Speed bumpPoland

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14. Speed bump

A speed bump is a raised traffic-calming device placed across all or part of a road to make drivers reduce their speed. It is commonly used near homes, schools, crossings, parking areas and other places where low vehicle speeds are important.

Speed bumps vary in shape, height and legal status. Drivers should approach them at a low, controlled speed and follow any warning signs or speed limits that apply.

Speed bump
Speed-bump warning and 5 km/h speed limit at the Poznań–Suchy Las landfill. (Poland)
Wikimedia.org • MOs810 • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of a speed bump?

A speed bump is intended to physically reduce vehicle speeds. It encourages drivers to slow down in places where pedestrians, cyclists, children or local traffic may be present.

How can you recognise a speed bump?

A speed bump is a raised section extending across all or part of the road. It may be marked with contrasting paint, road markings or warning signs to make it more visible.

Is a speed bump the same as a speed table?

No. A speed bump or speed hump normally has a rounded profile. A speed table has ramps leading to a longer, flat raised section that may contain an intersection or pedestrian crossing.

Is a speed cushion the same as a speed bump?

No. A speed cushion is a narrower raised device that does not cover the full width of a traffic lane. Its design may allow buses and emergency vehicles to pass with less disturbance while still slowing smaller vehicles.

Is there a universal speed limit over a speed bump?

No. The legal speed depends on the country, traffic signs and road type. Even when no special limit applies, drivers must cross the device at a speed that is safe for the road, vehicle and passengers.

How should you approach a speed bump?

Check surrounding traffic, reduce your speed smoothly and approach in a straight line where possible. Avoid sudden braking immediately before the bump.

Should you brake while crossing a speed bump?

Most of the necessary braking should be completed before reaching the raised surface. Cross at a steady, low speed and avoid harsh braking or acceleration while the wheels are on the device.

Should you drive across a speed bump at an angle?

Normally not. Cross in the normal direction of the traffic lane unless the road layout requires otherwise. Driving diagonally may place the vehicle in the path of approaching or overtaking traffic.

May motorcycles and bicycles use a speed bump?

Yes. Riders should reduce speed, keep the vehicle stable and cross as directly as possible. Painted or wet raised surfaces may provide less grip.

Do pedestrians have priority at a speed bump?

Not automatically. A speed bump does not by itself create a pedestrian crossing. Pedestrian priority depends on crossings, traffic signals, signs and local law.

Does a speed bump change priority at an intersection?

No. The presence of a raised surface does not normally change the priority rules. Drivers must continue to follow traffic signs, signals and the ordinary intersection rules.

May you overtake on a speed bump?

Overtaking may be restricted by local law or signs. Even where it is not expressly prohibited, drivers should avoid overtaking when the raised surface, limited space or nearby vulnerable road users make the manoeuvre unsafe.

May you stop or park on a speed bump?

This depends on local law. Stopping or parking may be prohibited because the vehicle could obstruct visibility, traffic flow or the purpose of the traffic-calming device.

Can a speed bump damage a vehicle?

A correctly designed speed bump should be crossed safely at an appropriate speed. Crossing too quickly may damage tyres, wheels, suspension, bodywork or cargo and may cause passengers discomfort.

Does the road speed limit change after a speed bump?

Not necessarily. A special limit may apply only to the raised device, while a signed speed restriction or speed zone may continue beyond it. Drivers must follow the applicable signs and local rules.

Why do buses and emergency vehicles sometimes avoid speed bumps?

Raised devices can affect passenger comfort, emergency response and large vehicles. Some roads therefore use speed tables, cushions or other traffic-calming measures designed to reduce these effects.

1 Poland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Separated path 12 Pedestrian warning 13 Tunnel 14 Speed bump 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 Turn prohibition 34 School area 35 Overtaking 36 Crossing animals 37 Curve 38 Chevron 39 Wrong-way driving 40 Roadworks 41 Height limit 42 Weight limit 43 Radar speed sign 44 Priority at the next junction 45 Traffic lights 46 Traffic lights warning 47 Pedestrian lights 48 Road markings 49 Junction layout 50 Driving licence 51 Traffic mirror 52 International border 53 Pedestrian underpass 54 Cycling route 55 Parking 56 No parking 57 No stopping 58 Park and ride 59 Kiss and ride 60 Disabled parking 61 Traffic management 62 Merging 63 Reversing 64 U-turn 65 Road surface 66 Provisional licence 67 Hazardous cargo 68 Radio service 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Licence plate 72 Charging station 73 Dangers 74 Rail safety 75 Pedestrian 76 Cyclist 77 Car 78 Truck 79 Bus 80 Police 81 Ambulance 82 Taxi 83 European emission standard 84 Public road 85 Pothole 86 Private property 87 Path 88 Particulates 89 Air pollution 90 Rush hour 91 Road code 92 Two-way traffic 93 Street gutter 94 Cargo bike 95 Forestry vehicle 96 Construction vehicle 97 Semi-trailer truck 98 Trolleybus 99 Speed pedelec 100 Delivery vehicle ...