Speed Limits on Local Roads: Process, Authority, and Speed Studies

Who sets the speed of the road?

Most speed limits on Town and County roads are controlled by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

All changes in speed limits must be performed after a study by a licensed professional engineer.

Why can’t the local highway department change the speed of the road?

Speed limits are set for specific safety reasons. Before making a change, residents and municipalities must conduct a speed study to justify the need. Setting limits too low can actually decrease safety, as drivers tend to violate speeds that are not properly set.

How can the community ask for a speed study?

For roads where NYSDOT sets the speed limit:

• Create a petition to the Town Board requesting that they examine traffic safety improvements. Avoid requesting only a lower speed limit.
• If the Board sees a need, they may ask the County Highway Superintendent to endorse the request.
• The request will then be forwarded to NYSDOT, which will conduct a speed study. 

A speed study involves:

• Bringing together key community members, including residents, highway officials, police, and school district representatives
• Conducting a site visit and gathering data, including traffic speeds, traffic counts, and crash information
• Meeting to discuss findings, share concerns, and brainstorm solutions
• Creating a plan that may include community education, enforcement, structural changes, or speed limit adjustments
• Keeping an open mind—if the first solution doesn’t work, stay flexible. This process takes time and patience.

Some possible outcomes:

• Traffic calming measures
• Targeted enforcement
• Engineering improvements
• Community education
• Speed limit changes (one possible outcome, not the only one)

How long does a speed study take?

NYSDOT will need to collect data and visit the site to review conditions. Depending on the time of year, this process can take several months.