New York Governor Hochul signed a series of bills on October 23 to establish or expand red light camera programs throughout the state to enhance road safety. In New York City, the number of red light cameras installed at intersections will be increased from the current 150 intersections to 600.
Local governments across the state must be authorized by state law to install automated cameras to enforce violations. The authorization for New York City’s red light camera program was originally set to expire on December 1 of this year. The new law signed by Hochul on October 23 extends the deadline to December 1, 2027, and authorizes the increase of red light cameras at intersections in the city from 150 to 600.
In addition to New York City, White Plains, Albany, Nassau County, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle have also been granted authorization to extend their deadline. Greenburgh Town has been authorized to establish a red light camera program.
During the signing ceremony, Hochul pointed out that data from New York City shows that since the installation of cameras at intersections 30 years ago, violations for running red lights have decreased by 73%, demonstrating the effectiveness of cameras in improving road safety.
In addition to the new law authorizing red light cameras, Hochul also signed two new laws aimed at protecting students traveling to and from school safely. One authorizes Kingston to establish speed camera programs in up to three school districts. The other increases fines for passing school buses, with fines for third and subsequent violations within three years increasing from $1,000 to $1,500.
New York City has been installing automated cameras to enforce violations since 1994, with drivers facing a $50 fine for each offense, without any points being deducted from their licenses.
Last year, the automated cameras generated approximately $20 million in net revenue for the city. Mayor Adams had strongly advocated for expanding the camera installation program to cover an additional 10% of the city’s 13,250 intersections, equating to cameras being installed at 1,300 intersections. However, the new law only authorizes an increase to 600 intersections. Bronx Assemblyman Dinowitz has already stated his intention to work with Brooklyn State Senator Gounardes to propose legislative amendments to further expand the authorization and increase the number of intersections with cameras installed.