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Caltrans QuickMap Frequently Asked Questions

General questions:

Commercial Vehicles:

Geotargeted Notifications (a.k.a. Location Based Push Notifications):

Q: Where can I find a description of Caltrans QuickMap?

A: Right here:

The Caltrans QuickMap web page presents several types of real-time traffic information layered on a Google Map. The information includes traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, incident reports, Changeable Message Sign (CMS) content, camera snapshots, and active chain control requirements. Traffic speed is indicated by color-coded lines overlaying the roadway. The location of information content for the remaining layers is identified by markers (icon images) on the map. Clicking on a marker displays the information details in an info window pop-up.

The presentation of these different categories of information can be controlled with check boxes in the Caltrans QuickMap menu labeled Options which enables the layers to be turned on or off. This also serves as a key to the marker images used for each type of information.

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Q: Can you tell me more about the traffic information displayed on Caltrans QuickMap?

A: Yes.

Traffic Speed Traffic Scale

The traffic speed data information is provided by using the Google Maps Traffic Layer. This enables Caltrans QuickMap to provide speed data beyond what is available using just Caltrans data. Google uses Caltrans data as well as other sources of data, like Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) from private companies, as well as cellular phone data. The colors represent speeds. Green means there is a normal speed of traffic. The more red the roads become, the slower the speed of traffic.

For more information on the Google Traffic Layer see the following links:

Lane Closures Traffic Cone

The lane closures layer presents construction and maintenance activities by Caltrans Traffic Cone.

Although the data files on the public servers include all active and planned lane closures, Caltrans QuickMap only shows the active lane closures. Planned Lane closures can be found here.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) Incidents Warning Sign

Roadway incidents are presented using the publicly available CHP incident feed. CHP incidents are indicated by red triangular markers.

Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) Incidents Warning Sign

CHIN incidents that involve closed lanes are indicated by orange triangular markers.

Message Signs Message Sign

The Message Signs layer presents CMS markers only for signs with active messages. Caltrans QuickMap does not show markers for signs that are not currently displaying messages. The info window pop-up displays the message as it is shown on the CMS.

Cameras Camera

The Cameras layer presents selected still images from cameras throughout the State. Still images were selected instead of providing full motion imagery to insure that the web page would be able to provide traveler information even during high demand periods. Since the camera images were never intended for use by the public when originally installed, Caltrans is currently working to upgrade and standardize the image quality and information provided. The period between image updates varies by location, depending on the communication technology currently used. The goal is to provide image updates every 20 minutes or less.

Chain Controls Tire Chains

The Chain Controls layer presents the active chain control requirements throughout the State. A tire with chains Warning Sign is used for all restrictions. Restrictions are outlined in the info window pop-up. The chain control levels used in California are shown in the table below.

Level Description listed in dialog box
ESC The CHP is escorting all traffic due to weather conditions.
HT All traffic is being held at the chain control check point due to incidents or weather related conditions.
MAX Truck chain requirements are maximum for all trucks.
MIN Truck chain requirements are minimum for all trucks.
R-0 There are no chain restrictions at this time.
R-1 Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
R-1M Trucks & vehicles pulling trailers use R-1 restrictions.
R-2 Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
R-3 Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
RC Currently the road is closed due to incidents or weather related conditions.
TH All truck trailer combinations are being held at the chain control camper due to incidents or weather related conditions.
TS All trucks must stop at the chain check point; Caltrans is currently screening for chains. Drivers must have maximum chains in their possession in order to proceed. Trucks without chains will be turned around. Permit loads are prohibited over the summit.
TTA All truck trailer combinations are being turned around at the chain control camper due to traction problems over Donner Summit.
TTS All single axle drive trucks pulling a trailer are being turned around at the chain control camper due to traction problems over Donner Summit.
TTSD All single axle drive trucks pulling a set of doubles are being turned around at the chain control camper due to traction problems over Donner Summit.
VM A traffic control is in effect to meter vehicles at the chain check point in order to reduce traffic congestion in the mountain areas.
W No restrictions - watch for snow on pavement.

Q: Where does the information on the map come from?

A: Caltrans has many different systems that record information and then provide that information for public use.

Most of the information presented by Caltrans QuickMap is pulled from files published on the Caltrans public servers. See the Commercial Wholesale Web Portal (CWWP). CHP Incident data is provided by the California Highway Patrol's public web site.

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Q: How often is the information on the map refreshed?

A: The traffic information layers are updated at different intervals: most are updated every minute, but some are updated less frequently (every 5 or ten minutes). The iOS and Android mobile apps refresh only on command of the user.

Upon tapping the refresh button in the iOS and Android apps, you will see a flicker of the layer content on the map as each layer is deleted and replaced. Any open info window pop-ups will disappear, due to association with the deleted layer content.

