New York drivers face citywide change to speed limit in 2025

New York City government is making citywide changes to its speed limit in 2025 after a new law has been passed.

Following in the footsteps of many major cities in the world, and even some countries, New York City is gearing up – or down in this case – for big changes to its roads.

The changes come as new legislation has been passed.

Thanks to Sammy’s Law, the streets of New York City are changing for the safer.

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New York City gets speed limit reduction after Sammy’s Law is passed

A handful of US States have made some big strides in making their streets safer, such as Utah with their new laser beam technology. Now, NY is making a big effort to make its fabled city safer too.

Previously, the speed limit in New York City was widely set at 25mph, but as of 2025, the Department of Transportation will be rolling out 20mph zones in select locations.

The transition to the lower speed marker will be rolled out gradually, with more areas being added throughout 2025.

The first place to see the speed limit be reduced will be Prospect Park West in Brooklyn, which has proved to be a pivotal landmark in this new legislation change.

Sammy’s Law is being introduced after the tragic incident where Sammy Cohen Eckstein, 12, was killed by a driver traveling over the speed limit back in October 2013.

Together, Families for Safe Streets and Sammy’s family have passed the law twelve years on.

“Yesterday marked 11 years since my 12-year-old son was run over and killed right here on Prospect Park West,” said Gary Eckstein, father of Sammy.

“If traffic had been moving more slowly, Sammy and the driver of the van would have had more time to see each other and avoid a collision.

“We look forward to seeing DOT roll out 20-mile-per-hour speed limits on even many more streets and neighborhoods throughout the city so that many more lives can be saved.”

Of course, this law hasn’t come without pushback from New York City locals.

Taking to the replies underneath the NYC DOT X (formally Twitter) page, locals vented their frustration.

“Cars get better, more automated, safer… and you’re reducing speed limits,” quizzed one motorist.

Another added, “It’s getting really difficult to tell who the NYC DOT is working for when cars will be at a near standstill while Uber eBikes blow past them at 40 mph.”

This law follows the likes of Wales in the UK whose streets are also 20mph in-between quicker country lanes.

Still, there are plenty of places where you can drive fast, just in a much safer, less populated environment.