Woodbury may use traffic signal cameras with local and state approval

Woodbury may adopt a local law allowing cameras to record traffic signal violations and fine vehicle owners. Cameras may operate only at State Route 32 and Woodbury Outlets Boulevard North. The town needs written approval from the New York Department of Transportation, which may withdraw or change its approval. Equipment purchases and leases must follow the municipal purchasing law referenced in the act. While the program operates, Woodbury must report annually on crashes, violations, fines, costs, and case outcomes. The act took effect September 13, 2026, 30 days after signing. It and any local law adopted under it expire December 31, 2030. Reports are due June 1, starting in 2027.

Under an adopted program, vehicle owners can face fines up to $50 per violation and up to $25 more for failing to respond on time. Owners may contest mailed notices and inspect the images. These fines do not count as driver convictions, go on driving records, or affect insurance. Owners are exempt if the driver lacked permission or was convicted of the same violation. The law presumes the driver had permission. Owners have a defense if the signal malfunctioned or the vehicle was reported stolen before the violation and remained unrecovered. Rental owners can shift liability to renters by submitting the required contract and notice information within 37 days after receiving notice. An owner who was not driving may seek repayment from the driver. Notices must explain how and when to contest charges. Missing that deadline counts as admitting liability and may lead to a court order requiring payment.

Woodbury must use technology to avoid recording identifiable people or vehicle contents as far as practical. The requirements cover drivers, passengers, and vehicle contents recorded by the camera program. A notice cannot be dismissed solely because an image identifies vehicle contents if Woodbury made a reasonable effort to follow the image requirements.