Larkin Supports Bill Allowing Locals To Set Speed Limits

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) is cosponsoring legislation in the State Senate that would authorize cities, towns and villages to establish speed limits as low as 15 miles per hour on certain residential streets.

"Current law prevents municipalities from setting speed limits below 30 miles per hour or below 25 miles per hour in certain circumstances," said Senator Larkin. "But, residents and local officials know best which streets in their neighborhoods should have lower speed limits. In many areas, especially those with large numbers of children, 25 miles an hour is just not slow enough to ensure proper safety. This bill would allow municipalities to set those lower limits where they see fit."

According to the measure, the following fines would be established for violating residential speed limits: For speeds up to 10 miles an hour in excess of a residential speed limit, the penalty would be a fine between $60 and $200. For speeds from 11 to 30 miles an hour in excess of a residential speed limit, the penalty would be a fine between $120 to $400, and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days. For speeds over 30 miles an hour in excess of a residential speed limit, the penalty would be a fine between $240 to $800, and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.