I want to slow traffic down but do I want a speed BUMP or a speed HUMP?

This is one of the most common questions our customers ask.

Let’s begin with their one similarity; they are both a portion of the roadway that is raised in order to communicate to drivers, either by appearance or a ‘rough ride’, that they need to slow down.

That’s where the similarity ends and the decision making begins.

When selecting a speed BUMP versus a speed HUMP, you need to first ask yourself “What speed you want drivers to use when they travel thru this area?”

• If your goal is to slow vehicles to between 5 to 10 mph, then the device you want is a speed HUMP.
• If your goal is to slow drivers down to between 2 to 5 mph, then the product you want is a speed BUMP.

Now that you know which product you want (BUMP vs. HUMP) you need to determine can you can install it where you want to.

Due to the fact that speed BUMPS make drivers slow down to between 2 to 5 mph (not a good thing if you are the person waiting for an ambulance), speed BUMPS are generally not allowed on public roads.

Since they are more ‘friendly’ to emergency vehicles local ordinances are generally less restrictive regarding Speed HUMPS than speed BUMPS.

In summary;

• If you are looking to slow traffic on a public road, you almost certainly are limited to a speed HUMP.
• If you are looking to slow traffic to below 5 mph on either a private road or parking lot then may be looking for a speed BUMP.

As always, local ordinance(s) and traffic laws will ultimately govern which product (if at all) you can use, so check with your local code enforcement officer or police department before installing any traffic calming devices.  Once you know which product is appropriate for your application, give us a call and we can get you the best model of speed BUMP or speed HUMP for your application.