Bill > S00544

This bill amends the vehicle and traffic law to allow town boards in certain towns (excluding suburban towns and towns with over 50,000 people) to establish their own speed limits on local roads outside of cities and villages. Specifically, these town boards can now set maximum speed limits lower than the standard 55 miles per hour statutory limit, but not lower than 25 miles per hour (with an exception for school zones, which can have limits as low as 15 miles per hour within 1,320 feet of a school). The new provisions require that any speed limit changes must be certified by a licensed professional engineer specializing in traffic operations and must adhere to the New York state manual and specifications for traffic control devices. The bill defines key terms like "town highways" and ensures that these new local speed limit powers do not interfere with the Department of Transportation's existing authority to establish speed limits. The law will take effect 180 days after becoming official, with immediate authorization for preparing necessary regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S544