FAQ

How can I launch my boat on Donner Lake?

  • Prior to a motorized watercraft being launched into Donner Lake for the first time for the season, the owner or operator must submit a self-inspection form to the Town of Truckee and obtain an inspection sticker for the watercraft.
  • You do NOT need a Donner Lake 2024 sticker if you have a current, valid Lake Tahoe sticker and have not entered any other body of water.

Why do I have to inspect my vessel before launching?

  • Watercraft self-inspections are mandatory for all motorized and/or trailered watercraft launching on Donner Lake through the Town of Truckee ordinance Title 14.
  • Inspections are to help prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into Donner Lake. Non-motorized watercraft may be subject to an inspection prior to entering Donner Lake if determined necessary by the Town of Truckee or its designee.

Below are the steps in place to launch your watercraft at Donner Lake this summer:

  • Print the self-inspection form found on our website.  If you do not have a printer or need assistance, email police-records@townoftruckee.gov.  
  •  Inspect your boat at its current location – you do not need to bring your boat to the Truckee Police Department.
  • Bring your completed form into the Truckee Police Department between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (no appointment needed). 
  • Once you receive your Donner Lake 2024 sticker from the Police Department, place it on your boat, and keep your completed, current inspection form in your boat. You’re ready to launch.
  • TRUCKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS THE ONLY AGENCY WITH 2024 DONNER LAKE STICKERS. YOU WILL NEED TO COME TO THE PD LOBBY DURING BUSINESS HOURS TO OBTAIN A STICKER.

I’m unable to visit the Police Department to pick up my sticker during open hours. Can I still get a sticker?

Yes, please email police-records@townoftruckee.gov, include your completed self-inspection form, and explain your situation.  Our staff will provide you instructions for after hours pick-up or can mail the inspection sticker to an address of your choosing.

Can I launch at Donner Lake with a current Tahoe sticker?

  • Yes, however to re-launch in Lake Tahoe the watercraft will need to be re-inspected.

Local Inspection Stations:

Alpine Meadows Station 

May 15th – September 30th

8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily.

255 Alpine Meadows Rd., Alpine Meadows, CA 96146

Lake Forest Station (Sealed boats only, no inspections during summer operation)

October 1 – April 30

8 am – 6 pm daily, weather permitting

2500 Lake Forest Rd., Tahoe City, CA 96145

For more information on the Lake Tahoe inspection process and to make an appointment, please visit Tahoe Boat Inspections.

How can I adopt a pet?

All of our adoptable animals are placed in new homes by our partner the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. You may contact the Humane Society at 530-587-5948 or visit their website at http://hstt.org/adopt-pet for more information.

Where do I license my dog and what paperwork is required?

Dog licenses can be purchased online here. A current rabies certificate is required.

Is there a penalty if I license my dog late?

A $12.00 late penalty will be applied to any dog license that is obtained after the 30 day grace period, whether it is a renewal or new license. Also, failure to license a dog may result in a citation being issued.

Is a dog license required in Truckee?

Yes, a license is required for all dogs over 4 months of age. The license is verification of current rabies vaccination and is mandated through the State of California. Rabies in dogs is still common in many countries outside the United States that do not have licensing programs in place.

What is your euthanasia policy?

We are proud to have one of the lowest euthanasia rates in the country. In rare instances of a severe medical issue or a behavioral issue such as a pet that is not safe to adopt into our community, animals are euthanized. You can check out our shelter stats here.

What should I do if I see a coyote?

Seeing coyotes in our community is a normal occurrence. For tips on living with Coyotes visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Coyote

What can I do about a pet I can no longer keep?

Making the decision to surrender an animal is difficult, but we’re here to help. We will work with you to see if there are resources available to assist in your situation. If you do need to surrender your pet, an appointment, a fee, and a completed pet behavior form are required.

How do I file a complaint?

All complaints are acquired in confidence. Your information is not given to the person you are filing a complaint against. File a complaint here or contact a Community Service Officer at (530) 550-2320 for additional information.

Is there a leash law in Truckee?

