FAQ’S – Speed Cameras
Why use speed cameras?
Speeding kills. New York City uses a variety of methods to encourage people to drive at safe speeds, including the
installation of speed humps, the narrowing of wide travel lanes, the modification of traffic control signal timing, and the
Police Department’s enforcement of the speed limit. Speed cameras are an effective and fair technology which has been
proven to save lives. In 2019, data showed that injuries at speed camera locations dropped 14 percent and speeding
dropped by over 70 percent during the hours of operation at locations where cameras were active.
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Is speeding actually dangerous?
New York City reduced its speed limit to 25 MPH in order to make the city safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
While speeding has decreased, it remains a major factor in fatal crashes.
The faster a vehicle is moving, the harder it is for the driver of that vehicle to avoid a crash. And the faster a vehicle is
moving when a crash occurs, the more damage is caused by the impact. Even a small difference in vehicle speed makes a
big impact in terms of safety – a pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle travelling at 30 MPH is twice as likely to be killed
as a pedestrian struck by a vehicle travelling at 25 MPH.
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New York City’s speed camera program serves to deter drivers from exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles
per hour, which helps prevents serious crashes from occurring.
Speeding is a problem in my neighborhood. How can I request a speed camera?
Make a complaint about speeding at nyc.gov/contactdot, using our Contact the Commissioner Form. There are a
number of methods to reduce speeding, including speed cameras. DOT will assess the speeding condition in your
neighborhood, and evaluate the appropriate solution to remedy the condition. Always report reckless driving in progress
to NYPD by calling 911.
How does NYC’s speed camera program work?
NYC’s speed camera program uses the same radar and laser technology relied upon by law enforcement to measure a
vehicle’s speed. If the radar finds that the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour, images
of the vehicle are recorded along with an image of the license plate. The violation is reviewed by a trained DOT staff
technician for accuracy. If the technician verifies that the identified vehicle was exceeding the speed limit by more than
ten miles per hour, then he or she will issue a Notice of Liability through the mail to the person to whom the vehicle is
registered. The cameras do not identify individual drivers; it is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to know who is
driving his or her car and to pay any fines associated with the Notice of Liability. If you received 15 or more Notices of
Liability within 12 months, then you may be required to take a safe vehicle operation course with NYC DOT or else your
vehicle may be impounded.
How many speed cameras are in operation?
The City of New York is authorized by State law to operate speed cameras in 750 school speed zones.
When are the cameras issuing violations?
Under the new State law effective August 1, 2022, speed cameras operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-
round.
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NYC DOT, Automated Speed Enforcement Program 2014-2020 Report.
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Tefft, Brian C., Impact Speed and a pedestrian’s risk of severe injury or death. Accident Analysis & Prevention 2013 Jan 27; 50:871-8
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.
