Request Speed Bumps or School Zone Signs in Arlington

Transportation Virginia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Virginia

In Arlington, Virginia, residents and school officials can ask the county to evaluate streets for traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or for installation of school zone signs and markings. Requests are handled through the county traffic-calming and transportation review processes and coordinated with Arlington County Police for enforcement.

How to request speed bumps or school zone signs

Begin by submitting a request to Arlington County's traffic-calming program. The county evaluates requests using traffic counts, speed data, crash history, and community support, then prioritizes projects for design and installation. For school zone sign requests, Arlington coordinates with school officials and the transportation division to confirm the need and proper signing.Arlington Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program[1]

Start with your local civic association or school to gather support before filing a formal request.

Typical evaluation criteria and timeline

  • Traffic volume and speed studies.
  • Collision and pedestrian safety history near schools.
  • Community petitions, public outreach, and neighborhood concurrence.
  • Engineering feasibility, drainage, emergency vehicle access, and utilities.

Penalties & Enforcement

Arlington County Police enforce speed limits, school zone speed limits, and traffic-control device compliance on county streets. The Arlington County traffic-calming or transportation division handles installation of signs and devices, while police handle citations and enforcement actions.

Fines, escalation, and specific penalties for violations such as exceeding posted school zone speeds or disregarding traffic-control devices are not specified on the cited Arlington program page; see the enforcing agency for statutory amounts or refer to state statutes when the county references them.[1]

Enforcement details

  • Enforcer: Arlington County Police Department conducts traffic enforcement and issues citations.
  • Court and appeals: Citations are typically adjudicated in the applicable Virginia district court; appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited county program page.
  • Inspections and complaints: Report speeding or sign damage via Arlington County's traffic or police complaint pages listed in Resources below.
  • Non-monetary actions: The county may order removal or modification of traffic-calming devices, require design changes, or take administrative actions; specific non-monetary remedies are not specified on the cited program page.

Applications & Forms

The county accepts traffic-calming requests through its online request form and project submission process. The official program page lists the request form and instructions; fees and formal application numbers are not specified on the cited page if not published there.[1]

Most requests begin with an online submission rather than a paper permit.

FAQ

How long does the evaluation take?
Times vary by workload and priority; the county program page provides current processing information and prioritization criteria.
Can residents force installation of a speed bump?
No single resident can force installation; the county uses data and community concurrence to approve projects under its traffic-calming criteria.
Who pays for signs or speed bumps?
The county typically funds installation as part of its capital or maintenance program; specific funding or cost-sharing is determined during project scoping.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: collect speed observations, photos, collision history, and any school schedules or crossing counts.
  2. Contact your school's administration and neighborhood association to document support and safety concerns.
  3. Submit the county's traffic-calming or school-sign request form as directed on the official program page.[1]
  4. Attend any required site visits or community meetings; respond to requests for additional data.
  5. Monitor project status via the county project page and follow up with the transportation division or police for enforcement once installed.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with an online request and community support to expedite evaluation.
  • Engineering criteria and safety data drive approval, not individual requests alone.
  • Arlington County Police enforce limits and signs once installed; contact them for enforcement concerns.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Arlington Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program

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