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Official United States Speed Hump Ahead Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
W17-1
Sign Category
Warning
Shape
Diamond
Color Scheme
Yellow with 'SPEED HUMP' Text or Graphic

Warning Road Sign (W17-1)

Speed Hump Ahead Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Warns of a traffic-calming speed hump in the roadway ahead designed to enforce speeds of 15–20 mph.

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Slow down to 15–20 mph before crossing the speed hump.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The Speed Hump sign (W17-1) warns of a raised roadway section installed in residential and school areas to physically force vehicle deceleration. Unlike sharp speed bumps in parking lots, speed humps are wider and designed for 15–20 mph transit.

Key Standard & Origin: Speed humps are typically 3–4 inches high and 12–14 feet long, engineered to be driven over comfortably at 15–20 mph.

Where You'll Find This Sign

Residential streets, school campuses, hospital zones, and traffic-calmed neighborhoods.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Speeding over the hump, which damages vehicle shocks, alignment, and undercarriage.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Tests traffic calming devices and neighborhood safety rules.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Reckless driving over traffic calming devices carries moving violation citations.

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official Speed Hump Ahead (W17-1) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

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