Salem Traffic Calming Requests - Speed Humps & Signs

Transportation Oregon 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Oregon

Salem, Oregon residents can request traffic calming measures such as speed humps, roundabouts, or new signage through the City of Salem process. This guide explains who to contact, what petitions or forms may be required, typical timelines, and how enforcement and appeals work so you can pursue safer streets in your neighborhood.

How to request traffic calming in Salem

Begin by reviewing the City of Salem Traffic Calming Program and criteria to confirm your street qualifies. The city evaluates requests based on speed, volume, collision history, and neighborhood support. To start a formal request, complete the Traffic Calming Request Form and submit it to the Public Works - Transportation or Traffic Engineering division for initial screening.Traffic Calming Program[1] Traffic Calming Request Form (PDF)[2]

  • Complete the Traffic Calming Request Form and gather a petition if required.
  • Provide location details, traffic concerns, and any speed or collision data you can collect.
  • Submit the form to Public Works - Transportation for a preliminary engineering review.
  • Expect follow-up from Traffic Engineering for community outreach and any required field studies.
Traffic calming requests usually require neighborhood support and an engineering study before installation.

Typical evaluation and measures

After submission, Transportation staff may perform speed and volume counts, collision analysis, and a site visit. Recommended measures range from signage and pavement markings to speed humps, raised crosswalks, or roundabouts; implementation depends on engineering criteria, budget, and public support.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of traffic laws and tampering with traffic control devices in Salem is handled by the Salem Police Department in coordination with City Public Works and Traffic Engineering. Specific fine amounts for violations related to traffic calming installations or tampering are not specified on the City of Salem Traffic Calming Program page cited above.Traffic Calming Program[1]

  • Enforcer: Salem Police Department with operational support from Public Works - Traffic Engineering.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first or repeat offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to restore or repair traffic control devices, court actions, or civil enforcement may apply depending on the violation and authority.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: contact Public Works - Transportation or Traffic Engineering to report installation issues or suspected tampering.Public Works - Transportation[3]
If you observe tampering with traffic devices, report it promptly to Traffic Engineering or Salem Police.

Applications & Forms

The primary form is the Traffic Calming Request Form (name: "Traffic Calming Request Form"). The City page and form PDF list submission instructions; fees are not specified on the published form. Submit the completed form to Public Works as directed on the form.Traffic Calming Request Form (PDF)[2]

How to

Action steps to move a request forward and respond to enforcement or appeal processes.

  1. Download and complete the Traffic Calming Request Form.
  2. Gather signatures or neighborhood support evidence if requested by engineering staff.
  3. Submit the form to Public Works - Transportation and schedule any requested field studies.
  4. Follow up with Traffic Engineering for results, recommendations, and installation timelines.
  5. If you receive a citation or order, follow the appeal instructions on the citation or contact the listed office promptly to learn time limits for review.

FAQ

How long does a traffic calming review take?
Review timelines vary by workload and study needs; the City of Salem page does not provide a fixed timeline for completion.
Is there a fee to request traffic calming?
The published request form does not list a fee; check the form or contact Public Works for current fee information.
Who installs speed humps or roundabouts?
Installation is managed by City Public Works following engineering approval and budget allocation.

How-To

  1. Read the Traffic Calming Program criteria on the City of Salem website.
  2. Complete and submit the Traffic Calming Request Form to Public Works.
  3. Participate in any neighborhood outreach or surveys requested by Traffic Engineering.
  4. Allow the city to conduct field studies and await the engineering recommendation.
  5. Follow installation, appeals, or mitigation steps as communicated by the city.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Traffic Calming Request Form and program criteria.
  • Engineering studies and neighborhood support guide decisions and funding.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Salem Traffic Calming Program
  2. [2] Traffic Calming Request Form (City of Salem)
  3. [3] City of Salem Public Works - Transportation

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data