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Traffic FAQs

Is my question/complaint on a road maintained by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works?
Please refer to the list of County Roads provided on this web site to see if the section of road you are interested in is maintained by Suffolk County

I have a complaint about the way a traffic signal is working, whom do I contact?
If the signal is at the intersection of a County Road and a State Road, the State is responsible for the traffic signal. They can be contacted at: (631) 724-4040. All other signals on County Roads are maintained by the Town in which the traffic signal is located. Check your phone listings for the appropriate town or village.

I want to have a new traffic signal installed, or recommend modifications to an existing traffic signal, what do I do?
If the signal is at the intersection of a County Road and a State Road, the State is responsible for modifying the traffic signal. They can be contacted at: (631) 952-6020. All other locations on a County Road require a written request. Letters may be addressed to: Mr. William Hillman, Chief Engineer, Suffolk County Department of Public Works, 335 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank, NY 11980-9744. Please make sure to include your name, address, and phone number so that the Department may respond to your request.

Cars are speeding along my street, how do I get them to slow down?
Exceeding the posted speed limit on any street is a violation of the law, and you should contact the appropriate Police Department and/or Precinct and request increased enforcement of the posted speed limit. If you are looking to request a change in the posted limit on a County Road, please puut your request in writing and mail it to the Department of Public Works. The Department will investigate your request, make a determination and coordinate with the appropriate Town or Village as required.

I want a deer crossing sign (or some other type of sign) installed on a County Road, what do I do?
Put your request in writing and mail it to the Department of Public Works. The Department will investigate your request and make a determination, or if need be, refer it the proper State or Town office for processing.

How many cars travel on a particular County Road each day?
Traffic volumes vary greatly on the County Road system. For a complete listing of traffic volume counts on all County Roads, please visit our Traffic Volume Count Web Site [link to site] to select the location you are interested in.

My car has been damaged while driving on a County Road, how do I file a claim for repairs?
The Suffolk County Department of Public Works cannot give you legal advice, and cannot instruct you on how to protect your legal rights. You are always welcome, however, to submit all information you have to the Suffolk County Department of Public Works for consideration.

I want to know how many accidents have occurred on a County Road, whom do I contact?
Please contact the appropriate police department.

I have an ice cream truck and want to operate it in Suffolk County. Do I need a license or permit from the County?
Yes. Suffolk County requires the drivers of all vending vehicles operating in the County which make frequent unscheduled stops on roadways and shoulders to be certified. Drivers must be at least 17 years of age, have been a licensed driver for at least one year, have an acceptable driving record, and be of good moral character.

How do I become a certified street vendor?
You must call the Department of Public Works at 631-852-4081 and make an appointment to take the Safety Training Course and examination. A copy of the "Street Vendor Law Handbook" will be mailed to you as a study guide. On the day you are scheduled to take the test, you must bring a valid driver's license and conviction stub, 2 passport-type photos, and a $50 non-refundable application fee (checks made payable to the Suffolk County Treasurer.) In addition, you must pay a $75 fee covering the cost of a criminal background check performed by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice. Payment must be in the form of a certified check or money order, payable to "New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services."

Suffolk County Government

H. Lee Dennison Bldg

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Riverhead County Center

County Road 51
Riverhead, NY 11901