Denver Traffic Ordinances - Speed Bumps & Roundabouts

Transportation Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Denver, Colorado residents and agencies follow municipal procedures when proposing traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps (speed humps) and roundabouts. This guide explains how Denver evaluates requests, what city departments administer installations, typical enforcement pathways, and practical steps neighbors or business groups can take to start a project.

Overview of Traffic-Calming Process

Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) manages the traffic-calming program, evaluates neighborhood requests, conducts traffic studies, and coordinates installation with Public Works and Denver Police Department as needed[1]. Typical projects include speed humps, curb extensions, and roundabouts; each follows technical standards and community outreach steps before installation.

Start with DOTI’s traffic-calming intake to confirm eligibility.

How Requests Are Evaluated

  • Request intake and initial screening by DOTI to confirm eligibility and priority.
  • Traffic data collection (speed, volume, collisions) and analysis to determine appropriate measures.
  • Community notification and neighborhood review before final design approval.
  • Design, permitting, and coordination with utilities and Public Works for construction.

Penalties & Enforcement

Traffic-calming installations themselves are traffic-control devices enforced by traffic laws and the Denver Police Department; administrative rules and municipal code direct placement and maintenance. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules for violations tied to traffic-calming devices are not specified on the cited DOTI program page and require reference to Denver traffic code or enforcement procedures[2].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited DOTI program page; see municipal traffic code for ticket amounts and schedules.
  • Escalation: first versus repeat offences not specified on the cited page; enforcement follows Denver traffic code and court procedures where applicable.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or modify noncompliant private installations, court actions, and administrative directives may be used where installations violate city standards.
  • Enforcer and inspection: DOTI oversees design and maintenance; Denver Police Department issues citations and enforces traffic laws.
  • Appeals/review: ticket appeals follow traffic-court procedures; administrative review of DOTI decisions follows the city’s published appeal routes—time limits for appeals are not specified on the DOTI program page.
DOTI sets technical standards while Denver Police handle on-street enforcement.

Applications & Forms

DOTI provides an intake or request method for traffic-calming studies; the specific form name, fee, and submission deadlines are not specified on the DOTI program page and should be confirmed on DOTI’s project intake page or by contacting DOTI directly[1].

Typical Action Steps for Residents

  • Document the problem: collect speed, crash, and volume data where possible.
  • Contact DOTI to request a traffic-calming study and confirm required forms or petitions[1].
  • Organize neighborhood support and attend outreach meetings required during the design phase.
  • Work with DOTI on design, permitting, and scheduling for construction.

Common Violations

  • Unauthorized private installation of speed humps or signs — may trigger removal orders and administrative actions.
  • Failure to maintain city-installed devices leading to safety hazards — may result in repair orders.
  • Traffic citations for speeding or improper use of roundabouts enforced by Denver Police.

FAQ

How do I request a speed hump or roundabout in my neighborhood?
Begin by contacting DOTI to submit a traffic-calming request; DOTI will screen requests and schedule a study as appropriate.[1]
Who enforces rules and issues fines for violations?
Denver Police Department enforces on-street traffic violations; DOTI manages installation and maintenance standards; specific fine amounts are in the municipal traffic code[2].
Is there a form or fee to start a traffic-calming study?
DOTI has an intake process; the exact form name, fee, and deadlines are not specified on the DOTI program page and should be confirmed with DOTI directly[1].

How-To

  1. Gather street data and neighbor support.
  2. Contact DOTI to submit a formal traffic-calming request or intake inquiry[1].
  3. Participate in DOTI’s traffic study and community outreach processes.
  4. Review design options and provide feedback during the public comment period.
  5. Coordinate construction timing once DOTI approves the project and secures funding.
  6. Report maintenance or safety concerns to DOTI or 311 if issues arise post-installation.

Key Takeaways

  • DOTI administers traffic-calming projects while Denver Police enforce traffic laws.
  • Start with DOTI intake and neighborhood outreach to begin a project.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure - Traffic Calming program and intake
  2. [2] Denver Revised Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances (traffic regulations)
  3. [3] Denver services - report a traffic signal, sign, or request service

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