The maximum speed limit in New York school zones is 15 mph.

To protect the lives of students and pedestrians, the speed limit around New York City schools has been reduced from 20 to 15 miles per hour. City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on March 16. "The lower the speed of vehicles, the more lives will be saved," said Mamdani. It is worth noting that out of 2,300 school zones in New York City's 5 boroughs (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island), 700 zones had a maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour. In view of the new directive, 800 zones came under the 15-mile speed limit. DOT sources said that now, drivers will have to pay a hefty fine if they drive faster than 15 miles per hour around a total of 1,300 schools. 2,400 speed cameras have already been installed in school zones to enforce the fine rules. In addition, there will be traffic police teams. However, public opinion will be collected within 60 days before this directive goes into effect. DOT sources also report that three times more people die in crashes at 25 mph than in crashes at 15 mph.

Mayor Mamdani noted that there are 3,200 public schools in New York City. Of these, 2,300 school zones will gradually implement a 15 mph speed limit. A total of 1,300 school zones will be reduced to 15 mph this year.