There are so many exciting things happening in NYC in 2025, and there’s also a few new laws going into effect in the new year. We already went over the general laws going into effect that you’ll need to abide by starting this year, but there are more specific ones as well.
From reduced speed limits to Congestion Pricing, here are 5 New York traffic laws going into effect in 2025.
1. Speed Limit Reductions
In April of 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed off on Sammy’s Law, which would allow the NYC speed limit to be lowered 5 mph to 20 mph.
Beginning September 2024, NYC DOT began reducing speed limits, and a total of 250 locations will have reduced speed limits by the end of 2025, with a focus on priority locations such as schools. The new speed limits will be 20 mph on individual streets and 10 mph on select streets undergoing safety-related redesigns.
🗓 Effective now on some streets
2. Turn-In Fees and Car Leasing
Governor Kathy Hochul also signed off on legislation S.4778/A.7167 in November 2024 that prevents leasing companies from charging fees for administrative, clerical, or handling purposes when a lease expires. This includes the turn-in fee.
Governor Hochul stated, “At a time when New Yorkers are experiencing the devastating effects of rising prices, it’s important that I do everything I can to put more money back in their pockets.”
🗓 Effective January 1, 2025
3. New DMV Points System
This year the DMV will enforce a new point structure, which not only brings worse punishments to certain violations but also brings points to certain violations that did not previously have any. Some examples include:
- Driving under the influence and other similar charges – 11 points
- Leaving the scene of an accident with a personal injury – 5 points (previously 3 points)
- Illegally passing a stopped school bus – 8 points (previously 5 points)
- Speed contests or races – 5 points (previously 0 points)
With this new overhaul, your driver’s license can be suspended if you get 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.
🗓 Effective January 3, 2025
4. Congestion Pricing
After a pause in June 2024 and a recent revival, the MTA’s congestion pricing plan is officially a go for 2025. Under this program, drivers will be charged a toll once per day when they enter Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD)–this includes streets in Manhattan below 60th Street. Passenger and small commercial vehicles will pay $9, motorcycles will pay $4,50, and trucks and buses will pay $14.40 – $21.60.
As a response to this program, Lyft will reimburse all congestion fees accrued during rides this January.
🗓 Effective January 5, 2025
5. Seat Belts on Charter Buses
Legislation S9361/A8557 requires that seat belts be available and used on charter buses for persons age 8 through 16. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law in October 2024, and it will officially take effect this year.
🗓 Effective April 21, 2025