Bollards 101: Everything You Need to Know About Barrier Posts

TrafficGuard’s specialists make it easy to understand, select, and implement the right bollard solution for your site. Whether you’re protecting a commercial property, public space, or private facility, bollards play a vital role in vehicle control, perimeter protection, and pedestrian safety. This guide covers everything you need to know about bollards, including types, materials, installation options, use cases, and best practices to help you make confident, informed decisions.

What Are Bollards?

Bollards are vertical posts designed to control vehicle access and protect people, buildings, and infrastructure from accidental or intentional vehicle impact. While you may not recognize the term, you see bollards every day—installed outside airports, banks, shopping centers, schools, government facilities, and other high-traffic locations.

Bollards are constructed from high-strength materials such as steel to provide the durability and impact resistance needed to deter unauthorized vehicles and reduce crash damage. Depending on the application, bollards are available in fixed, removable, and collapsible designs, allowing property owners to balance security, accessibility, and traffic flow. Whether used for visual guidance or physical protection, bollards play a critical role in safeguarding sites from both low- and high-speed vehicle incidents.

How Do Bollards Work?

Bollards work by creating a visible and physical barrier that controls vehicle movement and protects people, buildings, and infrastructure. Depending on the type, they either guide drivers away from restricted areas or physically stop vehicles from entering spaces where they don’t belong.

Most bollards rely on a combination of placement, visibility, and structural strength to be effective. When properly selected and installed, they help reduce accidents, manage access, and enhance overall site safety. This balance of guidance, protection, and control makes bollards a reliable solution for a wide range of applications—from everyday traffic management to high-security environments.

What Are Bollards Used for?

If you own or manage a property, bollards provide an added layer of protection, control, and functionality that benefits both people and infrastructure. While applications vary by site, most property owners install bollards for several key reasons:

Security & Safety

The primary purpose of bollards is to protect people, buildings, and assets from vehicle-related incidents. Drivers may become distracted, lose control, or misjudge turns in parking lots, roadways, or loading areas. In more serious cases, intentional vehicle attacks—such as ram-raiding—can result in theft, property damage, and personal injury.

High-strength security bollards are engineered to absorb and stop vehicle impact, preventing catastrophic damage and enhancing overall site safety.

Controlling Site Access

Bollards are an effective way to manage how and when vehicles can enter a property. Some sites require permanent vehicle restriction, while others need flexible access for deliveries, emergency vehicles, or special events.

Fixed bollards provide constant protection and traffic control, while removable and collapsible bollards allow access when needed without compromising long-term security. This versatility makes bollards ideal for facilities with changing access requirements.

Protecting Pedestrians & High-Traffic Areas

In areas with heavy foot traffic, bollards create a clear physical barrier between vehicles and pedestrians. They help define walkways, storefronts, bike paths, and public gathering spaces, reducing the risk of accidental vehicle intrusion and improving overall pedestrian safety.

By guiding traffic flow and separating pedestrian zones, bollards also contribute to a safer, more organized site for both visitors and employees.

Infrastructure & Asset Protection

Bollards shield critical infrastructure such as building entrances, utility equipment, loading docks, parking structures, and outdoor assets. By absorbing vehicle impact, they reduce repair costs, prevent downtime, and extend the life of valuable property features.

This protection also safeguards equipment, signage, and landscaping, preserving the functionality and appearance of your property.

Compliance & Risk Reduction

Many commercial, municipal, and industrial sites use bollards to support safety standards, liability reduction efforts, and risk management strategies. Properly placed bollards demonstrate due diligence in protecting occupants and visitors while minimizing exposure to costly claims.

Bollards also help meet local safety codes and insurance requirements, providing an added layer of legal and regulatory protection for property owners.

Aesthetic & Design Value

Beyond safety and access control, bollards can enhance the visual appeal of a property. Architectural bollards are popular among businesses and property owners who want strong protection without sacrificing design.

Available in a variety of finishes, colors, and styles, bollards can complement modern, traditional, or branded environments. Some sites even use decorative or custom-finished bollards as functional design elements, combining safety with visual impact.

