NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday new legislation to expand red light camera programs in the state to protect drivers on the road. There was also laws signed to protect kids on buses and hold reckless drivers accountable.
“The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and we know that red light camera programs are effective in protecting New Yorkers from dangerous drivers,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.
“Today I am extending the authorization of programs across New York and establishing an additional program to maintain our progress on traffic safety, while creating new protections for school aged children on the road.”
This legislation package addresses red light camera programs in the following areas:
- New York City, extended and expanded
- The City of White Plains, extended
- The City of Albany, extended
- Nassau County, extended
- The Town of Greenburgh, a completely new program
- The City of Mount Vernon, extended
- The City of New Rochelle, extended
Legislation covered increasing penalties for passing stopped school buses and mandating seatbelt requirements for charter buses. Now, penalties for overtaking and passing a school bus target repeat offenders specifically. The fine for a third or subsequent violation within three years will rise from $1,000 to $1,500.
Also, all riders over the age of 8 must wear a seatbelt on charter buses.
A full release of Governor Hochul's announcement can be found here.
