Official MUTCD W17-1 Speed Bump Signs

Reduce vehicle speed and prevent liability claims with high-visibility Speed Bump Signs. We manufacture the official MUTCD W17-1 "Speed Bump" and "Speed Hump" warning diamonds to alert drivers of traffic calming devices. Available in High Intensity Prismatic and Diamond Grade reflective yellow aluminum, these signs ensure drivers slow down before impact, protecting both pedestrians and vehicle suspensions.
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Advance Warning Placement Standards

To function as a legal warning, the sign must be placed before the driver reaches the hazard.

  • The Distance: Install the W17-1 Speed Bump Sign approximately 100 feet in advance of the bump. This gives the driver time to see the sign, react, and brake to 5-10 MPH before impact.
  • The "At-Bump" Marker: Optionally, you can place flexible Object Markers or a "Speed Bump" stencil directly at the bump location for night visibility, but the vertical warning sign must be upstream.

Federal Guidelines for Speed Bump & Traffic Calming Signage

Installing physical traffic calmers is only half the solution. Without compliant Speed Bump Signs, property owners risk significant liability if a vehicle is damaged by hitting an unmarked obstruction. Under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), specific Warning Signs (W-Series) must be installed in advance of the bump to give drivers adequate reaction time to decelerate.

Speed Bump vs. Speed Hump Signage

While often used interchangeably, the engineering difference dictates the sign code:

  • Speed Bump Signs (W17-1): Used for "Bumps"—aggressive, narrow mounds (3-6 inches high) found in parking lots and private driveways. These require drivers to slow to 5-10 MPH.
  • Speed Hump Signs (W17-1a): Used for "Humps"—gentler, wider parabolic mounds found on residential streets. These allow traffic to flow at 15-20 MPH.
  • "Bump Ahead" Word Message: Many private properties prefer the text-based "SPEED BUMP AHEAD" sign for maximum clarity, rather than the symbol-only version.

Advisory Speed Plaques (The Critical Add-On)

A yellow diamond warns of the hazard, but an Advisory Speed Plaque (W13-1P) tells the driver safe passing speed.

  • The Combination: We highly recommend mounting a "10 MPH" or "5 MPH" yellow square plaque directly below the Speed Bump Sign.
  • Legal Defense: This assembly (Warning + Speed) provides the strongest legal defense against "failure to warn" claims, as it creates an objective standard for safe negotiation of the bump.

Placement & Advance Warning

  • Advance Placement: The Speed Bump Sign should be installed 50 to 100 feet before the bump in parking lots, or 100 feet in advance on residential roads. Placing the sign at the bump is often too late for a driver to react safely.
  • At the Bump: For extra visibility, flexible In-Street Signs or Object Markers can be installed on the ends of the bump itself to mark the edges.

Reflectivity for Night Safety

Traffic calming devices are hardest to see at night.

  • High Intensity Prismatic (Type IV): The standard for Speed Bump Signs. It reflects headlights effectively in dark subdivision streets.
  • Fluorescent Yellow: For high-risk pedestrian zones, some HOAs upgrade to Fluorescent Yellow-Green to highlight the dual hazard of speed bumps and crosswalks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding MUTCD compliance, installation standards, and material specifications for regulatory signage.
Is it illegal to install a speed bump without a sign?

On public roads, Yes. The MUTCD mandates warning signs for vertical pavement deflections. On private property (like shopping centers), it is not a "crime," but it is a massive liability risk. If a driver hits an unmarked bump at night and damages their oil pan or suspension, the property owner is frequently held liable for the repairs due to negligence in marking a known hazard.
How high should I mount the Speed Bump sign?

  • Post Mounted: The bottom of the sign should be 7 feet above the ground to clear pedestrians and parked cars.
  • Wall/Fence Mounted: In parking garages or tight lots, signs can be mounted lower, provided they are not obstructed by vehicles.
What is the difference between W17-1 and W8-1?

  • W17-1 ("Speed Bump"): Specifically for intentional traffic calming devices.
  • W8-1 ("Bump"): Used for unintentional road damage or frost heaves on highways.
  • W14-3 ("No Outlet"): Often paired with speed bump signs in subdivisions.
    For a parking lot speed bump, you must use W17-1.

Need specific code assistance?

If your project requires a specific State DOT certification or a specialized variation not listed here, please contact our Compliance Support Team for a custom specification sheet.