Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I get a traffic ticket for a mechanical violation signed off?

Most mechanical violations (fix-it tickets) can be signed off after the appropriate corrections have been made. Bring the citation and the vehicle to the Encinitas Sheriff's Station during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). A charge of $15.00 is required for this service.

Q. How can I view "Megan's Law" information about sex offenders who may be living in my community?

Citizens wanting to access this information can visit the Office of the Attorney General-Megan's Law website at http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/

Q. I have been notified that I have property at the Station. How can I get it back?

If you wish to have property returned to you from Sheriff's evidence, please contact the station during business hours at (760) 966-3500 and make the necessary arrangements.

Copies of all reports taken by Encinitas Sheriff's Station personnel are retained for one year at the station. After a year, requests should be referred to the Sheriff's Records Division (858) 974-2110. Crime reports may be released with the authorization of the detective assigned to the report; however, there may be circumstances in which no report will be released.

Insurance companies and attorneys can receive copies of Traffic Collision Reports by mail. Individuals named in a report may obtain a copy of a Collision Report if they come into the station and present their ID. There is a $20 charge unless the individual is a victim of a DUI incident. Reports can take up to 10 business days to receive. Generally they are completed within a day or two of the request depending on the injuries, property damage and special circumstances.

Q. How do I obtain a restraining order?

Questions concerning the issuance and service of restraining orders should be referred to the Superior Court (760) 940-4442..

Q. What should I do if I'm pulled over by a traffic officer?

Carefully move to the right side of the roadway and stop in a safe place. Stay in your car. Roll down the window and take no further action until you are instructed by the deputy. Whenever you drive, ensure that you have your driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you.

Q. What should I do if I'm involved in a collision?

If there is an injury, call 9-1-1. Try to remain calm in all circumstances. If you exchange information with the other driver (e.g. vehicle license numbers, insurance company data, name and phone number, etc.), you do not have to remain at the scene of the accident if your vehicle is drivable and there are no injuries. If your vehicle is not drivable, you should call AAA or one of the following Sheriff's authorized local towing services:

Rancho Del Oro Towing (1st through 10th of the month) Tel. (760) 945-7600
RoadOne Towing (11th through 20th) Tel. (858) 492-5252
Rose Towing (21st through the end of the month) Tel. (858) 755-6426.

If you desire and the incident has occurred within the city limits of Del Mar, Encinitas or Solana Beach, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department will take an accident report. Call the Sheriff's non-emergency phone number to make arrangements.

California Department of Motor Vehicles under Vehicle Code Section 16000, requires that you furnish proof of insurance within 10 days after a motor vehicle accident when either of the following conditions applies:

1. bodily injury is reported, or
2. when the property damage to any of the involved vehicles exceeds $750.

If your accident meets the above requirement, complete a SR1/SR1A form and return it to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You may obtain this form from the Internet at:
www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/SR/SR1.pdf.

Don't forget. Call 9-1-1 for any injury accident.