Types of Bollards 

While the primary purpose of bollards is to prevent unauthorized or accidental vehicle access, property owners often have unique needs for their barrier posts. Some sites require continuous, heavy-duty protection, while others benefit from flexible solutions that allow controlled vehicle entry when necessary. Understanding the different types of bollards can help you choose the right option for your space and protection goals. Here are the main types of bollards to consider:

Permanent / Fixed Bollards 

Best for: Long-Term Security 

Permanent or fixed bollards are installed directly into the ground, providing continuous, high-strength protection. These bollards are ideal for areas with heavy traffic or high-security needs, such as building entrances, loading docks, or pedestrian-heavy zones. By offering long-term durability, permanent bollards prevent both accidental collisions and intentional vehicle attacks to ensure your property remains safe year after year.

Collapsible Bollards

Best for: Flexible Site Protection 

Collapsible bollards are designed to offer security while maintaining the option for temporary vehicle access. Property owners can easily fold these bollards down when deliveries, maintenance, or special events require entry, then raise them back up to restore protection. This type of bollard is perfect for sites that need adaptable security without sacrificing functionality, allowing controlled access without compromising overall safety.

Removable Bollards

Best for: Controlled Site Access

Removable bollards combine security with full flexibility. Installed in a way that allows them to be unlocked and lifted out of place, these bollards are ideal for locations where occasional vehicle or pedestrian entry is necessary, such as private driveways, gated areas, or seasonal traffic zones. Removable bollards provide an easy solution for temporarily opening a site while maintaining long-term protection when the barriers are reinstalled.

Crash-Rated Bollards

Best for: High-Security & Impact Protection 

Crash-rated bollards are engineered to stop vehicles at specific speeds and weights, making them ideal for locations where impact resistance is critical. These bollards are tested and certified to meet recognized safety standards, helping protect people, buildings, and infrastructure from both accidental and intentional vehicle intrusion.

Parking Bollards 

Best for: Parking Control & Vehicle Protection 

Parking bollards are designed to protect parking spaces, entrances, and garage areas from unauthorized access or vehicle damage. Available in removable and collapsible styles, they help manage traffic flow while allowing access when needed—making them a practical solution for lots, garages, and residential parking areas.

Lighted Bollards 

Best for: Visibility & Wayfinding 

Lighted bollards combine safety and illumination to improve visibility in low-light environments. Commonly used along walkways, entrances, and pedestrian paths, they help guide foot traffic while clearly marking boundaries between vehicles and people, enhancing both security and site aesthetics.

When to Install Permanent or Temporary Bollards 

Choosing between permanent and temporary traffic barriers depends on how much protection your site needs and how often vehicle access must change. Some areas require constant security, while others benefit from flexible access control. Understanding the difference helps ensure both safety and functionality.

When Permanent Bollards Make Sense 

Permanent bollards are best for areas that require continuous protection with no regular vehicle access. Installed directly into the ground, they provide long-term resistance against accidental impacts and intentional vehicle intrusion.

When Temporary Traffic Barriers Are the Better Option 

Temporary bollards are ideal for sites where access needs change throughout the day or year. Removable and collapsible options provide security when needed while allowing authorized vehicles to pass.

Using a Combination 

Many properties benefit from using both permanent and temporary bollards. Permanent posts protect high-risk areas, while temporary solutions provide access flexibility where needed—creating a balanced, effective site security strategy.

Bollard Materials & Coatings 

When selecting bollards for your property, it’s important to consider both the materials and protective coatings used in their construction. High-quality bollards combine durability, visibility, and security features to ensure long-lasting performance. Look for the following elements when choosing your barrier posts:

Stainless Steel

For maximum strength and longevity, stainless steel is the preferred material for bollards. It provides exceptional resistance to impact, making it ideal for stopping accidental collisions or intentional vehicle attacks. Stainless steel bollards can withstand repeated hits without compromising their structural integrity, giving property owners reliable protection for years to come.

