What’s the Law on Traffic Cameras in New York?

Do you remember a few years back when the debate around traffic cameras in New York was on the front page of every local newspaper and at the forefront of every municipal debate? In fact, the opposition to newly installed traffic cameras wasn’t limited to New York. In Ohio, North Carolina, and a number of other states there was important discussion around the use of this technology to punish drivers.

The debate around traffic cameras was important enough that many courts around the country were asked to determine the constitutionality of installing speed and red light cameras. In the intervening years, the dispute over the use and validity of traffic cameras in New York has dropped off the radar. Where did the debate leave the law on traffic cameras in New York?

More Restrictions Than Most States

Looking at a list of state laws on traffic cameras, you might be surprised to find that few states have restrictions on municipal or local installation of traffic cameras. In Oklahoma, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Vermont, and other states there are no laws on the use of speed or red light cameras. In contrast, other states have made any type of speed or red light camera illegal. The use of traffic cameras is prohibited in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Mississippi, and Maine.

The laws on traffic cameras in New York fall in between the hands-off approach of some states and the absolute prohibition in others. Under state law, traffic cameras that clock speeding is only permitted in school zones. This is the statute that governs New York City’s use of hundreds of traffic cameras. Meanwhile, the use of red light cameras is permitted in New York cities with over one million people and where put in place by local ordinance. One local government that has approved red light cameras is Suffolk County, New York.

Further, New York law requires that traffic cameras in New York installed for running red lights must be installed only at a restricted number of intersections and for a limited amount of time. These specifics, found in the state’s FAST Act, mean that New York’s laws on traffic cameras are actually more restrictive than most states. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t counties and towns around the state still implementing traffic camera programs, including the recently renewed program in New York City.

What Is the Fine for Tickets from Traffic Cameras in New York?

In addition to implementing certain restrictions around traffic cameras in New York, the state has also taken steps to limit the fines and punishment from these tickets. This policy of lower fines is based on earlier arguments that tickets from traffic cameras could violate certain due process rights. Therefore, the New York legislature thought it was better to lessen their impact on drivers.

Currently, a violation of New York’s few speeding cameras and limited red light cameras results in a $50 fine and 0 points on your New York driver’s license. Yet, there is a good reason to fight a traffic camera ticket – it could impact your insurance and other costs of owning a vehicle. Plus, all of these tickets are assessed against the owner of the vehicle, even if the owner wasn’t the driver at the time of the offense.

Fighting Traffic Camera Tickets in New York

Arguing the validity of a traffic camera ticket is very different than fighting a ticket issued by an officer. First, it is impossible to question the camera in court or understand important nuances to the situation. It is hard to determine if the camera malfunctioned or had maintenance issues. Less likely, but possible, are problems identifying the exact license plate of the vehicle in photographers or the quality of the picture. As well, many traffic cameras in New York are operated by contractors, not the local government, making it harder to obtain evidence during your case.

Second, it is often really difficult to tell if the owner of the car, who is issued traffic camera tickets in New York, was actually the driver at the time of the ticket. The State of New York has decided that this doesn’t matter. When it comes to red light tickets, the owner of the car is always responsible for paying the ticket.

This can make it more frustrating to fight tickets from traffic cameras in New York. At Scott Russell Law, we can help. Call our legal team of traffic ticket fighters today to learn how we can help you with any type of moving violation or ticket in New York.