11-26-2023 8:10pm

Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect On Long Island, Elsewhere In NY

Samantha Hespos Editor

A recently enacted law means drivers on New York's busiest roads could now receive automated speeding tickets. Stay vigilant and adhere to speed limits.

The newly launched five-year program, a collaboration between the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Thruway Authority (NYSTA), aims to bolster ongoing initiatives to reduce speeds in work zones and enhance road safety.

The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program, a product of legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2021, is now in effect. Stay informed about its implications for road safety.

As of Monday, Nov 20, work-zone speed units have been deployed on the Long Island Expressway and I-84 in the Hudson Valley, among other roadways. For a detailed list of locations, refer to the link on ny.gov. Stay informed about these enforcement areas.

Here's how it works:

The system uses radar to identify any vehicle traveling equal to or faster than the posted speed limit, triggering the system to capture photos and the speed of the passing vehicle.
A series of images are captured of the vehicle as it approaches and passes the speed safety camera, including two photos of the back of the vehicle, to show the distance and time of travel.
The data collected, including the time, date, posted speed, vehicle speed, location, lane, and direction of travel is collected.
The license plate information is used to identify the registered owner of the vehicle captured.
A NYS Certified Technician reviews the violation and certifies that the information collected is correct.
A Notice of Liability is then created and mailed via first class mail to the registered owner of the vehicle within 14 business days if the owner is a resident of New York state, and within 45 business days if the owner is not a New York state resident.
First Violation: $50 fine
Second Violation: $75 fine if within an 18-month period of first violation
Third and Subsequent Violations: $100 fine if within an 18-month period of first violation
The fines are subject to additional late fees.
Points will not be assessed against your driver’s license for any Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Violations. The penalties are civil in nature, with no criminal implications.

Also of note:

Work zone speed enforcement will be located in construction or maintenance zones on New York State controlled access highways and parkways.
Work zones with Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone.
Each enforcement system is run through a daily self-check before capturing violations.