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MassDOT Speed Zoning

It is our goal to provide means to promote safe and efficient traffic flow in the Commonwealth.

As governed by Massachusetts General Law (MGL) c.90§17 and §18, MassDOT has the responsibility to approve the establishment of speed limits.

Massachusetts speed limits are based upon detailed engineering studies using the documented speed of vehicles, crash history, number of vehicle and non-motorized users, and the layout of the road. Additionally, MassDOT’s Speed Zoning Program provides appropriate enforceable speed limits consistent with FHWA’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), as required by MGL c.85§2 and c.90§18.

What would you like to do?

Top tasks

Notify MassDOT of MGL Chapter 90, Section 17C adoption  Request speed zoning  How to address speeds with Speed Management 

All other tasks

Request speed regulation information 

What you need to know

Speed limits in thickly settled or business districts  Speed limit and advisory speed signs  About the role of speed limits 

Open PDF file, 2.17 MB,  Procedures for Speed Zoning on State and Municipal Roadways (English, PDF 2.17 MB)
Image credits:  Driving-Bridge-Water (Shutterstock)

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