In New York City, a distinctive traffic rule to remember is the prohibition of turning right on a red light unless a sign explicitly permits it. This is due to the city’s unique traffic conditions, high population density, and significant presence of pedestrians and cyclists.
Here’s what you need to know about traffic laws in New York going into effect in 2025:
Speed Limit Reductions: By the end of 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will have reduced speed limits in 250 locations, especially near schools. The new speed limits will be 20 mph on individual streets and 10 mph on select streets undergoing safety-related redesigns. Some streets already have these changes.
New DMV Points System: The DMV is enforcing a new point structure with increased penalties for certain violations and assigning points to violations that previously had none. For example, illegally passing a stopped school bus will now result in 8 points instead of 5. A driver’s license can be suspended with 11 or more points, or 9 points from speeding tickets, within a two-year period. Previously, it was 11 points over an 18-month period. This went into effect on January 3, 2025.
Congestion Pricing: The MTA’s congestion pricing plan is officially set for 2025. Drivers will be charged a toll once per day when entering Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD), which includes streets in Manhattan below 60th Street. Passenger and small commercial vehicles will pay $9, motorcycles $4.50, and trucks and buses between $14.40 and $21.60. This began on January 5, 2025.
Seat belts on charter buses: All passengers on charter buses between the ages of 8 and 16 must use the provided seatbelts. Violations of this law can result in a fine of up to $50. This goes into effect on April 21.
SOURCES
[1] https://secretnyc.co/new-york-traffic-laws-going-into-effect-in-2025/
[2] https://www.amny.com/news/new-traffic-laws-in-new-york-slated-for-2025/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congestion_pricing_in_New_York_City
[4] https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trafrule.pdf