Common courtesy goes a long way, and it is important to respect all users of multi-use trails. Dog owners are required to keep their dogs under control by visual and voice control or by leash control. Voice and visual control requires that the owner is in the immediate presence of the animal and can demonstrate effective control of the animal.

Why are there parking meters Downtown?

  • To better manage parking
  • To provide funding for capital improvements, ongoing maintenance and snow removal
  • To eliminate general taxpayer subsidy of Downtown parking

Why are there no parking meters in front of each parking space?

  • To avoid having 400 meters Downtown
  • There are 30 multi-space parking meter kiosks placed throughout Downtown
  • The parking meters are easy to use and accept coin, credit cards and Truckee Card
  • The parking meters do not accept dollar bills due to jamming issues

Where are the parking meters located?

  • The meters are located at approximately every seventh parking space throughout Downtown
  • There are “Pay Here to Park” signs indicating the meter locations

How do I use the parking meter?

  • Insert coins, credit card or Truckee Card. Time may be purchased in three minute increments with coin payment and in two hour minimums with a credit card.
  • Once the amount of time needed is shown on the screen, push the green button to print a receipt.
  • Place the receipt face up on the dashboard of your car.

What are the hours of operation of paid parking?

Parking is enforced daily (including weekends and holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What should I do if I see a bear?

We’re lucky to live so close to wildlife. It is possible to share space and safely coexist with native species. If a bear is causing property damage or a public safety issue, you may contact the Truckee Police Department at (530) 550-2320. You may also contact the Bear League at 530-525-7297 or visit their website at http://savebears.org/.

How do I report a crime in the Town of Truckee?

  • If the incident is an emergency, call 911.
  • For non-emergency incidents, please call the Nevada County Regional Dispatch Center at 530-550-2320; dispatchers are available 24/7 to take your call.  Be prepared to share the address and details of the incident.
  • The Police Department does not have jurisdiction on Highway 80. Please report any accidents or incidents on local highways to CHP dispatch at 530-332-1200.

How can I get information on I-80 road closures?

The Police Department does not keep real-time data on highway conditions.  Please visit the CalTrans QuickMap here for a detailed map of all road closures.

How can I get a copy of my police report?

  • Stop by the Police Department during our open counter hours (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4PM, excluding Town holidays) and fill out a request form.  Please bring a valid photo ID so we may verify your information.
  • You may also request records by emailing a completed request form and copy of your photo ID to police-records@townoftruckee.gov.

I need to get my fingerprints taken. Does the Police Department offer this service?

  • Yes! We can provide electronic and ink fingerprint services, depending on your needs.
  • Fingerprinting is available by appointment only. Our current appointment times are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 9:30 AM until 12:00 PM.
  • You can make an appointment by calling our office at 530-550-2323, or email police-records@townoftruckee.gov.
  • If you are an applicant and need your fingerprints taken for future employment with the Town of Truckee, please reach out to Support Services Supervisor Brittany Johanson at 530-550-2323.

I want to make a Public Records Act (PRA) request for police records. How can I do so?

Please visit the Town of Truckee’s website and fill out the Record Request form here. A staff member from the appropriate Department will be in contact regarding your request.

What should I do if my property is lost or stolen?

  • If your property has been lost or stolen, file a report immediately by calling (530) 550-2320.
  • If your lost/stolen item has a serial or registration number, please provide this information to the responding officer. 

My property was collected for safekeeping.  When can I get my property back?

Owners may pick up their property after calling and making an appointment at 530-550-2338. If the property is not picked up within 60 days, all unclaimed items will be given to a charitable organization or disposed.

When may I claim my property that was booked as evidence?

All evidence that is held in which a person was arrested or cited, the police department must receive a District Attorney confirmation that the case is closed on all defendants. In some cases the property may not be released immediately due to pending further investigations or appeals.

How can I get my firearms back that were taken as Evidence or Safekeeping?

Pursuant to California Penal Code §33850, upon notification from the Truckee Police Department that the firearm(s) is available for release, the individual seeking the return of the firearm shall submit an application for a determination by the Department of Justice as to whether he/she is eligible to possess a firearm.  Further information may be obtained by calling Property and Evidence at (530) 550-2338.

FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND/OR AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICES
Any person who claims title to any firearm, ammunition, and/or ammunition feeding device that is in the custody or control of a court or law enforcement agency and wishes to have the items returned shall submit a Law Enforcement Release Application to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to determine whether he/she is eligible to possess such items (§ 33850 Penal Code). The application is available online at Bureau of Firearms, California Department of Justice https://oag.ca.gov/firearms. It may take up to 8 weeks to process the application. The letter, once received, is only valid for 30 days. It would be in your best interest to contact the Field & Evidence Specialist before submitting the application to DOJ to make sure that the item(s) is available for release.

If the firearm, ammunition, and/or ammunition feeding device was taken for safekeeping, the owner must start the clearance process with DOJ within 180 days. The owner must then provide the clearance letter to this agency within 30 days of receipt. If the owner is prohibited from ownership and the items are not illegal, he/she may sell/transfer the firearm, ammunition, and/or ammunition feeding device to a licensed firearms dealer pursuant to § 33850(b) Penal Code.  Per §33875 Penal Code, failure to claim the items within 180 days will result in destruction of the items. A storage fee of $50 per firearm may be charged for any firearms held for safekeeping.

What type of identification is needed to pick up property?

A valid driver’s license or state ID card, military ID or passport.

May someone else pick up my property?

If it is necessary for someone else to pick up your property, the police department must receive a signed letter from you, as well as a copy of your photo ID.

I’d like to speak with a Police Officer in person about an incident. How should I proceed?

  • Stop by the Police Department during our open counter hours (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4PM, excluding Town holidays) and fill out a contact card.
  • Please note: we cannot predict if an Officer will be present to take your call when you arrive. Waiting for an Officer can take up to an hour, so please plan ahead before visiting.

How can I contest a parking violation?

A person can contest a parking violation by coming into the lobby of Police Department to fill out an appeal form. Hours are: Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed legal holidays and weekends.

You may also click here to download the parking appeal form.
You have 21 days from the parking citation issue date to file an appeal (or 14 days from the date a delinquent notice is mailed.)

If you do not do it within the allotted time frame, you forfeit all rights to challenge the citation. You may mail, deliver or fax your request to: Truckee Police Dept. Records Division 10183 Truckee Airport Rd. Truckee, CA 96161 Fax: (530) 582-7771.

What qualifies as an abandoned vehicle?

A vehicle that is left more than 72-hours, within right-of-way, and within the same location can be reported to police dispatch and an officer will evaluate the situation. If a vehicle is deemed abandoned, but does not cause an immediate threat or obstruction, the owner of such vehicle will be notified by an officer to remove the vehicle. Necessary citations may also be issued.

What qualifies a vehicle for immediate abatement?

A vehicle that has been deemed abandoned may qualify if wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, creates a hazard, or affects the general welfare of the community. Contact our Dispatch to have a Community Service Officer assess the vehicle’s condition.

How can I report an abandoned vehicle?

Vehicles that appear abandoned or are illegally parked on a public roadway should be report to our Dispatch center at 530-550-2320. An Officer will be called to evaluate the location.

Can the Police Department tow abandoned vehicles from private property?

Typically a property owner is responsible for towing from their own home or land. Contact police dispatch to speak with a CSO to see if a situation qualifies.

How do I file a traffic accident report?

It is the policy of the Truckee Police Department to complete a traffic collision report under the following circumstances:

• The traffic collision occurred within the Town of Truckee limits.
• A person involved in the traffic collision has been injured (complaint of pain is considered injury) or dies.
• One of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• One of the drivers has fled the location without stopping to exchange information or check on the welfare of the other parties involved.
• Town property is involved (Town vehicle, light post, signal post, etc.)

If any of the above conditions are met at the scene of a traffic collision, the Truckee Police Department should be notified in one of the following manners: 9-1-1 (in case of an emergency).
 
If it’s not an emergency, use the dispatch telephone number (530) 550-2320.

