Will Your License Get Points For Automatic Speeding Tickets In New York?

New York State has been rolling with its  Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program, which allows the state to fine you for speeding in certain areas without ever pulling you over. As of September 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation.

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New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1180-E permits automated speed monitoring in specific construction zones throughout the state. The program, which is a joint effort by the State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Thruway Authority (NYSTA), will last for five years.

The NYSDOT and the NYSTA may impose a fine on the registered owner of a vehicle speeding in a work zone on a controlled access highway.

Because speed detection is automated, the owner of the vehicle (the person who holds the registration) will receive the fine. Regardless of who is driving, the violation is the responsibility of the registration holder.

Will Points Be Added To Your Driver's License Due To The Violation?

Points will not be assessed against your driver’s license for any Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Violations. These penalties are civil in nature, with no criminal implications.

Will Your Insurance Company Be Notified About Your Violation?

No, Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement violations will not be sent to insurance companies.

Can You Dispute The Violation?

By logging into the violation processing website, violators can submit documentation for the reasons outlined as allowable defenses within the legislation.

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How Does New York State's Automated Speed Enforcement Program Work?

1. An automated radar system will identify vehicles traveling at or above the posted speed limit, which will trigger the system to capture photos and the speed of the vehicle
2. A series of photos will be captured to show the distance and time of travel
3. Data - time, date, posted speed, vehicle speed, location, lane, and direction of travel - will be collected for the vehicle
4. License plate info will be collected and used to determine the registered owner of the vehicle
5. A New York State Certified Technician will review the violation and verify that the data is correct
6. A Notice of Liability is then generated and sent via first-class mail to the registered owner of the vehicle

There are supposed to be signs warning drivers that automated speed detection is being used in the area. They also post it online, but it's not updated consistently.

How Much Can Drivers Expect To Pay In Fines Issued By New York's Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program?

First Violation: $50 fine
Second Violation: $75 fine (if within 18 months of the first violation)
Third Violation or More: $100 fine (if within 18 months of the first violation)

The owners of vehicles registered in New York State will receive their Notice of Liability within 14 business days. Vehicles registered to out-of-state owners will be sent within 45 business days. If the fine is not paid, a hold may be put on the vehicle's registration.

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