The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently announced the expansion of the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program to MTA-managed bridges and tunnels. Vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 miles per hour (mph) in construction zones will receive a warning notice initially, with formal fines starting after the educational period, with fines of up to $100.
The program will be implemented in two phases. The first 30 days after launch will serve as an educational period, with violators receiving only warnings. After that, enforcement will begin, with a $50 fine for the first offense, $75 for the second offense within 18 months, and $100 for each subsequent offense, with additional late fees for unpaid fines.
For New York-registered vehicles, MTA will send a “Notice of Liability” within 14 business days of a violation, while out-of-state registered vehicles will receive it within 45 days. These non-moving traffic violations will not go on a driver’s record and will not impact insurance rates.
According to MTA’s enforcement methods, the construction zones will be monitored by unmarked vehicles equipped with radar, cameras, and computer systems to detect speeding vehicles, automatically capturing license plates and recording the time of the violation, posted speed limits, and actual vehicle speeds. All violation data will be verified by MTA bridge and tunnel certification technicians before sending the “Notice of Liability” to the registered vehicle owner.
MTA stated that while construction is ongoing, all nine bridges and tunnels under its jurisdiction may implement speed cameras, including the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, etc. Warning signs will be placed in advance of construction zones to alert drivers.
Vehicle owners can pay fines through online platforms, mobile applications, mail, or by visiting the New York City Department of Finance Service Center, where they can also view violation images on ViolationInfo.com. If they believe there is an error in the notice, they can apply for an administrative hearing as per the law.