Winston-Salem City Rules: Speed Humps & School Zones
Overview
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, traffic calming measures such as speed humps and school zone signs are governed by city traffic rules and applicable state standards. This guide explains how the city evaluates requests, which department enforces rules, the typical enforcement and appeal paths, and practical steps residents and schools can take to request signs or traffic calming devices. For statutory references and local ordinance language, consult the city code and the city traffic engineering pages referenced below[1][2].
How the City Decides on Speed Humps and School Zone Signs
Decisions usually follow technical evaluations: traffic counts, 85th percentile speeds, accident history, pedestrian activity near schools, and roadway classification. Requests are typically reviewed by the city's traffic engineering or transportation department, which applies engineering standards and may coordinate with the local school district and law enforcement. State standards for school zone signage and markings can also influence local installations[3].
Penalties & Enforcement
The municipal code and traffic ordinances assign enforcement responsibility to city police and traffic engineering staff; specific fine amounts for improperly installed traffic devices or tampering with official signs are not specified on the cited municipal code page and must be confirmed with the enforcement office[1]. Where the city code or state law lists fines or criminal penalties, those texts govern; if a monetary amount is not shown on the official page, the appropriate citation will note that it is not specified on the cited page.
- Fines and penalties: not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code or contact enforcement for current amounts[1].
- Enforcement agency: Winston-Salem Police Department and Traffic Engineering/Transportation Services.
- Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing offences not specified on the cited page; review ordinance language or enforcement policy for ranges.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, official notices, court actions, or criminal charges may apply where tampering or illegal installation occurs (specific remedies and procedures are not fully enumerated on the cited municipal page).
- Inspection and complaints: submit a traffic-calming or signage complaint/request to the city's traffic engineering or 311/municipal services portal; contact details are in Resources below.
Applications & Forms
The city typically requires an application or petition for traffic calming or school zone signage; the specific form name and filing instructions are not published in the municipal code page cited and should be obtained from the traffic engineering office or the city's transportation services page[2]. If a formal "traffic calming request" or "school zone sign application" exists, the city page will provide the form, fee information, and submission method.
- Form name: not specified on the cited page; contact traffic engineering for the current form and fee schedule[2].
- Deadlines: not specified on the cited page; some projects are seasonal and follow review cycles.
- Fees: not specified on the cited page; confirm with the traffic or permitting office.
Request, Review and Installation Process
Typical steps the city follows when evaluating a request for speed humps or school zone signs include data collection, engineering analysis, stakeholder consultation, and a formal approval process. Schools, neighborhood associations, or individual residents often start the process by submitting a request or petition to Traffic Engineering. The city may perform speed and volume counts, crash history analysis, and assess alternative measures such as signage, crosswalk improvements, or enforcement before installing physical traffic calming devices.
Common Violations
- Unauthorized installation or removal of signs or speed humps.
- Tampering with official signage or devices.
- Failure to obtain required permits for road work related to installation.
How-To
- Contact the city's traffic engineering or transportation office to request the official application form and submission instructions.
- Collect supporting data: site photos, pedestrian counts near the school, and signatures from affected residents or the school administration.
- Submit the completed application or petition and any fee; schedule any required site assessments.
- Follow the city's review process, attend any public meetings if required, and respond to requests for additional information.
- If approved, coordinate installation timing and payment for any required costs; if denied, review appeal options with the city.
FAQ
- Who decides where speed humps are installed?
- The city's traffic engineering or transportation department evaluates requests and approves installations based on engineering criteria and stakeholder input.
- Can a school request a marked school zone?
- Yes; schools can request school zone signs and markings through the city's process, which may incorporate state standards for school zones[3].
- How long does approval take?
- Timelines vary by workload and required studies; the municipal pages do not specify a set timeline—contact traffic engineering for current estimates[2].
Key Takeaways
- Requests start with the city's traffic engineering or transportation office.
- Engineering studies and stakeholder input guide decisions.
- Penalties and specific fine amounts are not fully listed on the cited municipal code page and should be confirmed with enforcement.
Help and Support / Resources
- City code and ordinances
- Winston-Salem Transportation/Traffic Engineering
- North Carolina Department of Transportation - traffic standards