Croton-on-Hudson may use speed cameras in up to three school zones

Croton-on-Hudson may adopt a program that uses cameras to enforce speed limits near schools. Cameras may operate in no more than three school speed zones at once. Each zone covers up to 1,320 feet of road passing a school building, entrance, or exit. The village must post camera warning signs. Cameras must pass a self-test on each day of use and an annual accuracy check by an independent laboratory. If it adopts the program, the village must study its results and report annually by June 1, starting in 2027. The law took effect September 13, 2026, and expires December 31, 2031. Cameras may run when school speed limits apply. For other limits, they may run during school hours plus one hour before and after, or student activities plus up to 30 minutes before and after.

If the village adopts the program, it may fine vehicle owners when cameras record speeding more than 10 mph above the posted limit. Owners may contest the charge. The notice must explain how and when; failing to contest on time counts as admitting responsibility and may lead to a court judgment. Owners are not liable if the driver lacked their permission or was convicted of the underlying speeding violation. The law presumes the driver had permission. A vehicle or plate reported stolen before the violation and still unrecovered provides a defense. A malfunctioning camera also provides a defense. Rental owners can transfer responsibility to the renter by sending the required contract and information within 37 days after receiving the bureau's or court's notice. These fines do not go on driving records or count for vehicle insurance. Notices must be mailed within 14 business days for New York residents or 45 business days for owners who live outside New York.

If the village runs the program, it must limit access to camera images and delete them after the required holding period. Images are not open to the public. Owners and drivers may inspect and copy them while they are kept. Other use is limited to deciding camera tickets and qualifying criminal cases. The village must use technology to avoid identifying drivers, passengers, and vehicle contents where practical. An identifying image alone does not cancel a fine if the village shows reasonable efforts to comply. Courts may require images through search warrants or judge-signed orders for records tied to suspected misdemeanors or felonies. For another state's offense, the conduct must also be a misdemeanor or felony in New York. The village must destroy images when the related ticket case is finally resolved or one year after the notice was issued, whichever is later.