Citywide 25 MPH Speed Limit

Beginning in 2023, the speed limit in thickly settled or business districts citywide has been reduced to 25 miles per hour. Only a small portion of the streets in Lowell do not meet this requirement. The adjusted speed limit is intended to make Lowell streets safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and to reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a motor vehicle crash.

At the November 22, 2022 City Council Meeting, City Council voted to opt-in to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 17C, authorizing the reduced statutory speed limit and authorizing implementation of the measure on a City-wide basis in late 2023. Statutory speed limits exist in the absence of special speed regulations on file with MassDOT. In January 2025, many outstanding special speed regulations were removed with the approval of MassDOT. Click Here to view a map of streets with remining special speed regulations. These special speed regulations remain in effect with the change in the statutory speed limit.  

The City of Lowell has installed new signs at the City's borders and other key locations advising motorists of the new speed restriction. The Lowell Police Department intends to conduct an extensive public information campaign as the new measure takes effect to ensure motorists are aware of the change before strict enforcement of the reduced speed limit takes place.

FAQ

When will enforcement of the new speed limit begin?

The Lowell Police Department is enforcing the new speed limit. The Lowell Police Department continues to have directed patrols in certain areas that are identified to experience a high volume of motorists exceeding the new speed limit or traveling at excessive speeds.  

Why was the speed limit changed?

The adjusted speed limit is intended to make Lowell streets safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and to reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a motor vehicle crash. This change is in accordance with Lowell's Complete Streets Policy.

What streets are not subject to the 25 MPH speed limit?

Certain roads with existing speed regulations are not subject to the reduced speed limit, even if they are in a thickly settled or business district. Throughfares under Massachusetts Department of Transportation jurisdiction, such as VFW Highway, Princeton Boulevard, and the Lowell Connector have special speed regulations. Local jurisdiction roadways with special speed regulations include Pawtucket Boulevard and Andover Street. A map of special speed regulation roadways can be found here.

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

Because the reduced speed limit is a citywide measure, the City is placing new signage at the City's borders and other strategic locations. These signs clearly indicate that the speed limit applies citywide. The City will not be installing signs on every street where the reduced speed limit applies. 

If you have an existing 30 MPH sign on your residential street, a replacement sign can be requested from the Lowell Police Department Sign Shop.

Yard signs with the above image may be obtained at the Library, or at City Hall in the main foyer or the Manager's Office. 

What is considered a thickly settled or business district?

MGL Chapter 90, Section 1 defines thickly settled or 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." Very few streets do not meet this definition in Lowell.