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Q: Can I embed QuickMap in my web page?

A:Caltrans' Division of Information Technology (IT) does not recommend embedding QuickMap in third-party web pages because it is designed specifically for Caltrans' web site. The department recommends that third parties hyperlink directly to QuickMap to avoid technical issues, including potentially breaking after software updates.

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Q: Can I display QuickMap on my media broadcast?

A: Yes; developers and media broadcasters may use travel data sets available from the "Commercial Wholesale Web Portal: Version 2" page per Caltrans' Conditions of Use.

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Q: How can I report an issue or ask a question?

A: Caltrans is dedicated to providing services that add value and quality to life, and appreciates your feedback. Please email all QuickMap feedback, suggestions, or concerns to quickmap@dot.ca.gov.

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Q: How do I use the Commercial Vehicles layer tools in the QuickMap app?

A: Here are step-by-step directions:

  1. Select the "Options" menu.
  2. Scroll down to the "Commercial Vehicles" layer check and uncheck boxes to view and remove layers from the map.
  3. Check "Truck Weigh Stations" to view the locations of statewide weigh stations.
  4. Check "California Truck Networks" to view color-coded routes on the map.
    1. Click route on map for additional information including a detailed Caltrans Truck Map Legend.
  5. Per the Map Legend, the colors listed below indicate a:
    1. Truck Routes Logo National Network Route (STAA) (green)
    2. Truck Routes Logo Terminal Access Route (STAA) (blue)
    3. Truck Routes Logo California Legal Route (black)
    4. Truck Routes Logo California Legal Advisory Route (yellow)
    5. Truck Routes Logo Special Restriction (red)
      1. Click route on map to see restriction type and how it applies.
    6. Truck Routes Logo Truck Routes Logo Special Warning (a white exclamation mark inside a red triangle) when clicked provides notes such as low clearance, temporary detour, and certain restricted turning movements that are not part of Special Restrictions.
  6. Check "STAA Truck TA/SA Ramps" to view all highway off-ramps designated for STAA trucks exiting to local Terminal Access or Service Access (TA/SA) routes. See Quick Guide: Truck Lengths & Routes for more information on TA/SA routes.
    TA/SA Ramp Direction Indicates TA/SA direction on local streets.
  7. Check "Truck Escape Ramps" to view the locations of highway truck escape ramps.
  8. Click on a TA/SA or truck escape ramp icon from the map to see additional information in a pop-up window.
  9. Please note that the lines displayed in the Truck Route Network indicate the truck route designations and do not represent the true highway alignments. The QuickMap app is a real-time traffic information resource that provides information about road conditions on the State highway system; it is not intended to be used as a navigation app.

What are Geotargeted Notifications?

A: Geotargeted Notifications in the context of Caltrans QuickMap are traffic related push notifications sent to your device based on your location.

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How will the Geotargeted Notifications feature work?

A: Users who choose to subscribe to notifications will be notified of any planned or unplanned full closure of a highway, within a certain proximity (usually 10 miles) of the user’s location. Notifications will only be sent for closures that are expected to last 30 minutes or longer. Advanced notifications for planned closures will be sent out 30 minutes prior to their expected start time.

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How will the application know where a user is located?

A: The application will utilize the standard location reporting features that are part of the mobile device. The location of the device will be checked every 2 minutes and if it is located within proximity of a closure, a notification will be sent. The application will not collect any information about users’ travel or any type of personally identifiable information.

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How is the Geotargeted Notifications feature activated?

A: When a user installs or updates the QuickMap mobile application, they will be prompted to set the "Geotargeted Notifications" setting in the application to "On" to receive notifications. Android users will have the option to also enable "Enhanced Location Tracking." This will allow the device’s location to be tracked more reliably than the default tracking that occurs when "Geotargeted Notifications" are enabled.

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Can a user choose to not receive Geotargeted Notifications?

A: Yes. Users do not need to enable location services, notifications, or accept Geotargeted Notifications terms of service to use the QuickMap mobile application.

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Where will the notifications appear on a mobile device?

A: The Push notifications can appear on the lock screen, and on the notification center (for phones using iOS) or notification drawer (for phones using an Android operating system)..

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How will the Geotargeted Notifications feature affect the battery life of the mobile device?

A: Testing has shown that there should be minimal impact to battery life. If additional battery consumption is a concern, the application includes an option known as "Location Tracking Efficiency Mode". When this option is turned on, the mobile device location will be reported less frequently. Note: this feature cannot be activated on the Android version of the application if the user has activated the "Enhanced Location Tracking" feature.

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Where can users view the Terms of Service for Geotargeted Notifications?

A: Users who choose to enable Geotargeted Notifications will provided with the terms of service. Users can also view the terms of service on the app settings screen (found within the QuickMap app)..

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