Pelham may use speed cameras in up to seven school zones

Pelham may adopt a trial program that uses cameras to enforce speed limits near schools. Cameras may cover no more than seven school speed zones at once. Each zone extends no more than 1,320 feet along a road passing a school building, entrance, or exit next to that road. Cameras may operate when a school speed limit is in effect. When other speed limits apply, cameras may operate on school days during school hours and one hour before and after the school day, or during student activities and up to 30 minutes before and after them. Pelham must consider speeding data, crash history, and road layout when choosing locations. The law took effect September 13, 2026, 30 days after signing. Its provisions expire December 31, 2031.

If Pelham adopts the program, vehicle owners face locally set fines for camera-recorded speeding that meets the program's rules. Fines are capped at $50 per violation, with up to $25 more for not responding on time. Camera penalties do not count as driving convictions, enter driving records, or affect vehicle insurance. The vehicle must travel more than 10 miles per hour above the posted limit during allowed enforcement hours. The owner's permission is presumed, but owners are exempt if the driver lacked permission or was convicted of the underlying speeding violation. Owners may contest the charge. A camera malfunction is a defense, as is a vehicle or plate reported stolen before the violation and still unrecovered then. A rental or leasing owner can transfer responsibility to the renter by sending the required contract information within 37 days after receiving notice from the bureau or court. Notices must be mailed within 14 business days for New York residents or 45 business days for nonresidents.

Pelham must restrict access to camera images and delete them after the required retention period. Images are generally limited to handling camera charges and are closed to the public. Vehicle owners and drivers may inspect and copy retained images. Pelham must use technology to avoid identifying drivers, passengers, or vehicle contents where practical. An identifying image alone does not cancel a fine if the village made reasonable efforts. Images must be provided under qualifying search warrants or judge-signed subpoenas for misdemeanor or felony cases. For another state's offense, the conduct must also be a misdemeanor or felony in New York. Pelham must destroy images when the charge is finally resolved or one year after the notice is issued, whichever is later.

Pelham must check camera accuracy, post warning signs, and report yearly on any program it adopts. Reports go to the governor and legislative leaders. They cover camera use, crashes, violations, fines, program costs, and how contested charges were handled. Each camera must pass a self-test on every day it is used and undergo an annual accuracy check by an independent laboratory. Camera operators must complete training and sign daily setup and testing logs. The first report is due by June 1 following the law's effective date. Reports are due each June 1 afterward while the program operates.