Tempe Junction Traffic Calming & School Zone Rules

Transportation Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe Junction, Arizona, residents and neighborhood groups can petition for traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, or school-zone signage through the city transportation process. This guide explains the typical municipal steps, the departments that review requests, how enforcement and appeals work, and where to find official forms and contacts to begin an application.

Overview of the process

The usual pathway begins with a traffic-calming request or traffic-sign inquiry submitted to the City Transportation Division or equivalent municipal office. Staff evaluate site data, collision history, traffic counts, and community support. Projects that change roadway design (roundabouts, physical speed humps) may need Engineering review, public notices, and budget approvals. For school zone signs, the city often coordinates with school districts and follows engineering warrants set by municipal policy or referenced state guidance. For official program information and request steps, see the city pages linked below Traffic Calming Program[1] and the municipal code for traffic rules City of Tempe Code of Ordinances[2].

Start with the Transportation Division to confirm whether your street is eligible.

Common eligibility criteria

  • Traffic volume and speed thresholds established by the city's traffic-calming policy or traffic engineering guidelines.
  • Collision or safety history near the request location, including pedestrian or school-related incidents.
  • Evidence of community support or a petition from affected residents or the local school.
  • Physical feasibility, drainage, and utility conflict checks for speed humps or roundabout construction.

Design & approval steps

Design steps typically include field study, preliminary engineering, public outreach, design approval, and funding authorization. School-zone sign installation may require engineering warrants and coordination with the school district and state's speed-zone guidance. To request signs specifically, contact the city traffic-sign or school-zone program page School Zone & Traffic Signs[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for traffic violations in areas with new traffic-calming devices or school zones is typically carried out by the municipal police traffic unit in coordination with Transportation or Public Works for sign placement and maintenance. Specific penalty amounts, escalation schedules, and non-monetary sanctions depend on the regulating ordinance or traffic code cited by the city.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code and enforcement pages for exact figures Code of Ordinances[2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorized devices, suspension of permits for contractors, or court actions may be used; specific provisions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Transportation Division and Tempe Police Department handle inspections and enforcement; contact details are on the city transportation pages Traffic Calming Program[1].
  • Appeals and review: administrative review or appeal to a city board or council may be available; time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a citation in a new school zone, record the sign placement date and contact Transportation for documentation.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a Traffic Calming Request form and may provide a School Zone/Traffic Sign request procedure on its transportation pages. Fee schedules, official form names, submission methods, and deadlines are listed on the program pages or the municipal forms portal; if a fee or deadline is not listed, it is not specified on the cited page Traffic Calming Program[1].

How-To

  1. Collect neighborhood support and collision or speed data to support your request.
  2. Submit a Traffic Calming Request or School Zone Sign inquiry via the Transportation Division's online form or contact page Traffic Calming Program[1].
  3. Work with city engineers during the field evaluation and be available for public meetings or ballots if required.
  4. If approved, follow the city's instructions for construction contracts, payments, or petitioning for budget prioritization.
Document community correspondence and dates to support appeals or enforcement follow-up.

FAQ

How long does approval take?
Timelines vary by study complexity and budget; the city pages do not list a standard timeline and instead recommend contacting Transportation for an estimate.
Will the city pay for speed humps or roundabouts?
Funding depends on capital budgets and project prioritization; the municipal pages do not guarantee city-funded installation.
Can I appeal a denial?
Yes, appeals or review requests are typically handled through administrative or council processes, but specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with the Transportation Division to confirm eligibility and request forms.
  • Collect local data and neighbor support before submitting a request.
  • Expect engineering review, public outreach, and possible budget delays for physical changes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe Traffic Calming Program and request information.
  2. [2] City of Tempe Code of Ordinances (municipal traffic rules and regulations).
  3. [3] City of Tempe School Zone and Traffic Signs guidance.

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