In addition to filing a traffic collision report with the Truckee Police Department, it may also be necessary to file Department of Motor Vehicles Form SR-1A: www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/formsaccident
 
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles web page for more information on state reporting requirement for traffic collisions: www.dmv.ca.gov

If the traffic collision was property damage only and none of the special conditions mentioned above exists, you may file a “Counter Report” at the lobby of the Truckee Police Department located at 10183 Truckee Airport Rd Truckee, CA Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The report should be made as soon as possible. The person reporting the collision needs to bring along the following information:

• The time and location (street address/cross streets) where the collision occurred.
• The license plate number of the vehicle he or she was driving when they were involved in the traffic collision.
• Driver’s license
• Insurance information (name of the insurance company and their policy number).
• The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all passengers in their vehicle
• If known, the license plate numbers, names, addresses, and phone numbers of all other involved drivers and passengers.

Can you sign off on my “fix-it” ticket?

  • Yes, but some correctable violations need to be reviewed by a Police Officer. Please note the wait times for in-person Officer requests above.
  • We cannot sign off on traffic tickets for insurance violations.  You must verify your proof of insurance with the staff at the Nevada County Superior Court. The Court’s Truckee branch is located at 10075 Levon Ave. Please visit their website for more information.

What can I do about "identity theft"?

If you become the victim of identity theft, it is important to act immediately to stop the thief’s further use of your identity.

  • Immediately contact all your credit card issuers. Get replacement cards with new account numbers. Ask that the old accounts be processed as “account closed at consumer’s request.” (This is better than “card lost or stolen,” because when this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.)
  • Call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies: TRW, Equifax, and Trans Union. Report the theft of your credit cards and/or numbers. Ask that your accounts be flagged. Also, add a victim’s statement to your report such as, “My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX (your phone number) to verify all applications.”
  • Notify your bank(s) of the theft. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers. Ask the bank to issue you a secret password that must be used in every transaction. Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of.
  • If you use the ATM card for banking services, get a new card, account number, and password. Do not use your old password. When creating a password, avoid such commonly used numbers as the last four digits of your Social Security number and your birth date.
  • If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to Telecheck and National Processing Company (NPC). These check guarantee companies will flag your file so that bogus checks will be turned down. Call Telecheck at 800-366-2425. Call NPC at 800-526-5380.
  • Call your telephone, electrical, gas and water utilities. Alert them to the possibility that someone may attempt to open new service using your identification. Also contact your long-distance company.
  • The nearest office of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service might be able to help you remove fraudulent claims from your credit report. Call 800-388-2227.
  • In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates and names. Send correspondence by certified mail. Keep copies of all letters and documents. Provide your police report number to expedite reporting the crime.
  • Consider seeking legal counsel, especially if you have difficulty clearing up your credit history, or your case is complex and involves a lot of money. An attorney can help you recover from the fraud and determine whether your rights under various credit banking, SSN, and other laws have been violated.
Equifax
Copy of Report: P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0241
Dispute Report: P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0256
Order Credit Report: 800-685-1111
Opt Out of Marketing Lists: 800-219-1251
Report Fraud: 800-525-6285
Trans Union
Copy of Report: P.O. Box 7000
North Olmstead, OH 44070
Dispute Report: P.O. Box 403
Springfield, PA 19064
Order Credit Report: 800-851-2674
Opt Out of Marketing Lists: 800-241-2858
Report Fraud: 800-680-7289  
Experian
Copy of Report:
Dispute Report: Experian National Consumer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-2104
Order Credit Report: 888-397-3742
Opt Out of Marketing Lists: 800-353-0809    

What about Traffic School?

Eligibility to attend traffic school is handled by the Traffic Court.  For further information please call the court at (530) 362-4309 or click here for their website. 

Where does the Town install crosswalks?

Crosswalks may be located at signalized and unsignalized intersections or at mid-block locations. Crossings at intersections with higher levels of pedestrian traffic are more likely to be marked with a crosswalk, whereas intersections with lower levels of pedestrian traffic are less likely to be marked. In addition, mid-block crosswalks are not recommended unless accompanied with physical features (such as a center island). When determining where a crosswalk should be located and how it should be marked, several roadway and pedestrian characteristics are examined such as: the speed limit of the roadway, traffic volumes, number of travel lanes, road width, presence of center islands, pedestrian traffic volumes, pedestrian behaviors, visual clearance, and collision data. Efforts are made to mark crossings at convenient and safe locations. However, pedestrians should always remain “heads up” when using crosswalks as markings and signs do not protect against inattentive drivers.

