Traffic Signs & Signals
The Department of Public Works manages placement and maintenance of the city’s traffic signs and traffic signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I report a missing or damaged traffic sign?
You may call 311 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report a missing or damaged traffic sign. The 311 Customer Service Agent will take down the location of the missing or damaged sign and issue you a ticket number. That ticket will then be sent to the Department of Public Works for assessment.
Where do I report a fallen or malfunctioning traffic signal light?
Fallen or malfunctioning traffic signal lights pose a threat to health and safety and should be reported to 911.
How do I get a “speed limit” sign placed on my street?
You may call 311 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to request the installation of a speed limit sign. The 311 Customer Service Agent will take down the location of the requested sign and issue you a ticket number. That ticket will then be sent to the Department of Public Works for evaluation by the Traffic Engineer.
How do I request a Handicapped Parking space on the street in front of my home?
Disabled Parking Zones in the City are established by the Traffic Division. Applicants should provide a completed physicians certification form, a copy of the applicant’s Louisiana Driver’s License and a copy of the applicant’s License Plate/placard. These documents may be submitted in person or by mail. The DPW Traffic Division is open Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm (closed for lunch from 1 to 2 pm). Mailed documents may be submitted to 1300 Perdido St., Rm 6w03, New Orleans, LA 70112. Applications are typically processed in four to eight weeks.
How do I get a four-way stop sign placed at an intersection?
You may call 311 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to request installation of a stop sign at an intersection. The 311 Customer Service Agent will take down the location of the requested sign and issue you a ticket number. That ticket will then be sent to the Department of Public Works for evaluation by the Traffic Engineering division.
The criteria for all-way stop control are specific and dictated by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices developed by the Federal Highway Administration. One such criterion is a minimum volume of 500 vehicles per hour on both roadways and 200 vehicles per hour on the minor street for 8 hours of a day.
How do I get a “freight zone” or "passenger zone" installed in front of my business?
Written requests to install a freight zone or passenger zone in front of a business may be submitted on company letterhead to dpw@nola.gov, or mailed to DPW Traffic Division, New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St., Rm 6W03, New Orleans, LA 70112. The written request should include the location of the desired freight zone, complete contact information for the organization requesting the zone and suggested hours of enforcement. The Traffic Engineering division evaluates requests in the order in which they are received.
How do I get my street converted to one-way traffic?
You may call or e-mail requests to convert a two-way roadway to one-way, or vice versa, to 311 or dpw@nola.gov. Your request should include the specific limits of the roadway you would like converted as well as complete contact information for the person or group making the request. The Traffic Division will perform on-site observations to determine whether or not such a change is feasible. Issues considered during the evaluation include the width of the roadway, traffic counts, vehicle speed, availability of on-street parking, etc. If the Traffic Division determines the request could be safely incorporated into the roadway system, a survey will be mailed to the property owners to weigh in on such a possible change. If sufficient opposition is expressed, the change will not be made and two-way traffic will continue on the roadway. If ¾ of the property owners are agreeable to such a change, it will be done first on a trial basis. During the trial period the DPW will monitor the traffic flow to ensure vehicles and pedestrians may safely access the roadway. Once the six-month trial period is over, a decision will be made on whether or not to implement the one-way conversion on a full-time basis.
How do I get my block converted to a “No Truck” route?
All roadways designated as truck routes are specifically named in the City of New Orleans Municipal Code. Modification of the truck route system would require action by the City Council. Contact your City Council representative to begin the process. https://council.nola.gov/home/
It should be noted that even if a street is not designated as a truck route that does not mean trucks are completely prohibited from driving on the roadway. A truck may use any street provided the street is part of the shortest practicable route from the truck route to a point of origin or destination.
How do I get approval to hang banners on a city-owned streetlight?
The City of New Orleans’ Streetlight Banner Program is a policy that aims to raise awareness of and promote local civic and community events and occasions in a high-impact, place-based manner. Local organizations will be allowed to hang banners under certain conditions and specifications if first approved in writing by the City as detailed below. Banners, or other décor, may not be installed on City property without a permit. Requirements for banner placement on City property are here: Streetlight Banner instructions