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Traffic Operations

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1. How do I contact the Florida Department of Transportation?

The Florida Department of Transportation District Seven office in Tampa can be contacted at (813) 975-6000 or you may visit the Florida Department of Transportation website.

2. How do I report a malfunctioning traffic signal or school flasher?

Traffic signal or school flasher Malfunctions should be reported to our Traffic Management Center at (727) 847-8187 Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. After hours and on holidays, Fire / Rescue dispatch, local Police, Sheriff’s Office, or Florida Highway Patrol can be called to report any signal malfunctions.

• Dade City Police Ph: (352) 521-1490
• Zephyrhills Police Ph: (813) 780-0050
• Port Richey Police Ph: (727) 816-1919
• New Port Richey Ph: (727) 841-4550
• Pasco County Sheriff Ph: (727) 844-7711
  or Ph: 1-800-854-2862 (x7711)
• Fire Rescue Dispatch Ph: (727) 847-8102 or (813) 929-2756

3. How do I request a new traffic signal, flasher, or other traffic control device or sign?

Requests can be made by contacting the Customer Service Center at (727) 847-2411, (352) 523-2411, (813) 996-2411, (800) 368-2411, or you can enter your request on our website through the Customer Service Center page.

4. What is Traffic Calming and how can I have it installed in my neighborhood?

Standard recognized traffic calming devices may be installed if they are justified. Pasco County has a Traffic Calming assessment program. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

5. How do Pedestrian Signals work?

The pedestrian signal is activated by a pedestrian detector push-button. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

6. How do traffic signals work?

One example: all traffic signals in Pasco County operate based on the detection of vehicles in the roadway. This provides for efficient operation of the intersection. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division web page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

7. Who maintains traffic signals, warning flashers and school flashers in Pasco County?

Pasco County Traffic Operations Division maintains all traffic signals, warning flashers and school flashers within Pasco County. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

8. How are speed limits established?

Florida Statutes; Chapter 316.189 Establishes how speed limits are set on county roads. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

9. Why cant we have a stop sign to slow traffic on our street?

Stop signs are not used to slow traffic; Nationally recognized standards have been established to determine when stop signs should be used. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

10. Why are there different background colors on speed limit signs?

White speed limit signs are the established speed limit; yellow speed signs are an advisory speed for the road condition. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

11. Are traffic control devices on private property required to meet state standards?

Yes; all traffic control devices including those on private property are required by state law to meet state standards adopted by the Florida Department of Transportation. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

12. Are there guidelines for the proper installation of mailboxes and newspaper boxes?

Yes, including but not limited to the following; Mail box supports must be forgiving when struck by a vehicle. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

13. Why won't the county post Children @ Play signs?

These signs are not recognized by the FDOT. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division WEB page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352)523-2411.

14. What is a Clear Zone?

The roadside clear zone is that area outside the traveled way, available for use by errant vehicles. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

15. What is a Closed Loop System?

A closed loop system is a system of communication between individual signalized intersections within an arterial or a network of arterial roadways For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

16. Why cant I put my garage sale signs on or over traffic control signs or signals?

Florida State Statute 316.077 prohibits installation of unauthorized signs, signals or markings. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

17. Why not lower the speed limit to reduce hazards in our area?

An unrealistically low speed limit can actually lead to accidents. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

18. What is the impact of pavement markings on traffic safety?

Pavement markings have definite and important functions to perform in the area of traffic control. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

19. What are the requirements for the removal of underground markings signs, (flags)?

Florida State Statute 566.107 prohibits the removal of physical markings of an underground facility. For more information please see the TIP section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

20. What is Florida law regarding school speed zones and school buses?

In Florida, school zones are governed by the Florida Traffic Laws, Florida Statutes; Section 316.1895. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

21. Why are stop signs and other signs posted so high?

One major reason is the improved visibility and reduced vandalism. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

22. What should a driver do when approaching an intersection where traffic signals are not working?

Florida Statutes, Section 316.1235, state: The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection in which the traffic lights are inoperative shall stop, except when directed to proceed by a police officer. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

23. What should a driver do when approaching an intersection where traffic signals are flashing?

Florida Statutes, Section 316.076, state: The driver of a vehicle approaching a flashing red signal shall stop. The driver of a vehicle approaching a flashing yellow signal shall slow and proceed with caution. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

24. What is the justification for a left turn arrow?

Left turn signal phases facilitate left turning traffic and usually improve the safety of the intersection for left turning vehicles. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

25. Where should stop bar/sign be placed at intersection?

A stop bar if used should be placed parallel to the centerline of the intersecting street. In general, a Stop sign should be located to optimize nighttime visibility and minimize mud splatter. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

26. What is the harm of installing an unwarranted traffic control device?

Traffic Control Devices such as Traffic Signals, Stop Signs and Speed Limit Signs are installed to regulate traffic flow and improve safety. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) sets the standards for how traffic control devices are utilized. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

27. Wont a traffic signal reduce accidents at our intersection?

Traffic signals don't always prevent accidents. In many instances, the total number of accidents and injuries increase after they're installed. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

28. What are the requirements (warrants) for the installation of a traffic signal?

There are many nationally accepted minimum standards for the installation of a traffic signal. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division web page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

29. Why cant I put up my own signs?

Florida State Statute 316.077 prohibits installation of unauthorized signs signals or markings. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.

30. Why are there Orange Signs at road construction sites?

These traffic control devices are installed to assist and safely guide and protect motorists, pedestrians and workers in a traffic control zone. For more information please see the tip section on the Traffic Operations Division page.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (727) 847-2411, (813) 996-2411 or (352) 523-2411.