Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to significantly expand red light camera programs across New York State on Wednesday, October 23rd. This includes the most significant expansion in New York City’s history. The new law will increase the number of red light cameras in the city from 150 to 600 intersections, with similar expansions planned in areas such as Nassau County, Albany, and White Plains.
“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,” said Governor Hochul. “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.”
The legislation aims to improve road safety by reducing traffic violations and lowering crash rates. In New York City alone, intersections with red light cameras have seen a 73% drop in violations since the program’s introduction, a statistic Governor Hochul pointed to as clear evidence of its success. The new law extends the program’s authorization until 2027.
The legislative package includes new measures to enhance school bus safety and protect children, in addition to red light cameras. One of the laws, S9504A/A.3120A, increases penalties for overtaking and passing a stopped school bus, raising the fine for repeat offenders to $1,500.
State officials welcomed the legislation. “Red light camera programs save lives by enhancing road safety and reducing traffic violations,” said State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who sponsored one of the bills. “This initiative will protect pedestrians and promote responsible driving.”
NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the program’s success: “Red-light cameras save lives. Red-light running is a major contributing factor to traffic fatalities, and the data speaks for itself: where we’ve installed these cameras, red-light running, and related crashes have dropped 73 percent.”
Other areas across the state will also see an expansion of red light camera programs. A new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley will be introduced in the Town of Greenburgh. Kingston will also launch a speed camera pilot program to address safety around school zones.
With these new laws, New York State prioritizes road safety, particularly for children and pedestrians. The expanded camera programs will hold reckless drivers accountable and contribute to safer streets across the state.