Rust & Corrosion-Resistant Finish

Exposure to rain, snow, and environmental pollutants can weaken bollards over time if they aren’t properly treated. A rust- and corrosion-resistant coating extends the life of your bollards, helping them maintain both functionality and appearance in all weather conditions. This finish ensures your investment remains effective and visually appealing long-term.

Bright Finish for Visibility 

Bollards are designed to prevent accidents, but they need to be easily seen to do their job. Vibrant, eye-catching colors help ensure drivers notice your barriers from a distance. A bright finish not only improves safety but also communicates clear boundaries, making your property easier to navigate and reducing the risk of collisions.

Reflective Tape 

For sites with low-light conditions or nighttime traffic, reflective tape adds another layer of visibility. This coating catches headlights and streetlights, making your bollards stand out even in the dark. Combining a bright finish with reflective tape maximizes both safety and attention and helps prevent accidental crashes at all hours.

Locking System

Removable and collapsible bollards offer flexibility, but a reliable locking system is essential for secure operation. A lock keeps the bollard in place when protection is needed and prevents unauthorized removal or tampering. This feature gives property owners peace of mind while maintaining control over site access, making your bollards both functional and secure.

Applications for Bollards 

Bollards can be used in virtually any environment where people, buildings, or infrastructure need protection from vehicle traffic. From high-security facilities to everyday public spaces, bollards improve safety, manage access, and help prevent costly damage. Common applications include:

Government Buildings

Government facilities such as courthouses, capitol buildings, police stations, fire stations, post offices, prisons, and military installations require a higher level of protection. Bollards serve as a critical physical barrier that helps defend these locations from accidental vehicle impacts and intentional threats while protecting employees, visitors, and public assets.

Airports

Airports experience constant vehicle movement and high pedestrian volumes, especially near terminals, drop-off zones, and parking areas. Bollards help control traffic flow, restrict unauthorized vehicle access, and protect travelers in busy curbside and walkway areas where safety is essential.

Schools & Universities

School campuses and university grounds include entrances, walkways, and gathering spaces that are vulnerable to vehicle intrusion. Bollards help protect students, faculty, and visitors while managing traffic during peak hours, sporting events, and large campus gatherings.

Financial Institutions

Banks and financial institutions are frequent targets for theft attempts such as ram-raiding. Bollards installed near entrances, drive-thru lanes, and ATMs provide strong defense against vehicle-based crimes while improving safety for customers and employees.

Stadiums

Stadiums and large event venues require temporary and permanent traffic control solutions due to fluctuating crowd sizes. Bollards help secure pedestrian zones, manage vehicle access during events, and maintain clear routes for emergency and service vehicles.

Pedestrian Bridges

Pedestrian bridges and elevated walkways must remain free from unauthorized vehicles that could pose serious safety and structural risks. Bollards prevent vehicle access while maintaining safe, uninterrupted passage for pedestrians and cyclists.

Public Works Facilities & Projects

Public works facilities such as maintenance yards, municipal buildings, and service areas rely on bollards to protect equipment, entrances, and work zones. These barriers help prevent accidental damage while maintaining organized traffic flow around active operations.

Storefronts

Retail storefronts often feature large windows and open façades that are vulnerable to accidental impacts and ram-raiding attempts. Bollards installed along sidewalks and entrances help protect merchandise, employees, and customers near the front of the building.

Businesses

Office buildings and commercial properties use bollards to secure entrances, loading zones, and pedestrian areas. These barriers help manage daily traffic while protecting property and maintaining a professional, secure environment.

Restaurants

Restaurants—especially those with outdoor seating or street-facing entrances—benefit from bollards that create a protective buffer between diners and passing vehicles. Bollards help improve safety without interrupting the guest experience.

Bike Paths & Lanes

Dedicated bike paths and lanes require clear separation from vehicle traffic. Bollards provide a highly visible barrier that warns drivers and protects cyclists from accidental vehicle intrusion.

Parks

Public parks attract heavy foot traffic and recreational activity. Bollards help prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian-only areas while protecting landscaping, walkways, and park visitors.

Cemeteries

Cemeteries require a calm, protected environment with controlled vehicle access. Bollards help guide traffic along designated roads while protecting headstones, pathways, landscaping, and visitors.

