New York Speed Limits & Stopping Distance

On dry pavement at 55 mph in New York, the total stopping distance (reaction + braking) for an average passenger car is approximately:

By DMV Master Editorial Team Updated Verified against NY DMV Driver's Manual — Stopping Distance Table
A

100 feet.

100 feet is far shorter than the real value at 55 mph.

B

200 feet.

Still too short at 55 mph.

C

300 feet — roughly the length of a football field.

Correct answer

D

500 feet.

500 feet exceeds typical dry-pavement stopping distance.

Detailed Explanation

At 55 mph on dry pavement, a car needs approximately 300 feet to fully stop from the moment the driver notices a hazard — roughly 55 feet of reaction distance plus 245 feet of braking. On wet pavement, stopping distance roughly doubles. This is approximately the length of a football field.

Source: NY DMV Driver's Manual — Stopping Distance Table

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