Speed Limits

The statutory city-wide speed limit in Worcester has been reduced to 25 miles per hour in thickly settled or business districts, which applies to most streets in Worcester. The adjusted speed limit is intended to make Worcester streets safer for all users - including pedestrians, cyclists and drivers - by reducing the frequency of crashes and the risk of serious injury when crashes do occur. View the Presentation Slides on why Worcester adopted the 25 mph statutory speed limit.

At its Sept. 24, 2024 meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to opt in to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 17C, authorizing the reduced statutory speed limit and implementation of the measure on a city-wide basis. Statutory speed limits exist on all streets that do not have designated special speed regulations (also known as "Posted Speed Limits"). View a Map of Streets with posted speed limits that are not subject to the city-wide 25 mph speed limit.

The City of Worcester will be installing new signs at the City's borders and other key locations advising motorists of the new 25 mph speed limits. Through the end of 2024, the Department of Transportation & Mobility and the Worcester Police Department will conduct a public information campaign to ensure motorists are aware of the change before strict enforcement of the reduced speed limit takes place. This campaign will include social media, traditional media, website information and distribution of informational materials to motorists.

Note: The new 25 mph Speed Limit will be enforced beginning January 2025.

Have a Question?

• When will enforcement of the new speed limit begin?

  The new 25 mph speed limit will officially become effective once the installation of signs at entry points to the City is complete. However, the WPD will focus on public education rather than strict enforcement of the new speed limit through the remainder of 2024. WPD Officers will use their discretion to issue warnings and informational materials about the new 25 mph speed limits during this initial phase of implementation. Note that motorists who violate the previous 30 mph limit will still be subject to speeding violations during this time. WPD will also utilize directed patrols in certain areas that are known to experience a high volume of motorists traveling at excessive speeds. Routine enforcement of the new 25 mph speed limits will begin Jan. 2025.

• Why was the speed limit changed?

  In July 2024, following several fatal and serious injury crashes involving vulnerable roadway users, City Manager Eric Batista and Mayor Joseph Petty Declared a Road Safety and Traffic Violence Crisis in the City. In September 2024, the Board of Health made a similar declaration, and the City Council approved a resolution supporting efforts to improve safety for all roadway users on the public way. The adjusted speed limit is intended to make Worcester streets safer for all users - pedestrians, cyclists, other micro-mobility users, public transit riders and drivers - by reducing the number of crashes that occur and by reducing the risk of serious injury in the event of a motor vehicle crash. This change is in accordance with Worcester's Complete Streets Policy, Mobility Action Plan and Vision Zero Initiative.

• What streets are not subject to the 25 mph speed limit?

  Certain roads with existing, posted speed regulations are not subject to the reduced speed limit, even if they are in a thickly settled or business districts. These streets are identifiable by the familiar black and white speed limit signs posted on the street that communicate the applicable speed limit, and includes limited access highways under MassDOT jurisdiction (I-290, I-190 and Rte. 146) and Select Major Corridors in the City. The 25 mph statutory speed limit applies to all other streets in Worcester that are located in thickly settled or business districts, which encompass nearly the entire City.

• What is considered a thickly settled or business district?

  MGL Chapter 90, Section 1 defines thickly settled or a business district as "the territory contiguous to any way which is built up with structures devoted to business, or the territory contiguous to any way where the dwelling houses are situated at such distances as will average less than two hundred feet between them for a distance of a quarter of a mile or over." Under this definition, nearly all of Worcester is considered either thickly settled or a business district and is subject to the 25 mph statutory speed limit.

• Can a 25 mph speed limit sign be placed on my street?

  The reduced speed limit is a city-wide measure, and new signage is being placed at the City's entry points and other strategic locations to remind drivers of the change. These signs clearly indicate that the speed limit applies city-wide. Per state guidelines, the municipality will not be installing signs on every street where the reduced speed limit applies.

• How can I report a 30 mph sign that needs to be replaced with a 25 mph sign?

  If you see a yellow 30 mph advisory sign associated with a sign reading "Thickly Settled," it likely needs to be updated with a 25 mph plaque. Please contact the Department of Transportation & Mobility. Email us at mobility@worcesterma.gov.

• How can I get a Public Education Yard Sign?

  Educational Yard Signs (image at right) may be obtained at the Department of Transportation & Mobility at 76 E Worcester Street, or at City Hall in the first-floor information center for a limited time. The City can also deliver them to your residence, subject to availability. Please email mobility@worcesterma.gov or call 508-929-1300 ext. 49500 to request one.