Can additional speed limit signs or stop signs be installed on my street?

In general, the Town has a policy to limit the amount of signage throughout town to minimize sign pollution and maintain small town character. When deciding whether or not to place a new sign we consider several factors including legal and technical appropriateness, likely effectiveness of the requested signage to change driver behavior, maintenance of a consistent approach throughout the community, and effective use of public resources. Studies have suggested speed limit signs do not significantly modify driver behavior, and drivers tend to disregard signs in the long term. Per California regulations, stop signs should be used for traffic control at intersections and not for regulating speeds.

What rules apply for winter parking and snow removal?

Vehicles parked in a Town of Truckee right-of-way during snow season (November 1-April 30) are subject to immediate tow and/or a citation issued for obstructing snow removal operations and maintenance. Please review Town of Truckee Municipal Code Chapter 10.17 for more information.

Why doesn’t the Town install speed humps or speed bumps?

Speed humps and speed bumps are vertical obstacles in the road extending across a travel way to slow vehicle speeds. They are made of asphalt, concrete, plastic, rubber, or metal. The Town does not recommend installing speed humps or bumps on publicly maintained roads due to their lack of effectiveness, impediment to snow removal operations, and installation and maintenance costs.

Information provided by neighboring jurisdictions has shown that speed humps have not been effective at significantly reducing vehicle speeds, reducing speeds by only 1 or 2 mph and in some cases resulting in higher speeds.

Additional issues with speed humps include:

  • Interference with emergency vehicle response times.
  • Increased traffic noise levels from engines revving over the speed humps.
  • Increased acceleration between the speed humps.
  • Increase in vehicle exhaust emissions from acceleration after going over speed humps.

Can the speed limit on my street be lowered?

Operating speeds are based on the visual scene and characteristics of the roadway more than by the posted speed limit.  As a result, changes in the posted speed limit have little to no effect on vehicle speeds.  A nationwide study collected speed data from 100 sites across 22 states where posted speed limits were either raised or lowered by increments of 5 mph.  Review of the before and after speed data revealed that changes in speed were generally 2 miles per hour.  Changing the posted speed limit did not have a significant effect on modifying driver behavior.  

All roads in Truckee are categorized as local roads per the California Vehicle Code definition.  The speed limit is set at 25 MPH (Town Municipal Code 10.05.020 Town Prima Facie Speed) for most roads in Truckee unless a higher speed limit is determined to be appropriate.  Under this circumstance, the Town typically establishes speed limits based on the 85th percentile speeds which is the speed that 85 percent of vehicles are traveling at or below.  The 85th percentile speed is used because it reflects a collective judgment of the vast majority of drivers as to a reasonable speed for given roadway conditions.  Considerations are also made with regard to infrastructure and traffic conditions, such as:  roadway pavement widths, shoulder widths, curves, driveway density, potential for and volume of bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and collision rates.  Lowering a speed limit below the 85th percentile speed does not necessarily improve safety or result in voluntary motorist compliance.   

What can I do to help speeding concerns in my neighborhood?

Set the pace! Drive at or below the speed limit and observe all rules of the road.

Report speeding incidents to the Truckee Police Department. If you notice vehicles speed at a particular time of day, or day of the week, provide that information. You may make a request for additional enforcement.

Lead by example! Drive the speed limit and follow all driving rules.

How do I request a radar speed feedback sign?

Speed feedback signs remind drivers of the speed at which they are traveling in relation to the posted speed limit. However, local observations show that drivers pay more attention to them when they are newly placed and tend to disregard them over time.

The Town Council adopted the Radar Speed Sign Policy in 2013, available on the Town of Truckee website here:  Radar Speed Sign Policy. The policy identifies a limited number of locations for permanent radar speed feedback signs to be considered for installation if certain requirements are met.

The Truckee Police Department has a temporary radar speed feedback sign that is kept in continuous rotation in various areas throughout Town as weather permits.