Reporting Traffic Lights -- and the City's Expected Response Times

We received this useful information from DC's Emergency Operations Specialist, Mark A. Lewack, about how to report non-working traffic lights, and what are the expected wait times for repairs.

You can request traffic signal services by calling the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at 311or completing a service request online using the District government's Service Request Center.

Please identify the specific location of traffic signal (e.g., NE corner, SW corner, etc.) and describe the specific problem, (e.g.,. flashing, all-out, red out, pedestrian signal out, etc.). A service request will be put into the tracking system, and you should receive a service request number.

Scheduled Response Times:

• All signals out: 2 hours
• Twisted or turned head: 2 hours
• Bulb replacement: 24 hours
• Pedestrian signal out: 24 hours
• School flasher inoperative: 30 days
• Signal timing change: 30 days

Note:  Requests for "new" traffic signals require an investigation, determination, rulemaking and publication in the DC Register (if approved). Funding identification, design, and construction are also necessary. This entire process could take up to 24 months to complete. Call the Mayor's Hotline at 311 or (202) 727-1000 if the problem hasn't been resolved by the specified time of completion. Reference your service request number.