Install Speed Bumps in Washington - City Bylaw Guide

Transportation District of Columbia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of District of Columbia

In Washington, District of Columbia, neighborhood groups and local officials often request speed bumps as a traffic-calming measure to reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) administers the traffic calming program and evaluates requests, conducts engineering studies, and oversees installation and maintenance of speed humps and related devices.[1]

Start by documenting speeds and safety concerns before filing a request.

Overview of the process

Typical steps for a resident-initiated speed bump project include a request or petition, site evaluation by DDOT, a feasibility study, public outreach, permit and public space approval, and final installation and inspection. Public-space approvals and any physical work in the roadway require DDOT review and an issued permit from the Public Space division.[2]

  • Timeframe - variable by workload and scope, often several months to over a year depending on study and public process.
  • Study - DDOT typically conducts speed and volume measurements and site assessments before approval.
  • Public input - neighborhood notification and opportunity to comment are usually part of the process.

Applications & Forms

Residents generally begin with DDOT's traffic calming request procedure; a specific request form or online submission method is published by DDOT on its traffic calming service page.[1]

  • Form name and number - not specified on the cited page.
  • Fee - not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission - online or by contacting DDOT as directed on the service page.
If you cannot find an online form, contact DDOT directly through the traffic calming service page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and regulatory oversight for installing speed bumps in public streets fall under DDOT authority for public space and traffic engineering; enforcement of unlawful or unauthorized installations also involves DDOT's Public Space regulation processes and may involve citations or orders to remove unauthorized structures.[2]

  • Fines - not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation - first, repeat, and continuing offence details are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions - enforcement may include removal orders, stop-work notices, or required restoration of public space.
  • Enforcer - DDOT Public Space/Traffic Engineering; traffic violations related to speeding remain enforceable by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
  • Inspection & complaints - file complaints via DDOT contact routes or DC 311 as directed by the cited pages.
  • Appeals/review - appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Unauthorized installation in public space can lead to removal orders and coordination expenses billed to the party responsible.

Common violations

  • Installing physical traffic-calming devices without a DDOT permit.
  • Altering drainage or curbs to add informal speed bumps.
  • Failing to comply with DDOT-required mounting, signage, or marking standards.

How-To

  1. Document the problem: collect photos, speed data, and resident support.
  2. Submit a traffic calming request following DDOT instructions.[1]
  3. Participate in the DDOT study and public outreach process when scheduled.
  4. If approved, obtain required public space permits and schedule licensed contractor work per DDOT permit terms.[2]
  5. Coordinate inspections and final acceptance with DDOT after installation.

FAQ

How do residents start a request for a speed bump?
Begin by submitting a traffic calming request through DDOT's traffic calming service page and gathering neighborhood support; contact details are on the service page.[1]
Can I install a speed bump on my street without approval?
No. Installing devices in public space requires DDOT review and likely a public space permit; unauthorized work may trigger removal orders.[2]
Who enforces speed limits if people drive over bumps dangerously?
Speed enforcement (speeding citations) is handled by the Metropolitan Police Department; DDOT handles installation approvals and public-space compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • DDOT manages traffic calming requests and must be involved before any installation.
  • Permits and public-space approval are required for work in the street; unauthorized installations risk removal.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] DDOT Traffic Calming service page
  2. [2] DDOT Public Space permits information

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