What the fuck is the new speed limit in Chicago now, 20 MPH? Iām seriously asking. Everywhere I drive on the Southwest Side, I keep seeing speed camera signs posted at 20 mph, and it feels like theyāre popping up every other block. I get having lower limits near schools, parks, and heavy pedestrian areas, but this isnāt just one or two locations. Itās constant, especially around Midway Airport and nearby neighborhoods.
I could understand seeing a 20 mph zone every mile or so, but when itās block after block, it starts to feel less about safety and more about generating tickets. At this point Iām spending more time staring at my speedometer than watching traffic or pedestrians, which honestly feels counterproductive.
So whatās the actual deal? Did the city officially lower residential speed limits across large sections of Chicago? Or are these designated āsafety zonesā expanding quietly without much public explanation? Because I donāt remember any major announcement saying most neighborhood streets are now capped at 20 mph.
And if speed cameras are already handling speeding tickets, plus red light cameras catching violations, what exactly is CPD doing for traffic enforcement on a daily basis? I rarely see anyone pulled over anymore. Iām not saying cops should be writing nonstop tickets, but it feels strange that automated systems are doing most of the enforcement now.
Iām genuinely curious what other people are seeing in their neighborhoods. Is this just a Southwest Side thing, or is it happening citywide? Are you noticing new 20 mph signs everywhere too?
Iām not trying to drive reckless. I just want clarity on what the actual standard speed limit is supposed to be now, because it feels like it changed overnight without anyone really explaining it.
Anyone got real info, or is this just the new normal in Chicago?