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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Street Conditions / DOT-TL-001

Traffic — Malfunctioning Traffic Signal

Regulation

Street Conditions · NYC DOT · NYC Admin Code §19-147

Traffic — Malfunctioning Traffic Signal is enforced by NYC DOT under NYC Admin Code §19-147. Severity default: High.

The regulation

Traffic signals stuck on red, flashing inconsistently, or with burned-out signal heads are DOT Traffic Operations priority repairs.

What to photograph

  • traffic signal with all lamps dark at busy intersection
  • signal stuck on red in one direction for extended period
  • pedestrian walk signal not illuminating when called

How to file a complaint

  1. Photograph pothole or defect with lane context (bike lane, bus lane).
  2. File at 311 under Street Condition or Pothole.
  3. Repeat filings on same block increase repair priority.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT.

Penalties & fines

Not applicable to reporters — DOT tracks repair SLAs. Severe cave-ins trigger emergency response.

What happens after you file

DOT Street Maintenance schedules patching. Bike lane defects are prioritized when cyclists are diverted into traffic.

This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.

FAQ

Can I file anonymously?

311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings.

Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?

We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.

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