New York State lawmakers have introduced legislation that would raise the maximum speed limit to 70 mph on select highways across the state.
Sen. Thomas F. O’Mara of the 58th District sponsored bill S1500, with co-sponsorship from Sen. Bill Weber of the 38th District. The measure would amend state vehicle and traffic law to allow the Department of Transportation commissioner and the New York State Thruway Authority to increase speed limits on highways that currently have a 65 mph maximum, provided the roadways meet department criteria.
Lawmakers previously introduced similar legislation during the 2023-2024 session. If passed and signed into law, the act would take effect immediately.
“New York is one of only seven states that has kept a 65 mph speed limit on major interstates despite all the technology and safety features on so many modern vehicles,” O’Mara told the Binghamton Press in 2023. “Most states have increased the speed limit to 70 mph, including neighboring Pennsylvania. Many have gone even higher, and it’s time for New York state to do the same.”
Major highways that would be affected include the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway, the Southern Tier Expressway, Interstate 81, the Adirondack Northway and Interstate 88.
The Senate first introduced the bill on Jan. 10, 2025, for the 2025-2026 legislative session and referred it to the Senate Transportation Committee.
It returned in the current legislative session, again referred to committee on Jan. 7 of this year.
An identical measure, A3571, has been introduced in the Assembly.