New York Speed Limit
What is the New York speed limit?
New York traffic laws define the maximum speed that any motorist travelling on New York roadways can legally drive. Driving over the New York speed limit can result in a traffic citation, fine, license suspension, or even arrest.
In New York the school zone speed limits are in effect between the hours of 7am – 6pm unless otherwise posted. This does not apply if the school has speed limit beacons; in that case the school’s speed limit is only enforced when the lights are blinking. The speed limit in New York City is 30mph unless otherwise posted.
New York has a relatively low maximum speed limit. There are a total of 40 states that have higher maximum speed limits than the New York top speed of 65 miles per hour.
SPEED LIMIT
65
New York Speed Limit - Rural Freeways
The maximum speed limit on rural freeways and interstates in New York is 65 miles per hour. "Rural freeways" are the sections of major highways that passing through rural and sparsely populated areas, and can safely allow faster driving. Rural highways will generally have the highest legal speed limits in New York.
In New York, trucks have a reduced maximum speed limit of 65 mph on rural freeways.
SPEED LIMIT
55
New York Speed Limit - Urban Freeways
The maximum speed limit on urban freeways and interstates in New York is 55 miles per hour. "Urban freeways" are the segments of large highways that are located within a city or densely populated area's limits, and are generally more prone to traffic congestion and other hazards.
In most cases, the freeway's speed limit will return to the rural freeway speed limit of 65 mph after the road passes through the most densely populated area.
SPEED LIMIT
55
New York Speed Limit - Divided Roads
The maximum speed limit on divided roads in New York is 55 miles per hour. Divided roads must have a concrete median or buffer zone separating opposite lanes, and may have one or more lanes going in the same direction.
Unlike many states that allow higher speed limits on divided roads, New York has the same maximum speed limit for both divided and undivided roads.
SPEED LIMIT
55
New York Speed Limit - Undivided Roads
The maximum speed limit on rural undivided roads roads in New York is 55 miles per hour. This category includes most small backroads and local routes.
When these routes pass through a residential or heavily-trafficked area, the speed limit will usually drop to 45 mph or below.
SPEED LIMIT
45
New York Speed Limit - Residential Areas
The maximum speed limit on residential roads in New York is 45 miles per hour. Residential roads have the most potential for speed-based accidents and collisions, so residential districts tend to have the lowest speed limits with the most strict enforcement policies.
When driving in residential areas be on the lookout for school, hospital, and construction zones. These areas often have even lower speed limits, with strict enforcement and heavy fines for speeding.
New York Speeding Tickets and Citations
Driving over the posted speed limit, driving too fast for conditions, or failing to obey special speed limit zones can result in a New York speeding ticket, points on your license, and even a license suspension or revocation for repeat offenders.
New York highway patrol officers monitor traffic using radar, speed traps, and cameras. Radar technology is not exact, and as a general rule an officer will not pull you over for exceeding the speed limit by less than 5 mph (70 mph on a rural freeway, or 60 mph on an rural undivided road). However, any speeds in excess of the posted speed limits can be considered a ticketable offence.