SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION

The City of Caldwell Governing Body recently approved reducing residential speed limits from 30 mph to 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. We’ve heard the feedback—and we want to take a moment to talk openly about it.

Some residents have asked:

“If speed limits aren’t heavily enforced now, what does this really change?”

That’s a fair question.

In practice, officers use reasonable discretion when enforcing speed limits,

—recognizing factors like radar variance and focusing on more significant safety concerns.

That approach isn’t changing.

What is changing is the safety margin.

By lowering the posted speed:

• Drivers naturally slow down, even slightly

• That small reduction increases reaction time

• It provides a greater buffer in areas where kids, pets, and neighbors are present

This adjustment is not about sudden increases in ticketing or creating a “gotcha” moment for drivers.

It’s about setting a clearer expectation for how we move through our neighborhoods.

Think of it this way:

If most drivers travel just a little slower, everyone benefits—even without a single ticket being written.

Caldwell has always been a community that looks out for one another. This is simply another way we reinforce that—by making our residential streets a little safer for everyone who lives here.

This change is also just the first step. In the coming months, the City will work to improve visibility through updated signage, clearer markings, and additional safety measures to better support both drivers and pedestrians.

You will also see an increased police presence in residential neighborhoods as part of this effort—not to catch people off guard, but to reinforce safe driving habits and be more visible within the community. That increased presence helps support overall neighborhood safety in a variety of ways, simply by having more eyes and engagement where people live and spend their time.

If there are specific areas where you feel speeding or safety is a concern, we encourage you to reach out to Caldwell PD so they can help monitor those locations.

We appreciate your feedback and your continued commitment to keeping Caldwell a great place to call home.