Golf Courses

Golf courses use bollards to restrict vehicles from greens, cart paths, and pedestrian areas. They help maintain safe circulation around clubhouses and service roads without disrupting the natural setting.

Marinas

Marinas rely on bollards to control vehicle access near docks, boat ramps, and pedestrian walkways. These barriers help protect equipment, boats, and visitors in busy waterfront environments.

Residential Neighborhoods

In residential neighborhoods, bollards help prevent unauthorized traffic, protect driveways and parking areas, and improve pedestrian safety. They are commonly used near apartment complexes, townhomes, and private roadways.

Industrial Facilities

Warehouses and industrial sites rely on bollards to protect machinery, loading docks, power supplies, and storage areas. Proper placement helps prevent vehicle collisions that could disrupt operations or create safety hazards.

Water Infrastructure

Water meters, valves, and pumping equipment are essential to city operations. Bollards protect this infrastructure from accidental or intentional vehicle impacts that could disrupt service and cause widespread damage.

Electrical Infrastructure

Electrical boxes, transformers, and power stations require constant protection. Bollards act as a visible and physical barrier that helps prevent vehicle collisions, reducing the risk of power outages and costly repairs.

Where Should Bollards Be Placed?

Proper placement is crucial to maximize the effectiveness of bollards. Strategic positioning ensures safety, security, and smooth traffic flow while minimizing the risk of accidents or unauthorized access. Consider these guidelines when deciding where to install bollards:

Entry & Exit Points

Bollards should be placed at driveways, alleyways, loading docks, and other entry or exit points to control vehicle access. This prevents unauthorized vehicles from entering restricted areas and protects pedestrians and property near high-traffic zones.

Pedestrian Pathways

Walkways, sidewalks, and pedestrian plazas benefit from bollards that clearly separate foot traffic from vehicles. Installing posts along these areas reduces the risk of accidental vehicle intrusion and creates safe, clearly defined paths for people.

Building Perimeters & High-Value Assets

Positioning bollards near storefronts, utility equipment, outdoor seating, or other vulnerable areas shields structures and assets from accidental or intentional vehicle impacts. High-risk areas should have stronger or crash-rated posts for added protection.

Parking Areas

Bollards should be used to protect parking structures and garage entrances. They guide vehicles safely, prevent collisions with walls or columns, and ensure that drivers avoid restricted areas.

High-Traffic & Public Spaces

For public and high-traffic spaces, bollards should be installed to manage crowd and vehicle interactions. Placement should guide vehicles away from areas where large numbers of people congregate while maintaining smooth traffic flow.

Site Perimeters

Bollards along property boundaries or sensitive areas create clear limits and deter vehicles from entering prohibited zones. Perimeter posts are especially effective in high-security sites or locations near pedestrian-heavy streets.

Bollard Sizes

With so many bollard styles, heights, and diameters available, choosing the right size can feel overwhelming. The best option depends on your security needs, access requirements, and installation type. Below is a simple breakdown of common bollard styles and their available sizes to help you narrow down the right solution for your application.

Fixed Embedded Bollards

Fixed embedded bollards are installed directly into the ground to provide continuous, long-term security. Their heavy-duty construction helps prevent damage from inattentive drivers while protecting buildings, parking areas, and pedestrian zones.

Available sizes:

• Round: 36” tall, 3.5” diameter
• Flat: 36” tall, 3.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 4.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 6.625” diameter

Fixed Surface-Mounted Bollards

Surface-mounted bollards offer strong impact resistance and are ideal for installation on new or existing concrete. They provide reliable traffic control without requiring deep excavation.

Available sizes:

• Round: 36” tall, 3.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 4.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 6.625” diameter

Removable Locking Bollards

Removable locking bollards lock into ground sleeves using external padlocks or helix lock systems. When unlocked, they can be removed to allow vehicle access.

Available sizes:

• Round: 36” tall, 3.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 4.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 6” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 6.625” diameter

Removable Non-Locking Bollards

Non-locking removable bollards drop into a ground sleeve without locking, making them easy to remove when access is needed regularly.

