Speed Bumps & Traffic Calming - Colorado Springs Law

Transportation Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, neighborhoods that want speed bumps, speed cushions, or other traffic calming devices must follow the city’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming process. The program explains eligibility, petition thresholds, evaluation criteria and typical physical designs; the program page and Traffic Engineering division provide the official process and contacts for requests and technical standards. Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program[1] The Traffic Engineering division administers studies, design approvals and installation coordination. Traffic Engineering[2]

Start by contacting Traffic Engineering to request an initial evaluation.

Overview of the Process

The typical sequence includes an initial request, data collection (speed and volume counts), criteria evaluation, neighborhood petition (if required), design approval, funding determination, and installation with post-installation monitoring. Timeframes vary by workload and season, and funding can come from city capital budgets or neighborhood-initiated programs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Regulatory and enforcement matters for traffic calming devices intersect with municipal traffic control, maintenance responsibilities, and unlawful alteration of traffic devices. Specific monetary fines, escalation schedules, and exact non-monetary sanctions for unauthorized installation or tampering are not specified on the cited program pages. The Traffic Engineering division enforces placement approvals and coordinates with Parking Services or Police Traffic units for enforcement and safety reviews. Traffic Engineering[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, repair orders, or court action may be used; specific procedures not specified on the cited pages.
  • Enforcer: City of Colorado Springs Traffic Engineering (technical approvals) and Police/Traffic units for safety enforcement; use official contact pages to report issues.
  • Appeals/review: formal appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the program page; contact Traffic Engineering for appeal procedures.
Unauthorized installation or alteration of traffic calming devices can create liability and will likely require removal.

Applications & Forms

The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program publishes a request and petition procedure on the program page; where an official request form or petition template exists, it is made available there. If no form is posted, the program accepts an emailed request for an initial study. The program page lists submission instructions and departmental contacts. Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program[1]

How the City Evaluates Requests

  • Data collection: vehicle speed and volume counts, crash history.
  • Thresholds: petition support levels or minimum traffic metrics may be required.
  • Design: selection among speed humps, cushions, chicanes, or signage based on site constraints.
  • Funding: city capital, special programs, or neighborhood-initiated funding depending on project classification.
Design selection balances speed reduction with emergency vehicle access and drainage concerns.

How-To

  1. Confirm your street is within city jurisdiction and not a state highway.
  2. Contact Traffic Engineering for an initial intake and guidance on required data collection.
  3. Request or complete the neighborhood traffic calming request form and collect petition signatures if required.
  4. Allow the city to conduct speed/volume studies and safety analysis.
  5. If approved, coordinate design, scheduling, and funding; the city will install and monitor post-installation performance.
  6. If denied, ask Traffic Engineering about appeal or alternative measures (signing, enforcement, targeted enforcement campaigns).

FAQ

Who decides whether a speed bump can be installed?
The City of Colorado Springs Traffic Engineering division reviews requests, conducts studies, and approves or denies installations.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary by season and workload; the program page does not specify a fixed duration and recommends contacting Traffic Engineering.
Is there a cost to residents?
Funding depends on project type; some installations are city-funded while others may require neighborhood contributions—check the program page for options.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with Traffic Engineering to begin the official process.
  • Expect data collection and petition steps for neighborhood-initiated projects.
  • Funding and exact penalties for unauthorized action are not specified on the program pages; consult the department for details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program - City of Colorado Springs
  2. [2] Traffic Engineering - City of Colorado Springs

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