New Jersey Speed Limits Procedures

 New Jersey Speed Limits Procedures

Speed limits in New Jersey are determined by a combination of state law, engineering considerations, and politics. When changes to these limits are proposed, they often encounter resistance similar to the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) phenomenon well-known to New Jersey residents.

The foundation for setting speed limits lies in state law, which establishes maximum limits such as 25 mph in school zones, business, and residential areas, 35 mph in specific low-density districts, and 55 mph or 65 mph on state highways and interstates, with 50 mph on all other roads.

However, these "statutory limits" can be adjusted based on engineering studies, which follow federal guidelines. These studies take into account the flow of traffic, crash data, road layout, nearby developments, parking conditions, and pedestrian traffic.

Former DOT employee Bartlett, now a project manager at Bordentown-based MBO Engineering LLC, noted that requests for speed limit reductions were far more common than requests for increases. Nevertheless, these requests often didn't align with the findings of engineering studies. In fact, at the DOT, nearly all requests were to lower speed limits, and almost all were denied.

However, the situation changed in 2008 when the state delegated the authority to reevaluate local speed limits to municipalities and counties, retaining jurisdiction over state roads. Speed limit adjustments frequently follow accidents or arise from concerns about speeding drivers, and they can serve both safety and political goals.

For instance, in one case, concerned neighbors advocated for a 10 mph reduction in the speed limit and secured support from the township council. However, their proposal still awaited input from the county engineering department and a decision from the freeholder board, which has jurisdiction over county roads. In contrast, the neighboring town of Bogota already had a 25 mph speed limit on River Road.

The diverse approaches to setting speed limits in New Jersey result in sharp disagreements. Some, like Sen. Declan O'Scanlon, advocate for "fact-based" speed limits that consider how fast people typically drive on limited-access highways, adjusting speed limits based on the 85th percentile speed. This approach may lead to higher speed limits on many highways but aims to reduce speed discrepancies and, consequently, accidents.

However, this approach faces opposition, with traffic safety consultant Pam Fischer and others arguing that existing speed limits are set for safety reasons. Fischer emphasizes the need to combat speeding, which remains a top cause of road fatalities in New Jersey, alongside alcohol and seat belt non-compliance.