challenge the citation in court. After you receive a citation, the traffic court will send you a notice to appear by mail. You can plead not guilty, and a traffic trial will be scheduled. The trial is your opportunity to argue the case in front of an impartial judge. - Why was my car towed?
There are numerous reasons why your car might have been towed, but these are some of the most common:
- If someone is driving your car and their license is suspended or they have never been issued a license, then your car will be impounded for 30 days (it does not matter that they were not the registered owner).
- If your registration is expired for over six months.
- The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
- Now that my car was towed, what do I do?
If your car has been stored (1 day tow) or impounded (30 day tow), you may request a tow hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if the tow was valid, or if there were mitigating circumstances surrounding the tow. If your car was lawfully impounded for 30 days, the vehicle will be released prior to the 30 days if the driver obtains a valid driver’s license, or if there are mitigating circumstances (determined during the tow hearing). - I have a traffic concern. Who can I call?
If you have a concern about signs, road design, signal placement, or any other traffic engineering concerns, you may contact the City of Perris engineers.
If your concern is with on-going traffic violations, you may contact the Perris Station traffic team at (951) 210-1058.
If you are reporting an emergency, such as: a drunk driver, reckless driver, or to report a traffic collision, please call 911.
