Are Speed Cameras and Red-Light Cameras on 24/7 in NY State?

Beginning August 1, 2022, NYC’s red light and speed cameras will start operating and ticketing motorists 24/7. These traffic cameras help reduce speeding, save lives, and help ensure the safety of all road users. Along with the proper implementation of automated traffic enforcement strategies, the cameras can help further reduce speeding-related crashes by as much as 72%.

State lawmakers approved the new hours in June and will remain in effect for up to three years. The cameras were operational from 6 am to 10 pm during weekdays since 2019. The NYC Department of Transportation (DoT) will implement a month-long campaign to warn motorists to stop for red lights and slow down if they don’t want to be fined $50.

Red Light Cameras and Speed Cameras Work to Reduce Traffic Accidents

According to city data, approximately 60% of deadly traffic accidents in NYC happened during hours when the red light and speed cameras were not operating. Roughly 110 individuals have died in traffic crashes in NYC so far this year. In this light, keeping the cameras operational round the clock is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of all road users regardless of the time and day.

Studies have found that properly designed and implemented camera programs can deter motorists from running red lights, prevent around 44% of serious traffic accidents, and reduce speeding by 66%, based on a National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) analysis.

In NYC, a clear indicator that the traffic cameras work is the significant decline in tickets issued following the first year of implementation. For example, a speed camera installed in the West Village in 2020 currently issues around 33 tickets daily compared with over 300 tickets daily during the first month of implementation. 

How The NYC’s Traffic Camera Enforcement Program Works

Apart from the extended hours, almost everything else about the traffic camera program will stay the same. Currently, 2,060 speed cameras are installed in 750 areas close to schools, and approximately 200 red light cameras are installed at 150 intersections throughout the city.

The speed cameras work by ticketing motorists who are caught not stopping at red lights or traveling 11 miles per hour above the posted speed limit. This is a more forgiving policy than other traffic camera enforcement programs in other cities, such as Chicago, where cameras issue tickets to any motorist who drives 6 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. A staffer from the Transportation Department will review each red light or speed violation before they issue a ticket to the motorist caught on camera.

Consult With a Skilled NYC Car Accident Lawyer Now

Injured in a car accident in NYC? You can find out more about the specific circumstances of your case and legal options for recovering financial compensation for your losses by talking to our NYC car accident lawyer. Call Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman at 212-285-3300 or send us an online message to set up your free case review with one of our NYC car accident lawyers.