Available sizes:

• Round: 36” tall, 3.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 4.5” diameter
• Round: 36” tall, 6.625” diameter

Collapsible Single Post Bollards

These surface-mounted bollards fold down when access is needed and return upright for protection. They offer strength without sacrificing convenience.

Available sizes:

• Flat: 30” tall, 4” clearance height
• Flat: 30” tall, 5” clearance height

Collapsible Double Post Bollards

Double post models provide the same protection as single posts, with the ability to fold each post in opposite directions. Optional external padlocks add security.

Available size:

• Flat: 30” tall, 3” clearance height

Collapsible Double Post Screw Lock Bollards

This option includes an integrated locking bolt instead of an external padlock, keeping both posts securely in place.

Available sizes:

• Flat: 30” tall, 3” clearance height

Collapsible Round Post Bollards

These bollards use a lock pin system at the base, allowing them to collapse when needed while maintaining a streamlined appearance.

Available sizes:

• Round: 36” tall, 4” clearance height
• Round: 48” tall, 4” clearance height

Removable Parking Bollards

Ideal for parking lots and garages, these bollards feature internal locking mechanisms with optional external padlocks. Available in bold finishes or stainless steel.

Available sizes:

• Round: 36” tall, 2.375” diameter

Collapsible Parking Bollards

When collapsed, these bollards allow easy vehicle access while still providing visual deterrence when upright.

Available sizes:

• Flat: 42” tall, 1.625” diameter
• Flat: 42” tall, 2” diameter

What to Consider When Purchasing a Bollard

Choosing the right bollard isn’t just about picking a post that looks strong—it’s about matching the bollard to your property’s unique safety, security, and traffic needs. With so many options available, it’s important to ask the right questions before making a decision. Here’s a guide to help you select the best bollard solution for your site:

1. Define the Primary Purpose

Start by identifying why you need a bollard in the first place. Are you trying to:

• Control vehicle traffic in busy areas?
• Protect storefronts, outdoor seating, or high-value equipment from accidental or intentional impact?
• Mark pedestrian pathways or restricted zones for safety and visibility?

Understanding the primary purpose will help you narrow down which type, size, and strength of bollard is most suitable for your site.

2. Determine the Duration of Use

Consider whether your bollard will be a temporary solution or a permanent fixture:

• Short-term use: Collapsible or removable bollards are ideal for temporary construction zones, seasonal traffic control, or event management.
• Long-term use: Permanent bollards embedded in the ground provide continuous protection and withstand repeated impacts over years.

Determining the duration of use ensures you don’t overspend on temporary solutions or under-protect areas that need constant security.

3. Assess the Location

Where you install your bollard affects its type, size, and features:

• High-traffic roads, building entrances, and pedestrian-heavy zones often require permanent, heavy-duty posts.
• Temporary access areas, such as delivery lanes or construction sites, may be better suited for removable or collapsible bollards.
• Sensitive or high-security locations, like ATMs, utility equipment, or critical infrastructure, may require crash-rated bollards for maximum protection.

Location considerations also include spacing, visibility, and proximity to other obstacles or structures.

4. Identify Key Features & Materials

Not all bollards are created equal. Consider the features that matter most for your site:

• Strength and durability: Do you need a slim post for minimal visual impact, or a thicker, crash-rated post for high-security protection?
• Visibility: Bright colors or reflective coatings enhance safety, especially in low-light conditions.
• Material: Stainless steel offers long-term corrosion resistance, while coated steel or polymer options may provide additional aesthetic or impact benefits.
• Flexibility: Removable or collapsible models offer temporary access without compromising security.

5. Consider Installation & Maintenance 

The ease of installation and ongoing maintenance should factor into your decision:

• Embedded bollards require excavation but provide maximum stability.
• Surface-mounted or removable posts are quicker to install and easier to relocate.
• Maintenance needs vary by material and environment; high-quality coatings and rust-resistant finishes reduce upkeep over time.

