New York speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the default speed limit when none is posted.
• You can state New York City's default limit.
• You can explain the work zone rules and doubled fines.
• You can explain what to do for a stopped school bus.
• You can apply the Move Over law on different road types.

What you need to know and understand

• If no limit is posted, the maximum is 55 mph.
• In New York City the limit is 25 mph unless a different limit is posted.
• Speeding fines double in work zones, even when workers are not present; work zone limits as low as 25 mph may be posted.
• Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, about 20 feet away, even on a divided highway.
• The Move Over law covers emergency and hazard vehicles with flashing lights and, on parkways and controlled-access highways, any vehicle stopped on the shoulder.
• You may not exceed the speed limit to pass another vehicle.

Limits you must know

Statewide, if no sign tells you otherwise, you may not drive faster than 55 mph. Some highways are posted at 65 mph. Cities can set lower limits that are not always signed on every street: in New York City the limit is 25 mph unless signs say otherwise.

Some highways also have minimum limits. Driving far below the flow of traffic can be as dangerous as speeding. In fog, rain or snow, the safe speed may be well below the posted limit, and police can ticket you for a speed that is not reasonable for the conditions.

Work zones

Orange diamond signs warn you of road work ahead. Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled, whether or not workers are there, and a speeding conviction in a work zone carries 8 points. A flagger has the same authority as a sign. Merge as soon as you see a lane closed warning instead of racing to the end of the closed lane.

School buses

When a stopped school bus shows flashing red lights, all traffic from both directions must stop before reaching it, ideally at least 20 feet back. This applies on every road in New York, including the other side of a divided highway and in school parking lots. Wait until the lights stop or the driver or an officer waves you on, then drive slowly and watch for children.

Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is about to stop, so slow down and prepare to stop. Passing a stopped school bus carries a minimum $250 fine for a first offense, 8 points, and revocation for at least six months after three convictions in three years. Camera tickets also go to vehicle owners.

The Move Over law

When an emergency or hazard vehicle (police, fire, ambulance, tow truck, snow plow and similar) is stopped with its lights flashing, you must slow down on every road. On parkways, interstates and other multi-lane controlled-access roads, you must also move out of the lane next to it if you can do so safely. This also applies to any vehicle stopped on the shoulder of a parkway or controlled-access highway. Our site has a guide to the school bus and Move Over laws with more examples.

Common mistakes

• Driving 55 mph on a New York City street that has no sign. The city default is 25 mph.
• Speeding up through a work zone because nobody is working. The doubled fines still apply.
• Driving past a school bus on the other side of a divided highway. New York requires you to stop.
• Staying in the lane beside a stopped tow truck on an expressway when the next lane is clear.

Test yourself: New York speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• NY School Bus Law and Move Over Law Explained
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• How to Get a Driver’s License in NY