Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the images from this site on my web page?
The images on this web site are copyrighted by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Transportation.  Please read our Terms of Use for additional details.
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What is ATSAC?
ATSAC is the acronym for "Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control." The ATSAC system is the City's computerized traffic management system which optimizes traffic signal synchronization along streets in each ATSAC area.  Click here for more details.
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Why do the map images only appear in the top half of the page?
The TrafficInfo site utilizes an element known as an iframe where our map images and other content are displayed in.  If the content of the site is only being displayed in the top half of the page, then your browser does not fully support the height attribute of the iframe element. 
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Why do I see two scrollbars?
The latest version of the TrafficInfo site utilizes an element known as an iframe.  An iframe element displays a frame that contains another document, which resides within the current page viewed.  When the total length of the contents within the iframe surpasses the height of your browser's window, an "internal" scrollbar, associated with the iframe, will appear.  The scrollbar that is furthest on the right is the scrollbar associated with your web browser.

This version of the TrafficInfo site was developed at a screen resolution no less than 1280 x 1024.  If your monitor is set to a resolution that is greater than or equal to 1280 x 1024, try maximizing your browser window or disabling a toolbar to eliminate the appearance of a second scrollbar. 
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Why does the TrafficInfo site utilize an iframe element?
An iframe was implemented in the design of the current version of the site to quickly improve the site's layout.  More major improvements to the site are already underway.  Such improvements are making use of newer technologies such as ASP.NET where the iframe will no longer be used.  The iframe element is being used as a temporary means to update the site.
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Are there future plans to utilize a GIS map where zooming and panning will be possible?
Yes.  We are currently searching for the proper GIS map application to apply on the TrafficInfo site.  Until then, we will try to improve the navigation of the maps with the next release of the site.  The information contained in the next release will be displayed using ASP.NET.  This technology, however, requires the procurement of newer equipment.  As we wait for this new equipment to arrive, we will continue the development of the next version on our test servers. 
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Why is there no data in some areas?
Real time traffic data is only available at signalized intersections managed by the ATSAC system. As of July 2005, ATSAC has been implemented at 72 percent of the City's 4,300 signalized intersections. ATSAC will be implemented at the remaining 28 percent of the City's signalized intersections as funding becomes available.

Other areas are outside the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Los Angeles and other agencies are responsible to provide information in those areas.
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What does the color mean?
The colors are used to indicate the average speed that traffic moved along a given length of roadway. These average speeds may vary slightly along the length of the street.
  • Green indicates traffic is traveling an average speed of greater than 20 miles per hour.
  • Yellow indicates traffic is traveling an average speed between 10 to 20 miles per hour.
  • Red indicates traffic may experience some delays with average speeds below 10 miles per hour.
  • Gray (blank) indicates that real time traffic data is currently unavailable on this link.
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How often is the traffic information updated?
The traffic data is regenerated every 4-8 mintues. The date and time of the data is shown below each map.
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Where can I get freeway status information?
Freeway speed status can be viewed by clicking on the 'Freeway Status' link on the upper left. Freeway construction and lane closure information in the Los Angeles area is available here from Caltrans.
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Where can I get transit and bus information?
Also located in the upper left portion of the web page is the icon for the Regional Transit Systems. This will take you to the Metropolitian Transportation Agency's web site where there are a wealth of information on mass transit options in the Los Angeles county region, including both buses and rail systems. For transit options from City of Los Angeles, such as DASH, Communter Express, and City Ride, click on the 'LADOT Transit' Link and it will take you to the LADOT's transit information page.
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Why isn't <name of street> shown in the close up map?
Only streets where traffic data are currently available within the City of Los Angeles are represented on this map. Local residential streets typically have lower traffic volumes and are normally not monitored by the ATSAC system.

Areas covered by ATSAC is continually expanding. As the area expands, data from these new locations will be made available on this website.
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Why does the road closure data in the zoomed-in map pages appear to be missing?
Mozilla Firefox does not properly display road closure data in the zoomed-in map pages.  We are currently working to resolve this problem.  If you are experiencing the same problem while using another browser, please leave our web development team feedback.
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Where can I send comments about this site?
Comments and suggestions can be sent via an online form.  Click here to send a comment.
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