How do I request a speed bump in Raleigh?

Complete the City of Raleigh Traffic Calming petition form and submit it to the Transportation or Public Works department; include resident signatures and problem details.

Who decides whether a speed bump is installed?

City engineering staff review the traffic calming study and make recommendations; final approvals are made by the responsible city department per policy.

Are there fees to file a traffic calming petition?

Fees or permit charges are not specified on the cited page; check the petition form or contact the Transportation department for current information.

Raleigh Traffic Calming & Speed Bump Requests

Transportation North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

In Raleigh, North Carolina, neighborhoods can ask the city to evaluate speeding and request traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, curb adjustments, or warning signage. This guide explains how the City of Raleigh handles petitions for speed bumps and traffic calming studies, who enforces rules, what forms and evidence are normally required, and the practical steps residents must follow to start a petition and appeal decisions.

Overview of the Traffic Calming Process

The City of Raleigh evaluates traffic calming requests based on measured speeds, traffic volume, collision history, and neighborhood support. Requests typically start with a petition or application from residents; the city then conducts a study to determine suitability and prioritization. Engineering review and public outreach are part of the process, and final installation decisions rest with the city department in charge of transportation engineering.

A successful request usually requires measured data and a threshold level of resident support.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Raleigh enforces traffic and roadway regulations through its Transportation or Public Works departments and through Raleigh Police for moving violations. Specific monetary fines or administrative penalties for blocking, damaging, or tampering with traffic calming devices are not specified on the cited page.^[1]

Enforcer: City of Raleigh Transportation or Public Works; moving violations enforced by Raleigh Police.
Fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
Appeals and review: administrative appeal processes or council petitions are available; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Inspection and complaint pathways: traffic concerns can be reported to the Transportation department using the official request form or the city contact portal.^[1]

If a traffic calming device is damaged or removed, report it promptly to city services.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a Traffic Calming petition form and guidance for neighborhoods to request a study and installations. The petition typically documents resident signatures, identified streets, and traffic concerns; fees, deadlines, or permit charges are not specified on the cited page. Submit petitions according to the instructions on the city's traffic calming page or via the form link.^[2]

Form name: Traffic Calming Petition (official city form).
Submission: follow directions on the city's traffic calming program page or form instructions.^[2]
Fees/deadlines: not specified on the cited page.

Common Violations & Typical Responses

Unauthorized alteration or removal of traffic calming devices — may lead to repair costs and enforcement (details not specified on the cited page).
Blocking or placing materials on public street elements — enforcement by city code officers or police.

Neighborhood data and clear petition procedures improve the chance of review and installation.

How-To

Gather neighborhood support and identify the specific street segments where you want speed bumps or calming measures.
Download and complete the official Traffic Calming petition form; include signatures and a description of problems and any supporting photos or collision data if available.^[2]
Submit the petition to the City of Raleigh Transportation or Public Works office following the form instructions.
The city performs a traffic study measuring speed, volume, and safety; engineering evaluates options and prioritizes requests.
Attend public meetings or neighborhood meetings if the city schedules outreach; provide feedback during the comment period.
If approved, the city schedules installation; if denied, ask about appeal routes or alternatives such as signage or enforcement measures.

Start by collecting signatures and objective data before submitting a petition.

FAQ

How do I request a speed bump in Raleigh?: Complete the City of Raleigh Traffic Calming petition form and submit it to the Transportation or Public Works department; include resident signatures and problem details.^[2]
Who decides whether a speed bump is installed?: City engineering staff review the traffic calming study and make recommendations; final approvals are made by the responsible city department per policy.^[1]
Are there fees to file a traffic calming petition?: Fees or permit charges are not specified on the cited page; check the petition form or contact the Transportation department for current information.^[2]

Key Takeaways

Start with data and neighborhood support to improve the success of a traffic calming request.
Use the official petition form and follow submission instructions on the city's traffic calming page.