Bill > A04576

This bill modifies New York state law to provide more flexibility in establishing school speed limits by allowing county legislative bodies (or municipalities delegated by counties) to set speed limits as low as 15 miles per hour near schools. Currently, the Department of Transportation has primary authority to set speed limits, but this bill expands that power to county and local legislative bodies for areas within 1,320 feet of a school building, entrance, or exit. The change allows local governments more direct control over reducing vehicle speeds in school zones, potentially improving student safety by enabling lower speed limits closer to educational facilities. The bill amends sections 1620 and 1622 of the vehicle and traffic law, and will take effect on the first of November following its passage into law. This modification represents a decentralized approach to traffic regulation, giving local authorities more discretion in managing speed limits near schools.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4576