Baltimore City Ordinance: Speed Bumps & Roundabouts

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

Baltimore, Maryland residents seeking traffic calming options—like speed bumps or a neighborhood roundabout—must follow the city process managed by the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (Traffic Calming program)[1]. This guide explains who decides, typical evidence and studies required, how to file a request or petition, expected timelines, and what enforcement or penalties may apply under the city code[2].

Overview

Requests for physical traffic-calming measures are reviewed by the city transportation staff and may require traffic counts, collision history, and community support. Roundabouts often need stronger engineering review, right-of-way analysis, and coordination with planning or public works for drainage and utilities.

Traffic calming decisions balance safety data, adjacent land use, and emergency-access requirements.

Penalties & Enforcement

Baltimore enforces traffic-control devices and installation rules through municipal code and city agencies. Specific monetary fines or penalty schedules for unauthorized installation or alteration of traffic-control devices are not specified on the cited pages; see the municipal code and transportation guidance for enforcement contacts and procedures[2].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, or court actions may be used; details are handled by enforcing departments and the courts.
  • Enforcer: Baltimore City Department of Transportation (traffic engineering) and Baltimore Police Department for traffic violations; inspections and complaints route through 311 and DOT complaint channels.
  • Complaint pathway: submit requests or reports via Baltimore 311 or DOT contact pages; see Help and Support / Resources below for official links.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact DOT or the office named on the enforcement notice for appeal instructions.
If you suspect an unauthorized speed bump, report it to 311 immediately.

Applications & Forms

The city typically handles traffic-calming requests through the Department of Transportation intake process; an official traffic-calming request form may be available from DOT but fees, form numbers, and submission deadlines are not specified on the cited pages. For many concerns, residents start with a neighborhood petition and a 311 service request.

  • Name/Number: Traffic Calming Request (form name may vary; not specified on the cited page).
  • Fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: typically via DOT email or 311 intake; confirm on DOT traffic-calming page.
Neighborhood petitions and documented speed/collision data speed review.

How the City Evaluates Requests

Evaluation commonly includes traffic counts, speed surveys, crash history, effect on emergency vehicle access, and public outreach. Engineering staff rank requests and schedule studies; highly disruptive work like roundabout construction requires design, public hearings, and capital funding.

  • Typical study time: varies by workload and funding; not specified on the cited pages.
  • Design & construction: roundabouts usually require engineering design and capital project approval.
  • Temporary measures: the city may pilot temporary speed cushions or signs before permanent changes.
Installing traffic devices without city approval can create liability and will likely be removed.

FAQ

How do I start a request for a speed bump?
Begin by filing a 311 service request and contacting the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to ask about the Traffic Calming review process; assemble neighborhood support and any crash or speed data available.
Can I install a speed bump myself?
No; private installation is not permitted and may be ordered removed and subject to enforcement; specific fines are not specified on the cited pages.
How long does a roundabout take to approve and build?
Approval and construction can take many months to years depending on study, design, right-of-way, and funding; timelines are project-specific and not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Document the concern: collect photos, dates/times of problematic traffic, and any crash reports.
  2. Contact 311 and request a Traffic Calming review or complete DOT intake as instructed on the DOT site.
  3. Gather neighbor support: obtain signatures or written statements demonstrating affected residences.
  4. Allow engineering study: the city will collect speed/volume data and assess emergency access impacts.
  5. Review options and approvals: DOT may propose signs, markings, temporary measures, speed cushions, or a roundabout; public meetings may be required.
  6. If approved, follow instructions for design, funding, and construction scheduling; pay any required fees as directed by city notices.
Community involvement is often decisive in moving a request forward.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with 311 and the DOT Traffic Calming intake.
  • Neighborhood support and crash/speed data strengthen requests.
  • Roundabouts need engineering design and capital funding; timelines vary.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Baltimore City Department of Transportation - Traffic Calming
  2. [2] Baltimore City Code (Municode) - Code of Ordinances

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