6. Evaluate Safety & Compliance 

Ensure your bollards meet local safety standards, ADA regulations, and industry guidelines. Proper placement and spacing not only protect vehicles and pedestrians but also reduce liability and insurance risks.

7. Balance Aesthetics with Function 

Bollards don’t have to be purely functional—they can complement the look of your property. Consider architectural styles, colors, and finishes to maintain a professional, visually appealing environment without compromising security.

8. Budget Considerations

Finally, weigh your budget against the level of protection required. While high-strength, crash-rated bollards cost more upfront, they can save money in the long term by preventing vehicle damage, theft, or property downtime. Lower-cost or temporary solutions may suffice for low-risk areas, offering flexibility without unnecessary expense.

How Much Do Bollards Cost?

The cost of bollards varies depending on the type, material, size, and features you choose. Basic fixed or surface-mounted posts designed for simple traffic control can start at a few hundred dollars per bollard. Heavy-duty, crash-rated, or customized bollards designed for high-security applications can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars each. Additional factors that affect cost include:

• Material: Stainless steel or reinforced steel posts are more expensive than polymer or basic steel options, but they offer superior durability and impact resistance.
• Installation type: Embedded or surface-mounted bollards may require excavation or concrete work, which adds to the overall project cost. Removable or collapsible bollards often have lower installation costs.
• Finishes and visibility features: Powder coating, reflective tape, and custom colors can increase the price but enhance safety and aesthetics.
• Quantity: Bulk orders for multiple bollards often reduce the cost per unit.

While bollards are an upfront investment, they often pay for themselves by preventing vehicle damage, reducing repair costs, and enhancing safety. Considering the potential financial and liability benefits, the right bollard solution can be a cost-effective long-term investment for your property.

Benefits of TrafficGuard Bollards

Installing TrafficGuard bollards offers more than just a physical barrier—they provide lasting protection, safety, and cost savings for your property. Here’s why property owners rely on TrafficGuard bollards:

Durable, Rust-Free Protection

TrafficGuard bollards are crafted from high-quality stainless steel and finished with powder coating and zinc-rich primer. They are tested for salt spray performance, ensuring they resist rust, corrosion, and environmental wear. For extra safety, many bollards feature high-visibility yellow finishes and reflective labels, making them easy to see both day and night.

Prevent Property Damage & Loss

Bollards shield buildings, outdoor seating, parking areas, and equipment from accidental collisions and intentional vehicle impact. By preventing damage, they reduce repair costs, minimize downtime, and protect against vandalism or theft, such as ram-raiding attempts. Over time, this protection translates into significant savings.

Low Maintenance & Reliable

Unlike automatic or pneumatic bollards that require complex installation and ongoing upkeep, TrafficGuard’s manually operated removable and collapsible bollards are simple to install and maintain. They withstand harsh weather conditions without frequent repairs, ensuring long-term reliability with minimal effort.

Flexible Access Control

TrafficGuard bollards are available in fixed, removable, and collapsible options, giving property owners complete control over vehicle access. Removable or collapsible bollards allow temporary entry for deliveries or emergency vehicles while maintaining security when upright.

Enhance Safety & Traffic Management

Bollards clearly define pedestrian zones, walkways, and restricted areas, helping guide vehicles safely and prevent accidents. High-visibility finishes and reflective features improve site safety, reducing the likelihood of collisions.

Cost-Effective Security Investment

While bollards require an initial investment, they offer measurable long-term value. By protecting property, preventing accidents, and minimizing maintenance needs, TrafficGuard bollards save money, reduce liability risks, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Contact TrafficGuard for High-Quality Bollards

Looking for durable, reliable bollards to protect your property, control traffic, and enhance safety? TrafficGuard offers a wide range of bollards—including fixed, removable, and collapsible options—designed to meet your specific needs. Our stainless steel and powder-coated posts provide long-lasting protection against impacts, corrosion, and everyday wear.

Whether you’re securing a storefront, parking lot, pedestrian zone, or public space, our expert team can help you choose the right bollard solution and ensure professional installation. Request a quote or contact us today to safeguard your property with high-quality, low-maintenance bollards that deliver both security and peace of mind.

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