DID YOU KNOW???
The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program in New York State is the result of legislation signed into law by Governor Hochul in September 2021. It’s a five-year joint effort by NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) to enhance ongoing efforts to slow down motorists in work zones to make our highways safer.
NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), Section 1180-e, authorizes the establishment of an automated work zone speed enforcement demonstration program. 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. The system uses radar to identify vehicles traveling equal to or faster than the posted speed limit, triggering the system to capture photos and the speed of the passing vehicle.
Enforcement is allowed in work zones located on a controlled-access highway—or any roadway within the state designated for high-speed vehicular traffic. Thirty work zone speed units were activated in April 2023 and are moved around to work zones throughout the state on a regular basis.
To maximize the program’s flexibility and impact, the enforcement units used in work zones are deployed in unmarked sport-utility vehicles referred to as “mobile units.” A mobile unit can be located within the limits of any work zone on interstates, parkways, and other controlled-access highways.
Work zones with Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone. Each enforcement system includes a daily self-check before capturing violations. A NYS Certified Technician reviews violations and certifies that the information collected is correct. 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 New York State, and within 45 business days if the owner is not a NY state resident.
The fines are $50 for the first violation, $75 for the second violation within 18 months of the first, and $100 for every subsequent violation within 18 months of the first. These fines are subject to additional late fees. There are no points on anyone’s license, nor is the owner’s insurance company notified. However, failure to pay fines can result in a hold placed on the vehicle’s registration.
Vehicle and Traffic Law 1180-e requires workers to be present and a sign(s) to be posted when the photo speed violation monitoring system is in use.
WSYR-TV, Channel 9 in Syracuse, recently aired a story on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement. According to the news story, NYSDOT reported that, as of November 26, nearly 30,000 notices of violations were issued in DOT Region 3 this year. Region 3 includes Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, and Tompkins counties.
— Dave Werner is vice chairman of the Franklin County Traffic Safety Board.