speed bump standards, speed bump regulations, legal speed bump height, speed bump code, MUTCD speed bump sign

Guide · Standards

Speed bump standards and regulations

Short answer

There is no federal speed bump standard. Heights come from ITE traffic-calming practice and local code; the signage is federally standardized as MUTCD W17-1 (BUMP) and W17-2 (HUMP). Commercial bumps run 2–3 in tall with 12–15 in of travel for 5–10 mph; street humps run 3–4 in over a 12–14 ft footprint for 15–20 mph. On private property the owner normally decides — while keeping fire access and accessible routes clear.

Who sets what

Four different sources, and only one of them is a national rule.

Source	What it governs	Binding?
MUTCD	Warning signs and markings (W17-1, W17-2)	Yes, for public roads
ITE traffic calming practice	Hump and table geometry, spacing	Guidance
City / county code	What is allowed on public streets, approval process	Yes
Fire code / accessibility	Clear width, accessible routes	Yes
Property owner	Private lots, drive aisles, yards	Owner's decision

Common geometry by device

These are the figures used in practice. They are design targets, not a national statute — always confirm against your local code for public roadway work.

Device	Height	Footprint	Target speed
Speed bump (lots, private drives)	2–3 in	12–15 in travel	5–10 mph
Speed hump (streets)	3–4 in	12–14 ft	15–20 mph
Speed table	3–4 in	About 22 ft with flat top	25–30 mph
Speed cushion	3–4 in	6–7 ft wide with wheel gaps	15–20 mph

We supply speed bumps only. Humps, tables and cushions are listed for comparison.

Private property: the practical checklist

Keep the device out of marked accessible routes and crossings, preserve fire-lane clear width, post W17-1 far enough ahead that a driver can slow, keep reflective bands visible, space units 150–250 ft apart, and hold them 25 ft clear of stop bars and turns. Doing all six is what turns an installation into documented, defensible practice.

Buying terms

In stock in the USA — LTL freight to all 48 contiguous states.
Purchase orders accepted from companies, 3PLs, HOAs, school districts and cities.
Pallet and container pricing past about 10 lanes.
Anchor hardware and end caps included; 5-year commercial warranty.
Quote with landed freight answered within 24 business hours.

Frequently asked

Is there a federal speed bump standard?

No. There is no national law that fixes a speed bump height. Practice comes from Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) traffic-calming guidance, FHWA material, and city or county codes. What is federally standardized is the warning signage, through the MUTCD.

What is the legal height of a speed bump?

It is set locally, not nationally. Commercial rubber speed bumps are typically 2–3 in tall with 12–15 in of travel for 5–10 mph, while street speed humps follow ITE practice at 3–4 in tall over a 12–14 ft footprint for 15–20 mph. Check your city code before installing on a public street.

Do the rules apply on private property?

Municipal approval generally applies to public streets. Private parking lots, apartment drive aisles, HOA-owned roads, campuses and yards are usually the owner's decision — but fire access, accessible routes and any recorded easements still have to be respected.

What sign is required with a speed bump?

The MUTCD warning signs for this are W17-1 (BUMP) and W17-2 (HUMP), optionally with an advisory speed plaque. Posting it ahead of the device is standard practice and is what documents that drivers were warned.

Can a speed bump block an accessible route?

No. Keep bumps off marked accessible routes and crossings, and keep the required fire-lane clear width intact. Place the device in the vehicle lane ahead of the crossing instead.

What height do you supply?

Two commercial profiles: 2.4 in with internal steel-plate reinforcement for heavy and mixed traffic, and 3 in modular for cars and light trucks. Both are bolt-down rubber, both sized in 12 ft lanes, $260–$660 in materials per lane plus freight.

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Spec sheet & price guide (PDF)

Both profiles, dimensions, load rating, price per 12 ft lane and what we need to quote freight. One field — no phone call required.

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