Bill > S05859

This bill directs the New York State Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study on how speed limits are currently set and adjusted, with a specific focus on the 85th percentile rule. The 85th percentile rule is a traffic engineering method that defines the speed at or below which 85 percent of vehicles travel under normal, free-flowing conditions. The study will require the department to assess all factors involved in setting speed limits, evaluate the 85th percentile rule's effectiveness, examine its correlation with traffic crashes, and explore alternative methods that might better prevent accidents. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the department must publish a detailed report of its findings and recommendations on its website and provide a copy to the state legislature. The bill aims to critically examine current speed limit determination practices and potentially improve road safety by identifying more effective approaches to setting speed limits. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5859