Have you ever driven on 490 or 590 through a work zone and all of a sudden received a speeding ticket in the mail?
The New York State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority introduced the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program to encourage safe driving in work zones.
In 2021, 378 work zone intrusions were reported, and more than 50 injuries were reported. A work zone intrusion is where a motor vehicle enters a portion of the roadway that is closed due to construction or maintenance activity.
The five-year program is established through the New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1180-E and may charge a fine to the registered owner of a vehicle speeding in a work zone on a controlled access highway.
Here’s what else you should know:
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Work zone speed enforcement is located in construction or maintenance zones on New York State controlled access highways and parkways.
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Work zones with Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone.
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Each enforcement system is run through a daily self-check before capturing violations.
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After the initial warning period, if the driver of a vehicle fails to comply with the posted speed limit, the owner of that vehicle will receive a Notice of Liability in the mail.
Penalties and fines for New York State work zone fine
A notice will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 14 business days for New York state residents, and within 45 business days for out-of-state residents.
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First Violation: $50 fine
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Second Violation: $75 fine if within 18 months of first violation
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Third and Subsequent Violations: $100 fine if within 18 months of first violation
All fines are subject to additional late fees.
How to pay a New York State work zone fine
Make sure you have your violation number, license plate number, and PIN number with you, and follow these instructions to pay your Notice of Liability online:
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Enter your violation number. Hit Submit.
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Enter your license plate and pin number. Hit Submit.
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You may review the violation details and images and download violation documents.
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Hit Pay Now and enter payment information.
How to contest a New York State work zone fine
To contest a New York State work zone ticket, log in to the program violation processing website and submit the required documentation. Here’s how you can fight a traffic ticket in New York State:
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Enter a plea of not guilty.
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Request a supporting deposition.
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Await the court’s decision.
Genae Shields is the business and development impact reporter working on mobility stories that dive into how people get around Rochester and it’s surrounding areas. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about newly emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester’s BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Contact Genae at gshields@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Work zone ticket in the mail? Why you got one, how to pay, and contest it