Speed cameras now monitor construction zones in New York, as the state has joined eleven other states in the United States that have what is called the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program in New York. The program allows the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York to install cameras on bridges and tunnels to automatically ticket motorists who speed through construction zones.
Speed Cameras Now Monitor Construction Zones in New York
In New York, the cameras currently monitor 17 different construction zones.
“During 2024, there were 450 work zone intrusions on New York state roads maintained by the State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Thruway Authority (NYSTA)”, according to the official Internet web site of the state of New York. “A work zone intrusion is defined as an incident where a motor vehicle has entered a portion of the roadway that is closed due to construction or maintenance activity. More than 150 of those intrusions resulted in injuries to either a highway worker or vehicle occupant, and four of them resulted in fatalities.”
The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program was originally signed into law in September 2021 by Kathy Hochul — who is the current governor of the state of New York — as a pilot program that was supposed to last for five years and monitor a maximum of nine construction zones. Earlier this year, the program was extended to 2031 and was expanded to double the number of work zones eligible to participate. Additionally, bridges and tunnels that are operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority — as well as bridges of the New York State Bridge Authority — may impose a fine on the registered owner of a vehicle that is speeding in a work zone on a controlled access highway.
A Notice of Liability will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 14 business days if the owner is a resident of the state of New York; and within 45 business days if the owner is not a resident of the state of New York.
- First Violation: $50.00 fine
- Second Violation: $75.00 fine if within a period of 18 months of the first violation
- Third and Subsequent Violations: $100.00 fine if within a period of 18 months of the first violation
These fines are subject to additional late fees.
Violators are able to log in to the violation processing web site and enter his or her citation and personal identification number to access his or her notice, view the images and video, and determine their options for payment. Additional options for fine payment include:
- PAY ONLINE: Payment can be made by credit or debit card at nysworkzone.photonotice.com using the notice number, license plate number and personal identification number provided. A convenience fee of $3.75 will be charged for payments with a credit card or debit card.
- PAY BY TELEPHONE: Call toll free 1-833-268-8120. You will need to provide the notice number, license plate number, and personal identification number provided. A convenience fee of $3.75 will be charged for payments with a credit card or debit card via telephone.
- PAY BY MAIL: Make your check or money order payable to the NYS Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program. Be sure to include the notice number, license plate number, and the state of registration on the face of your payment.
Eleven other states which have similar programs to the one in the state of New York include:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington
Three states with pending legislation that are currently considering bills related to speed cameras in construction zones include:
- California
- Michigan
- New Jersey
Seven states which prohibit the use of the aforementioned cameras include:
- Maine
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- South Carolina
- Texas
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Two states with limitations that only allow cameras to be used when an officer is present to issue violations include:
- Nevada
- Oregon
Final Boarding Call
Motorists definitely need to slow down in construction zones — especially in areas where workers are present — for obvious reasons of safety…
…but I have to admit that driving in a construction zone where the work has basically been completed can be somewhat frustrating. I was driving on an Interstate highway in Alabama recently where the speed limit was normally 70 miles per hour but was reduced to 45 miles per hour. The lanes were of the normal width with new reflective white lines and were open to traffic with new asphalt. The only reference that that stretch of highway was in a construction zone were the orange warning signs and plastic pylons. Maintaining a speed limit of 45 miles per hour through that area felt like I could have walked faster, as it seemed to be so agonizingly slow.
Also frustrating is when a lane is closed and no construction work is happening and no workers are present.
Still, roads and highways need maintenance more often as more vehicles use them — so be careful out there…
All photographs ©2016, ©2017, and ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
