New Rochelle can use speed cameras in three school zones

New Rochelle may operate speed cameras in up to three school speed zones at a time. A school speed zone covers up to 1,320 feet of a road passing a school building, entrance, or exit next to the road. The city must choose to run the program. Cameras may operate whenever a school speed limit is in effect. When other speed limits apply, they may operate during school hours on school days, one hour before and after the school day, and during student activities with up to 30 minutes before and after. The camera authority took effect 30 days after the law was signed on August 14, 2026, and expires on December 31, 2031.

Vehicle owners face camera fines for vehicles traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted limit during allowed enforcement times. Camera fines do not go on driving records or affect car insurance. The city must run the program. Owners are exempt if the driver lacked their permission or was convicted of the underlying speeding violation. Permission is presumed. Owners may contest charges. Ignoring the notice can lead to a ruling against them. A malfunctioning camera or a vehicle or plate reported stolen before the violation and still unrecovered provides a defense. Rental and leasing owners can transfer responsibility to renters by meeting prior filing requirements and providing the renter's information within 37 days after receiving notice. Notices must be mailed within 14 business days for New York residents or 45 business days for owners who live outside New York.

New Rochelle must limit access to camera images and avoid identifying people or vehicle contents as far as practical. Images are generally restricted to resolving camera charges, with exceptions for owners, drivers, and specified criminal cases. Owners and drivers may inspect and copy images while they are kept. Images must be released under court warrants or judge-signed orders meeting the stated evidence requirements for misdemeanor or felony cases. Conduct in another state must also count as a misdemeanor or felony in New York. An image that identifies people or vehicle contents does not by itself cancel a fine if the city shows it made reasonable efforts to protect privacy. The city must destroy images when the related charge is finally resolved or one year after the notice was issued, whichever is later.

New Rochelle must check camera accuracy, post warning signs, train operators, and report program results each year. Reports must cover crashes, violations, and program results, including money collected and expenses. Each camera must pass a self-test on every day it is used and receive an annual accuracy check from an independent laboratory. The city must consider speeding data, crash history, and road layout when choosing camera locations. Reports are due by June 1 following the law's effective date and each June 1 while the program operates.