The La Quinta Traffic Services Team performs a variety of functions. The first of these is the enforcement of traffic laws as defined by the California Vehicle Code. The City's motorcycle officers are the most visible part of the traffic enforcement function but all La Quinta Police officers conduct traffic enforcement as part of their patrol function.

Another function of the Traffic Services Team is to investigate traffic collisions that occur within the City of La Quinta. Depending on the severity of the individual incident, collisions may also be investigated by patrol officers or Community Service Officers. Collisions resulting in fatalities, major injuries, or injury collisions involving an impaired driver will result in a Traffic Services Team response with at least one of the responding officers being a traffic collision reconstructionist.

Public education is also a function of the Traffic Services team. Team members make public presentations at schools, civic organizations, and community groups where they address traffic related issues with a strong emphasis on improving traffic safety. The Traffic Service Team also conducts annual public education events (Holiday Safety Program) and participates in regional and state enforcement activities such as DUI Checkpoints, "Click It or Ticket" seat belt program, "Avoid the Thirty" drinking and driving program, and Child Passenger Safety training.