NYC to Reduce Speed Limits on Local Streets Following Enactment of Sammy’s Law

On Thursday, June 27th, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) announced the reduction of speed limits in select areas following the enactment of Sammy’s Law. This legislation allows the city to lower speed limits to 20 MPH on individual streets and to 10 MPH on streets undergoing safety-related redesigns. NYC DOT plans to implement these changes in 250 locations by the end of 2025, focusing on schools, open streets, and shared streets.

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the life-saving potential of these reductions, stating, “Speeding ruins lives, and reducing vehicle speeds by even a few miles per hour could be the difference between life or death in a traffic crash.” 

The new speed limits will be enforced after a 60-day public comment period, beginning this summer, to ensure community involvement.

Sammy’s Law, named after Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a young boy tragically killed by a speeding driver, gives NYC the authority to reduce speed limits to enhance street safety. Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, has been a tireless advocate for this change through the organization Families for Safe Streets. Her efforts, along with support from various legislators, have brought this critical safety measure to fruition.

NYC DOT will introduce “Regional Slow Zones” in each borough, starting with lower Manhattan south of Canal Street. These zones will have a consistent speed limit of 20 MPH throughout. Additionally, the agency will lower speed limits to 10 MPH on shared streets and open streets that have undergone substantial design upgrades to ensure the safety of all road users.

The initiative will prioritize areas with larger proportions of non-white and low-income residents, high population and job density, and regions historically lacking DOT investments. This equitable approach aims to protect the city’s most vulnerable populations.

In a statement, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi highlighted the importance of the law, saying, “New Yorkers deserve safe streets, no matter how they travel. Sammy’s Law provided a tool to make sure everyone arrives safely to their destination.” This comprehensive effort underscores NYC’s commitment to reducing traffic violence and making streets safer for all.