Caltrans QuickMap icon
Caltrans QuickMap: A Critical Look at California's Official Road App

by California Department of Transportation

3.3
IOSNavigation
This app delivers real-time road condition updates directly from the California Department of Transportation. If you need precise information on chain controls, accidents, and winter weather alerts, it serves as a specialized navigational aid. Designed to help drivers navigate complex state highways with authoritative data.

Detailed Review

Caltrans QuickMap stands as the official iOS application from the California Department of Transportation, offering a focused alternative to broader navigation tools like Google Maps. It specializes in providing state-maintained road data, positioning itself as a critical resource for drivers who prioritize accuracy in traffic incidents, weather-related advisories, and highway maintenance information. Unlike general apps, it sources information directly from Caltrans systems, ensuring reliability for planning trips across California's diverse terrain. Core functionality revolves around live traffic monitoring, with features that display active incidents, road closures, and construction zones. Users can access real-time updates on chain control requirements in mountainous regions, track snow plow movements during winter storms, and view digital highway signs with current warnings. The app integrates traffic camera feeds for visual verification of conditions and incorporates California Highway Patrol incident reports. These tools are particularly valuable for route planning in areas where weather can rapidly change driving conditions, such as the Sierra Nevada passes or coastal highways. In terms of user experience, the interface presents a map-centric view with layered information options, allowing drivers to customize displays for specific needs like chain controls or accidents. Reviews indicate the app is generally stable on modern iPhones, with users reporting daily use without crashes. However, some interface quirks exist, such as occasional navigation glitches where tapping the road map redirects to an FAQ page, as noted in recent feedback. Real-world usage scenarios include truckers monitoring winter routes, families planning mountain trips, and commuters checking for accidents on interstate highways, where timely data can prevent hours of delay. User feedback trends highlight strong appreciation for the app's accuracy and niche utility. Multiple reviews praise its life-saving role in winter conditions, with one user stating it helps decide whether to wait out accidents or reroute. Another mentions the unexpected display of roads in Portugal, suggesting possible map data irregularities, though this appears isolated. Support responsiveness is noted positively, with a user reporting a crash resolved within hours after contact. Despite the overall 3.3-star rating, most vocal reviews award five stars, indicating that while the app has dedicated users, occasional bugs may impact broader satisfaction. The balanced assessment reveals Caltrans QuickMap as a highly effective tool for its intended purpose, providing reliable, official data that general apps often lack. Its strengths lie in detailed, real-time information for hazardous driving conditions, backed by direct agency updates. Limitations include sporadic interface issues and a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with its specialized features. For California drivers, especially those in rural or mountainous areas, it remains a recommended download, albeit with awareness of minor imperfections that could affect smooth operation.

Key Features

  • Real-time traffic incidents: Displays accidents, closures, and construction with details to help drivers avoid delays and plan detours.
  • Chain control status updates: Provides mandatory chain requirement alerts for mountain passes, crucial for winter travel safety.
  • Snow plow location tracking: Shows active plow routes in real time, aiding navigation during snowstorms and road maintenance.
  • Highway sign information: Replicates digital road signs with current warnings, speed limits, and advisories across state highways.
  • Traffic camera feeds: Allows visual checks of road conditions at key points, offering confirmation before embarking on trips.
  • CHP incident integration: Incorporates California Highway Patrol reports for up-to-date law enforcement and emergency alerts.

Why Users Love It

Authoritative real-time road data
Critical for winter driving decisions

Perfect for: California residents and travelers who require reliable, official road condition updates for mountainous or winter-prone routes.

Screenshots

Caltrans QuickMap screenshot 1Caltrans QuickMap screenshot 2Caltrans QuickMap screenshot 3Caltrans QuickMap screenshot 4Caltrans QuickMap screenshot 5Caltrans QuickMap screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Caltrans QuickMap's performance in Navigation over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#36

15 from last week

Best Rank

#6

All-time high

Average Rank

#24

30-day average

User Reviews

Larry Eytcheson
Apr 20, 2021

Thanks to my apple support that spent hours on the phone with me. They had a difficult time doing it. But they did not give up! Thanks again Larry Eytcheson iPad Thanks to my apple support that spent hours on the phone with me. They had a difficult time doing it. But they did not give up! Thanks again Larry Eytcheson

blunite6
Feb 18, 2021

I use this app for general information on CHP incidents and road conditions. Chain control info and location of snow plows in real time is very useful, as is the sign information. I have had no issues running this on my iPhone 11. Very good App I use this app for general information on CHP incidents and road conditions. Chain control info and location of snow plows in real time is very useful, as is the sign information. I have had no issues running this on my iPhone 11.

Flokkii
Feb 27, 2023

Very stable and useful, I use it several times a day. Factual and timely information. There was a brief crash on 2/24/23. I contacted app support and the problem was resolved within hours. Daily Very stable and useful, I use it several times a day. Factual and timely information. There was a brief crash on 2/24/23. I contacted app support and the problem was resolved within hours.

Big Diesle 925
Mar 8, 2023

You can see all the freeway signs and warnings in real time where the snow plows are when chains are required, and when chains are lifted its dead accurate Great for truckers in the winter You can see all the freeway signs and warnings in real time where the snow plows are when chains are required, and when chains are lifted its dead accurate

TheSierraMP
Mar 19, 2025

So so helpful, especially for tricky mountain roads and winter conditions. Knowing where chain control, accidents, etc are located is a life saver. Details about accidents help me decide whether to wait it out, go around, or stay the course. Google Maps could never. Must have app for mountain roads So so helpful, especially for tricky mountain roads and winter conditions. Knowing where chain control, accidents, etc are located is a life saver. Details about accidents help me decide whether to wait it out, go around, or stay the course. Google Maps could never.

App Details

Developer

California Department of Transportation

Platform

ios

Rating

3.3

Last Updated

12/22/2025