Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Wednesday that the New York State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. The Speed Week campaign runs today (Wednesday) through June 13.
According to the Governor’s office, last year, during the June 2016 Speed Week campaign, State Police issued more than 21,000 traffic tickets. More than 10,000 of the tickets were for speeding, more than 600 were for distracted driving, and more than 200 for violations of the Move Over law.
“Speeding and reckless driving puts everyone on the road at risk and this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “This week, the State Police will be increasing enforcement to put the brakes on drivers who ignore the law, helping to increase the safety of our roads and prevent avoidable tragedy.”
During this summer’s “Speed Week”, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are violating laws while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “The goal of this campaign, and enforcement year round, is to reduce speed related crashes and improve safe travel for drivers and passengers on New York’s roads. Obeying the speed limit and driving defensively will reduce the number of fatal accidents and increase safety for everyone on the highway.”
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Executive Deputy Commissioner and acting Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair Terri Egan said, “DMV and GTSC commend law enforcement for their commitment to keeping our roadways as safe as possible and offer our full support for this life-saving initiative. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy summer season and urge all motorists to obey the speed limit, never drive impaired and avoid distractions. By being a responsible driver, you will avoid a ticket or arrest and, more importantly, prevent needless deaths and injuries. The life you save could be your own!”
Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State. More than 42,000 people die as the result of traffic crashes each year on our nation’s highways and hundreds of thousands are seriously injured.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 33. Speeding by all vehicle types, as well as other traffic violations, will be heavily enforced throughout the week in addition to normal year-round enforcement. Troopers will also be watching for other traffic violations, including distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating New York’s Move Over law.
Fines for speeding on 55 mph highway or posted 65 mph zones
First Conviction
10 mph or less over the limit – min $45/max $150
11- 30 mph over the limit – min $90/max $300
31 mph or more over the limit – min $180/max $600
Second Conviction
10 mph or less over the limit – min $45/max $300
11 – 30 over the limit – min $90 /max $450
31 or more over the limit – min $180/max $750
Third Conviction
10 mph or less over the limit – min $45/max $525
11 – 30 over the limit – min $90 /max $675
31 or more over the limit – min $180/max $975
Court Surcharges
Town or village courts – $93
Other Courts (city traffic courts, etc.) – $88
Violation Point Structure
1-10 mph over limit = 3 points
11-20 mph over limit = 4 points
21 – 30 mph over limit = 6 points
30 – 40 mph over limit = 8 points
More than 40 mph over limit = 11 points (triggers suspension)
Funding for the Speed Week initiative is provided through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
