Where are the cameras?
Under State law, the City can only use speed cameras for enforcement within school speed zones, which are within a
quarter-mile of a school building. DOT uses fixed and mobile speed camera units within school speed zones to maximize
the deterrent effect. When siting a camera, DOT considers speed data, the roadway geometry, and the crash history of
that school speed zone. School speed zones are distributed throughout all five boroughs.
Why not announce speed cameras locations?
Every speed camera is preceded by a speed limit sign with a reminder that the speed limit is photo enforced. It is illegal
to speed anywhere within the City of New York. You should always drive at or below the speed limit, regardless of where
you are.
How much is the fine for a violation issued by a speed camera?
The penalty for a speed camera violation is fifty dollars – far less than a speeding ticket issued by a police officer.
Can a speed camera ticket lead to my insurance payment going up or to the addition of points to my driver’s license?
Unlike a traditional speeding ticket, the speed camera violation is not made part of the operating record of the person
receiving the violation with the Department of Motor Vehicles nor is it used for insurance purposes. This is because the
cameras only identify the vehicle, not the driver. This means there are no points accrued to a driver’s license for a
violation issued by a speed camera.
Do the cameras photograph every vehicle that passes by them?
No. The system takes photographs of only those vehicles that exceed the maximum speed limit by more than ten miles
per hour, within a school speed zone.
What if a ticket is issued erroneously?
DOT takes a number of steps in order to avoid erroneously issuing Notices of Liability. The camera equipment is
evaluated daily, so that DOT can be sure the radar is collecting precise and accurate measurements. In addition,
motorists do not receive a ticket unless they exceed the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour. The technology
used by the system distinguishes between speeding vehicles and nearby vehicles, and will not issue a ticket if it is
unclear which vehicle is exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour. The specially trained New York City
Department of Transportation staff who review speed camera violations will also reject violations unless they know
without a doubt exactly which vehicle was speeding..
What if I wasn't driving my car when the violation occurred?
State law provides that vehicle owners are responsible for paying properly issued speed camera violations. An owner
whose vehicle was stolen may provide a police report to the New York City Department of Finance when contesting the
violation.
I received a ticket – now what?
The New York City Department of Finance processes the payment and adjudication of speed camera violations. You
must respond to any Notice of Liability (NOL) within 30 days. You can pay or check the status of your NOL on the
Department of Finance’s website. Inaction will lead to late penalties and interest will be added and continue to accrue
until you pay or dispute your NOL. You also risk having your vehicle booted, towed, or even seized if you ignore speed
camera violations.
It is your right to challenge an NOL which you believe was issued in error. You can dispute a violation online, by mail or in
person. Find out more on Department of Finance’s “Dispute a Ticket” webpage or by calling 311.
Does any private company earn more money or generate an extra fee if more speed camera violations are issued?
No. The speed camera program is administered by the New York City Department of Transportation, and its contractors
never receive any portion of violation payments.