Try this link to report a malfunctioning signal.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/d4address.htm
Print a copy of your CalTrans report in a form that includes the date of your complaint.
Let them know the "loop" is not sensitive enough to pick up your XXX pound vehicle/motorcycle. Also explain what portion of the loop (the painted rectangle located prior to the limit line) you are attempting to use (if you have tried all portions, then state that).
Then,
read this post and the included threads regarding inoperative or malfunctioning signals. Carry a copy of your CalTrans complaint/report with you and proceed with due caution. If you get stopped, show the officer a copy of your pre-dated report of the malfunction and a copy of this code section:
21800(d)(1) CVC "The driver of any vehicle approaching an intersection which has official traffic control signals that are inoperative shall stop at the intersection, and may proceed with caution when it is safe to do so."
While you are not at an "intersection" per se, the spirit of the law should cover you if the traffic control signals are inoperative. So, try to incorporate as much of 21800(d)(1) CVC into your report, such as:
Dear Sir or Ma'am, When I approach the official traffic control signal (metering light) in the leftmost (or rightmost, whichever is the case) lane on the northbound Hwy. 101 on-ramp from westbound Capitol Expressway in San Jose, I have repeatedly found that the signal is inoperative and malfunctioning as it does not recognize my vehicle (a street-legal XXXcc motorcycle) no matter what portion of the signal loop I negotiate in an attempt to trip the metering light in an effort to get the green signal to proceed.
This malfunction results in my needlessly sitting at a red signal for several cycles while vehicles in the other lane get cycled through normally. In most cases, I have had to wait for another vehicle to come up behind me (to trip the loop), but quite often they change lanes when they see me needlessly sitting there while the other signal is cycling properly. When no one else is there or no one will pull up behind my vehicle to trip the loop, I am forced to proceed with caution on the red signal when it is safe to do so (in the spirit of 21800(d)(1) CVC).
This has been an on-going problem and I am hoping that the sensitivity of the signal loops on the northbound Hwy. 101 on-ramp from westbound Capitol Expressway in San Jose can be adjusted immediately to remedy this problem. I have been told this is the proper method to report this problem to CalTrans. If it is not, please forward it to the appropriate authority so this issue can be addressed as expeditiously as possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. If you have any questions, I can be reached during business hours at: xxx-xxx-xxxx.
