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Sammy's Law is a New York State law passed in the 2024 session. It gives New York City the power to lower the speed limit to 20 mph on individual streets, with signs, and to 10 mph on streets that get safety redesigns (NYC DOT, Oct 9, 2024). It is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old killed by a driver on Prospect Park West in 2013. For a TLC driver it means one thing: look at the sign, because 25 mph is no longer the only limit.
What it allows, and how DOT uses it
The citywide default is still 25 mph. NYC lowered it from 30 mph in 2014 (NYC DOT). Sammy's Law lets DOT go lower street by street. In its first announcement, DOT described these uses:
In October 2024 DOT said it would lower limits at 250 locations by the end of 2025. That was a plan. Check DOT's current map for what is posted today.
What it means for a TLC driver
Speeding tickets count from the posted limit. If a police officer tickets you, TLC rule §80-13(a)(3) adds a TLC charge of $300 (plead guilty) or $400 (after a hearing), with points by how far over you were. 1–10 mph over: 3 points. 11–20 mph over: 4 points (TLC Chapter 80). So 25 mph in a 20 zone is a 3-point violation. See 80-13(a)(3)(i)(B) for the 11–20 mph step.
Speed cameras are different. DOT says its cameras ticket drivers going more than 10 mph over the limit, and the Notice of Liability goes to the registered owner (NYC DOT). How that plays out for TLC drivers and owners is in speed and red-light cameras.
Where you will see this term
On news about new 20 mph signs, on community board agendas, and on DOT's Vision Zero View map, which shows posted limits. The street-by-street picture for drivers is in NYC speed limits for TLC drivers. Sammy's Law is part of the city's Vision Zero program. TLC honors drivers with clean records on the Vision Zero Honor Roll. More on the safety hub.
Frequently asked questions
Did Sammy's Law make every NYC street 20 mph?
No. The citywide default is still 25 mph unless a sign shows otherwise. Sammy's Law lets NYC DOT set 20 mph on individual streets, with signs, and 10 mph on streets with safety redesigns.
Where were the first 20 mph limits?
DOT's October 9, 2024 release named Prospect Park West in Brooklyn (19 blocks, Grand Army Plaza to Bartel-Pritchard Square) first, then Audubon Avenue in Washington Heights (West 165th Street to Fort George Avenue) and a Regional Slow Zone covering Manhattan south of Canal Street.
What does driving 25 in a 20 cost a TLC driver?
If you get a police ticket for it, TLC rule §80-13(a)(3)(i)(A) adds a TLC charge: speeding 1 to 10 mph over the posted limit is $300 if you plead guilty, $400 after a hearing, and 3 TLC points. Speed camera tickets work differently and go to the vehicle owner.
Where can I check a street's speed limit?
NYC DOT publishes posted limits in Open Data and on the Vision Zero View map. The posted sign is what counts.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- NYC DOT press release: Speed limit reductions under Sammy's Law (Oct 9, 2024) nyc.gov
- NYC DOT: Vision Zero Safe Driving nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (PDF dated June 5, 2025), §80-13(a)(3) nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.