Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Expand Red Light Camera Programs and Protect New Yorkers on the Road

New Laws Extend Existing Red Light Camera Programs Across the State

Largest Expansion of Red Light Camera Program in NYC History

Legislation S9504A/A.3120A Protects Students by Increasing Penalties for Overtaking and Passing a School Bus

Legislation S9361/A.8557 Requires Seat Belt Usage on Charter Buses for Children 

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to increase road safety by extending existing red light camera programs across the state and establishing a new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley. This includes the largest expansion of the red light camera program in New York City’s history. Today’s action builds on Governor Hochul’s legacy of authorizing communities across the state to utilize camera technology to maintain traffic safety and protect New Yorkers. Governor Hochul also signed legislation that will protect children on buses and other measures designed to keep students safe and hold reckless drivers accountable.

“The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority and we know that red light camera programs are effective in protecting New Yorkers from dangerous drivers,” Governor Hochul said. “Today I am extending the authorization of programs across New York and establishing an additional program to maintain our progress on traffic safety, while creating new protections for school aged children on the road.”

This legislation package will extend, expand, or create red light camera programs in the following areas:

• New York City - extended and expanded
• The City of White Plains - extended
• The City of Albany - extended
• Nassau County - extended
• The Town of Greenburgh - a completely new program
• The City of Mount Vernon - extended
• The City of New Rochelle - extended

Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, "Today's signing of A.5259A is a monumental step forward for the safety of New Yorkers. By expanding the number of intersections with red light cameras in New York City from 150 to 600, we are taking strong action to curb reckless driving and reduce traffic fatalities. This legislation reinforces our commitment to using proven technology to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. I am proud to work with Governor Hochul and State Senator Gounardes to make our roads safer and hold dangerous drivers accountable. With these additional cameras, we will help save lives, prevent tragedies across our city, and reduce the number of interactions between police and motorists."

This legislative package also focuses on protecting students by establishing a new speed camera program in Kingston, increasing penalties for passing stopped school buses, and mandating seatbelt requirements for charter buses. These new laws reaffirm New York State's commitment to protecting students across New York State.

Legislation S.8607A/A.9359A authorizes the City of Kingston to establish a speed camera program for up to three school zones, protecting children on their way to and from school.

Legislation S.9504A/A.3120A increases penalties for overtaking and passing a school bus. The fine for a third or subsequent violation within three years will rise from $1,000 to $1,500. This targets repeat offenders specifically.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It's too bad the City Council wants to eliminate enforcement of Jaywalking where people just walk into the street to cross anywhere which causes pedestrian injuries when any vehicle including bikes and scooters are not expecting people to walk right in front of them.