El Paso Traffic Calming: School Speed Bump Study

Transportation Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Texas

In El Paso, Texas, schools and neighborhoods requesting speed bumps follow a formal traffic calming study and approval process administered by city traffic engineering and enforced by the El Paso Police Department and municipal code. This article outlines the standard steps, responsible offices, required documentation, enforcement and appeals, and where to find official forms and contacts for projects near schools in El Paso.

Traffic calming study steps

A typical city traffic calming study for a school-area speed bump includes data collection, community petition or request, engineering evaluation, recommendation, and installation if approved. Project timelines and exact submission requirements are set by the City of El Paso Traffic Engineering division and provisions in the City Code. For controlling ordinance language consult the City Code of Ordinances. City of El Paso Code of Ordinances[1]

  • Collect speed and volume counts during school arrival and dismissal times.
  • Document collision history for the study segment and crosswalks.
  • Obtain a signed petition or application from the affected block or school stakeholders.
  • Traffic Engineering evaluates geometry, drainage, emergency access, and transit impacts.
  • If recommended, the city schedules design and installation; community notification follows.
Speed bump design must meet city safety and emergency access standards.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of speed limits, improper signage, or unauthorized roadway alterations is handled by the El Paso Police Department and by city code enforcement under the municipal ordinances cited by the City Code. El Paso Police Department[2]

Fine amounts, escalation, and non-monetary sanctions for violations specific to traffic calming devices or unauthorized modification of right-of-way are not specified on the cited municipal pages and must be confirmed in the cited ordinance sections or by contacting the enforcing department.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, or court actions may apply; details not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: El Paso Police Department and City Traffic Engineering; use the department contact and complaint pages to report unauthorized work. El Paso Police Department[2]
  • Appeals/review: procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact Traffic Engineering for appeal routes and deadlines.
Confirm fines and appeal deadlines with Traffic Engineering or City Legal before filing an appeal.

Applications & Forms

The City Code and the Traffic Engineering division describe process steps, but a specific, published "speed bump application" or form is not available on the cited municipal ordinance or police pages; contact Traffic Engineering for the current application packet or petition template.[1]

How the study typically evaluates requests

  • Measure 85th percentile speeds and compare to posted limits and accepted thresholds.
  • Assess crash history and pedestrian exposure near school crossings.
  • Check vertical/horizontal geometry, sight lines, drainage, and transit/emergency vehicle access.
  • Collect community support documentation such as petitions signed by affected residents or the school principal.
Emergency vehicle access is a key constraint; many cities prohibit certain speed hump types when access would be impeded.

How-To

  1. Initiate contact: call or email City Traffic Engineering to request a traffic calming study and learn current requirements.
  2. Gather data: arrange official speed and volume counts and collect collision records for the last 3–5 years as requested.
  3. Organize community support: obtain a petition or written support from affected residents and the school administration.
  4. Submit materials: send all documentation to Traffic Engineering for technical review and scoring.
  5. Review & approval: follow the recommended project through design, public notification, and installation if approved by the city.
  6. Post-installation: monitor effectiveness and report issues to Traffic Engineering or the El Paso Police Department.

FAQ

Can schools request speed bumps directly?
Yes, schools or community groups can request a study; the request is processed through City Traffic Engineering which assesses eligibility and technical criteria.[1]
Who enforces illegal installation of a speed bump?
Unauthorized roadway alterations are enforced by City Code Enforcement and the El Paso Police Department; report suspected illegal work to city departments for investigation.[2]
Is there a fee to apply for a traffic calming study?
The cited municipal pages do not publish a specific fee for a traffic calming study; contact Traffic Engineering for current fee schedules or application costs.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Begin by contacting City Traffic Engineering to confirm current requirements and petition templates.
  • Data collection, community support, and safety review determine whether a speed bump will be approved.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of El Paso Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] El Paso Police Department

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