Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he wants to reduce the citywide speed limit near New York City schools. He has directed the Department of Transportation (DOT) to lower speed limits to 15 mph in 800 school zones by the end of 2026, and in all eligible 2,300 school zones by Dec. 2029. About 700 of the initial 800 zones are already reduced from 25 mph to 20 mph, but will be further slowed to 15 mph.
State law, which Gov. Kathy Hochul signed in 2024, allows New York City to set its own speed limits below the state minimum of 25 mph. The state DOT can lower speed limits on a street-by-street basis without City Council – as long as the local community board is given a 60-day notice. Mamdani’s push extends not just to public schools but also private, parochial and charter K-12 schools. His office noted that “implementation will be prioritized based on available safety data and other planned street safety improvements.”
Source: Crain’s New York Business
