Centennial Traffic Laws Guide - Speed, DUI, Calming

Transportation Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Centennial, Colorado residents and visitors must follow local traffic regulations enforced by the city and its police department. This guide summarizes how Centennial addresses speed limits, right-of-way rules, DUI enforcement, and traffic calming measures, with practical steps to report hazards, request calming, appeal tickets, and find official forms. For the controlling ordinance text consult the Centennial municipal code.[1]

Speed Limits

Speed limits in Centennial are established by ordinance and by posted signs on city streets. Drivers must obey posted limits and any temporary reductions for work zones or special events. For regulatory text, see the municipal code cited above.[1]

Check posted signs and temporary work-zone notices before changing speed.

Right-of-Way

Right-of-way rules in Centennial follow the city code's traffic provisions and generally mirror state traffic law for yielding at intersections, crosswalks, and when entering or leaving private property. Pedestrians in marked crosswalks have priority where ordinances require it; drivers should yield as posted or as required by law.[1]

DUI and Impaired Driving

Criminal DUI enforcement and penalties are handled by law enforcement and the courts; local ordinance language references state statutes where applicable. If an ordinance element is used municipally, enforcement is by the Centennial Police Department and cases are prosecuted in the appropriate municipal or district court.[1]

If you are stopped for suspected impairment, comply with lawful orders and ask about appeal rights in court filings.

Traffic Calming

Centennial’s traffic-calming program evaluates requests for speed studies, physical calming measures, and signage. Residents can request a study or submit concerns to Public Works; the city reviews traffic patterns, collision history, and feasibility before approving capital work or temporary measures.[1]

  • Request form or petition: not specified on the cited page.
  • Typical study timeline: not specified on the cited page.
  • Possible measures: speed cushions, signage, lane narrowing—implementation subject to engineering review.
Traffic-calming requests often begin with a neighbor petition or an online service request to Public Works.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of traffic bylaws in Centennial is primarily by the Centennial Police Department; the municipal code establishes prohibited acts and references the enforcement mechanism. Where the municipal code does not list dollar amounts or specific jail terms for an offense, the controlling instrument or court schedules the fine and disposition. For ordinance language and enforcement provisions, see the municipal code.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: court orders, suspension of privileges, and confiscation or seizure are handled through court processes; specifics are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Centennial Police Department handles traffic enforcement and complaints; see Help and Support for contact links.

Applications & Forms

The municipal code does not publish a centralized traffic-calming form on the cited page; residents should contact Public Works or use the city’s online service request portal if available.[1]

If no form is posted, submit a written request to Public Works with location, description, and contact information.

Common Violations

  • Speeding — typically enforced by radar or patrol observation.
  • Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks.
  • Improper lane use or unsafe passing.

Action Steps

  • To report an immediate hazard, call Centennial Police (non-emergency or 911 for emergencies).
  • To request traffic calming, contact Public Works with location and concerns; include photos and a description.
  • To appeal a citation, follow the instructions on the ticket for municipal or county court filing and note any deadlines stated on the citation.

FAQ

How do I request a speed study?
Contact Centennial Public Works with the street location and reason for the request; the city will evaluate using engineering criteria.[1]
Who enforces DUI and what happens after an arrest?
The Centennial Police Department enforces suspected impaired driving; prosecutions proceed through the courts and follow state and local procedures.[1]
Can I appeal a traffic ticket?
Yes. Instructions and deadlines for appeal are on the citation; if not specified in the municipal text, appeal routes go through the issuing court.[1]

How-To

  1. Document the location, time, and nature of the traffic problem and gather photos or video if safe to do so.
  2. Submit a service request to Centennial Public Works or call the department to initiate a traffic-calming evaluation.
  3. If you received a citation, follow the appeal instructions on the ticket to request a hearing or pay the fine as directed.

Key Takeaways

  • Obey posted limits and watch for temporary signs in work zones.
  • Report hazards or request studies through Public Works or the Police Department.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] Centennial Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances