Traffic Data & Speed Limits

Background

Public Works collects information on vehicle counts, travel speeds, and crashes in order to develop transportation projects that improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation system. The collection and analysis of data helps develop comprehensive transportation plans, such as the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan, helps maintain County roadway facilities, and enhances safety. Learn more by visiting the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website and the Maps and Data statewide information page.

Speed Limits

Jefferson County Code (JCC) 10.05.040 addresses speed limits on county roads. Pursuant to state law at RCW 46.61.400, the default speed limit on county roads is 50 miles per hour (mph). RCW 46.61.415 provides that local authorities may determine and declare a different maximum speed on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation and a conclusion that the alternate speed is reasonable and safe under the specific road conditions.

Exhibit A of Jefferson County Ordinance 11-98 (amended through Ordinance 6-01) identifies specific speed limits on county roads. Amendments to Exhibit A are adopted by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners after review of an engineering and traffic investigation, public notification and a public hearing. For more information view JCC 10.05.040(3) and the Speed Limit Map.

Making Revisions

On February 16, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 12-21 with an updated Exhibit A resulting in an adjustment to speed zones in the village area of Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort (MPR).  The changes were to bring Oak Bay and Paradise Bay Roads maximum speed limits down to 25 MPH at the Osprey Ridge Road intersection.

Previous revisions occurred on November 19, 2018 when the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 59-18 with an updated Exhibit A (2018), resulting in a speed limit reduction on Shine Road which is located south of SR104 near Hood Canal Bridge..

County Engineer's Analysis

Public Works prepares an Engineer's Report in conjunction with proposed changes to speed limits. The Report typically contains a community issue statement, and a description and analysis of the following elements:

  • 85th percentile speed (85 out of 100 drivers are traveling at this speed or less)
  • Crash history
  • Roadside development
  • Roadway characteristics
  • Cautionary speed on curves
  • Vehicle counts
  • Freight use
  • Land use zoning
  • Non-motorized use
  • Pedestrian crossings
The County Engineer makes a recommendation to revise the speed limits and requests the Board of County Commissioners to approve and adopt changes to Exhibit A, JCC 10.05.040(3).

For an example of this process, review the Shine Road Speed Report and its Appendices (October 2018).

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs)

Neighborhood electric vehicles are speed-limited electric battery vehicles. In Washington state, NEVs are allowed on roads where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. For more information view the RCW 46.61.725 page.

Speed Bumps, Humps, Tables & Rumble Strips

Although we get a large number of requests, we do not install speed bumps, humps, tables or rumble strips on County roads due to their drawbacks and costs.