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S 8882

Authorizes the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in highway construction or maintenance work areas on all highways

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy Cooney and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would allow a 40-site demonstration using photo speed systems to issue monetary penalties to vehicle owners for speeding in active highway work zones.

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Bill Summary · S 8882

Bill Summary: S 8882 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

  • Authorizes a demonstration program to use photo speed violation monitoring systems in highway construction or maintenance work areas on all state highways (including applicable facilities such as the thruway, Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority facilities, and bridge authorities).
  • The program permits monetary liability (penalties) against vehicle owners for speeding violations captured within work zones, subject to specified conditions and oversight.
  • Aims to improve safety in work zones by leveraging automated speed enforcement, with criteria-based site selection and limitations (e.g., no monitoring on controlled-access highway exit ramps).

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Establishment and parameters of the demonstration program

    • The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to implement a demonstration program to impose monetary liability on vehicle owners for failure to comply with posted work-zone speed limits.
    • Photo speed violation monitoring systems may be installed and operated in up to 40 highway construction or maintenance work areas located on controlled-access highways (and related facilities) during active work.
    • The Commissioner, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Division of State Police, will determine eligible work areas.
    • Selection criteria to consider include speed data, crash history, and roadway geometry.
    • Prohibits installation/operation of such systems on controlled-access highway exit ramps.

  • Section 2: Liability framework for owners

    • If a demonstration program is established, vehicle owners are liable for penalties if the vehicle was operated with the owner’s permission in violation of the applicable work-zone speed limits and the violation is evidenced by information from a photo speed violation monitoring system.
    • Penalties apply when speeding exceeds the posted work-zone limit by more than 10 mph.
    • A vehicle owner is not liable if the operator has already been convicted of the underlying speeding violation.

  • Section 3: Definition

    • Defines “photo speed violation monitoring system” as a system that automatically captures images or video of vehicles in a work zone, used in conjunction with a speed-measuring device, to document violations of the applicable speed limits.

  • Section 4: Data reporting and tracking

    • Requires reporting on:
    • Aggregate crashes, fatalities, injuries, and property damage within all work areas (as maintained by relevant authorities).
    • The number of violations recorded within all work areas (daily, weekly, and monthly, as maintained by relevant authorities).
    • Breakdown of violations by speeding over specific thresholds:
      • More than 10 mph but up to 20 mph over the limit
      • More than 20 mph up to 30 mph over the limit
      • More than 30 mph up to 40 mph over the limit
      • More than 40 mph over the limit

  • Section 5: Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately.
    • However, the amendments to section 1180-e made by this act do not affect any repeal of that section and are deemed repealed with it.

Affected parties and scope

  • Vehicle owners: Potential monetary liability for violations detected by photo speed systems in work zones.
  • Operators of vehicles in work zones: The program targets violations in highway construction/maintenance areas while work is occurring.
  • State and related authorities: Commissioner of Transportation, the Division of State Police, and agencies overseeing highways, the thruway, Triborough Authority facilities, and bridge authorities.
  • Public safety and enforcement: Work-zone speed enforcement and data reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill proposes a demonstration program (not a permanent statewide mandate) with a defined scope of up to 40 work areas for installation and operation.
  • Selection of sites will rely on data (speed, crash history, roadway geometry) and will exclude exit ramps on controlled-access highways.
  • Data collection and reporting are mandated on crashes, violations, and speeding thresholds to monitor program impact.
  • Immediate effectiveness upon enactment, with existing repeal timelines for related provisions unaffected.

Practical considerations

  • The program shifts potential enforcement of work-zone speed limits from traditional patrol-based enforcement to automated enforcement within specified work zones.
  • The administrative process requires coordination between the Department of Transportation and state police, plus ongoing data management and public reporting.
  • Given it is a demonstration program, the scope and existence could be revisited or expanded based on performance, safety outcomes, and legislative action.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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