New York to permanently install speed cameras and expand to additional bridges.
New York state is undergoing significant changes in its automated speed enforcement program, with Governor Hochul announcing plans to make speed cameras permanent and expand their reach to include bridges and tunnels throughout the state. The state initially launched a pilot program two years ago, which used cameras to automatically issue tickets to vehicles caught speeding in work zones. These cameras were regularly rotated to different work zones, aiming to encourage drivers to slow down in areas with ongoing road construction. Since the program’s inception, over 425,000 car owners have received fines, with 38,000 of them identified as repeat offenders.
For the first offense, vehicle owners caught speeding receive a $50 fine, which increases to $75 for subsequent violations within 18 months. Additional tickets during that period result in a $100 fine. Governor Hochul has deemed the program a success, highlighting the decrease in ticket issuance in areas where cameras have been installed multiple times. To reinforce this success, the governor has included a proposal in the 2026 Executive Budget to formalize the automated ticketing system and raise fines. The primary goal of the program initially was to curb speeding in work zones, but now the governor aims to extend its coverage to include bridges and tunnels statewide.
Hochul is working towards installing cameras on properties under the New York State Bridge Authority’s jurisdiction, such as the Bear Mountain, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Kingston-Rhinecliff, and Rip Van Winkle Bridges. Additionally, the governor intends to implement the automated system on tunnels and bridges maintained by the MTA. To commemorate the program’s anniversary, Governor Hochul declared Wednesday as “Go Orange Day” across New York, with bridges and landmarks illuminated in orange to raise awareness about highway worker safety.
In addition to the fines imposed by speeding tickets, drivers found in violation also accumulate points on their driver’s licenses. A recent study conducted by Insurify revealed the most popular car makes and models among drivers with speeding tickets. Analyzing data from over 4.6 million car insurance applications, Insurify data scientists compared the number of drivers reporting speeding tickets to determine the percentage of speed-prone drivers per vehicle brand.
Overall, Governor Hochul’s initiative to make speed cameras a permanent feature in New York state and expand their scope to include more bridges and tunnels reflects the government’s commitment to promoting road safety and reducing accidents. By leveraging technology and automation, the state aims to create a safer driving environment for all residents and visitors.