School Zone Speed Limits - Colorado Springs Ordinance

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

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, municipal rules and traffic engineering policies govern school zone speed limits and signage to protect children and pedestrians. This guide explains where the city sets special speed zones, how signage must be posted, who enforces the rules, and what steps schools, parents, and drivers can take to request changes or challenge citations. For legal text and local traffic code, consult the city code and Traffic Engineering guidance below.[1][2]

Scope and How School Zones Are Set

The City of Colorado Springs evaluates school zone boundaries and times based on engineering studies and state guidance. School zones are typically established adjacent to school property and may specify times when lower speeds apply or be active when children are present. Signage standards follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as implemented by the city traffic engineering office.

Signage Requirements

  • Signs must clearly mark the beginning and end of a school speed zone and indicate the posted speed.
  • Signs may show specific times (for example, school arrival and dismissal) or use "When Children Are Present" language per city practice.
  • Portable or temporary signage for special events must be approved by Traffic Engineering.
School zone signage must conform to city Traffic Engineering standards to be enforceable.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and city traffic enforcement agencies handle violations in school zones. Specific fine amounts and escalation are not specified on the cited municipal pages and must be confirmed on the citation or court paperwork; see the municipal code for controlling language and Traffic Engineering for operational rules.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: court appearances, orders, and civil penalties may apply as provided by municipal or state traffic laws.
  • Enforcer: police traffic units and parking enforcement act under city code; inspection and complaint requests are managed by Traffic Engineering and Colorado Springs Police Department.
  • Complaint pathway: submit requests or complaints to Traffic Engineering; traffic safety complaints can be directed to the Police Department or the city's online service center.
If you receive a ticket, check the citation and municipal code references and note appeal deadlines immediately.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes forms and request procedures for traffic studies and signage changes through Traffic Engineering; specific form names or numbers are not listed on the cited guidance page and should be requested directly from the department.[2]

Common Violations

  • Exceeding posted school zone speed limit.
  • Failure to heed time-restricted signage (e.g., driving at reduced speed only during posted hours).
  • Ignoring temporary or portable school zone signs during events or crossings.

Action Steps for Schools and Parents

  • Contact Traffic Engineering to request a traffic study or signage evaluation.
  • Work with your school district and the city to coordinate crossing guards and active signage times.
  • Document problem locations with photos, times, and witness statements when submitting a request.
A formal traffic study is often required before new school-zone signs or permanent speed reductions are installed.

FAQ

What is the default speed in a Colorado Springs school zone?
The specific posted speed varies by location and is set by city study; check on-site signs or the municipal code citation on your citation for the posted limit.
Who enforces school-zone speeds in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs Police Department traffic units and authorized city enforcement staff enforce school-zone speed limits; for complaints contact Traffic Engineering.
How do I request a new school zone or sign change?
Submit a traffic study or signage request to Traffic Engineering and coordinate with your school district; the department will advise on forms and process.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact location and describe the safety concern, including maps or photos.
  2. Contact Traffic Engineering to request an evaluation or traffic study; provide documentation and school coordination details.
  3. Allow the department to conduct a field review and study, and respond to any follow-up questions.
  4. If denied, ask for the study results and the appeal process or escalate to city council as applicable.

Key Takeaways

  • School zones rely on posted signage and city-approved studies to be enforceable.
  • Traffic Engineering is the primary operational contact for signage and studies.
  • Penalty amounts and escalation are referenced on citations or court notices; the municipal guidance pages do not list fixed fines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Colorado Springs - Municipal Code
  2. [2] City of Colorado Springs - Traffic Engineering

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