Drivers in the Hudson Valley should keep a close eye on their speedometers this week. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has rolled out 30 new speed cameras across the region in a continuing effort to curb speeding and improve roadway safety.
With warmer weather settling in and more cars on the roads, state officials are intensifying their focus on traffic enforcement, particularly in construction and high-traffic zones. The latest round of automated speed enforcement cameras is part of New York’s broader initiative to reduce accidents, protect road workers, and promote safer driving habits.
Why More Speed Cameras Now?
The NYSDOT’s latest camera deployment coincides with a seasonal uptick in travel and ongoing infrastructure work across the state. According to transportation officials, speeding remains one of the top contributors to roadway fatalities and injuries—particularly in work zones, where both drivers and construction workers are at increased risk.
By using radar-equipped cameras, the state hopes to hold more drivers accountable without requiring a police officer to be physically present. The cameras capture the license plates of vehicles that exceed the posted speed limit, and citations are automatically mailed to the registered owners.
A Proven Program Backed by the State
While automated enforcement remains a topic of debate, there’s no denying its impact. Governor Kathy Hochul has strongly supported the use of speed cameras, especially in recent months. She recently cited the success of the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program, which has already issued over 425,000 tickets since its launch two years ago.
Of those violations, more than 38,000 were issued to repeat offenders—a number that underscores both the importance and potential long-term benefits of deterrence through consistent enforcement.
As the governor pushes for expanded use, including permanent installations at bridges and tunnels, there is also discussion of increasing fines to further discourage dangerous driving behaviors.
How Much Do Speeding Tickets Cost?
The penalties associated with speed camera violations are designed to be simple but increasingly strict for repeat violations:
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First offense: $50 fine
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Second offense (within 18 months): $75 fine
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Subsequent offenses: $100 each
Because these tickets are issued by camera and mailed to the vehicle owner, there are no points added to your driver’s license—at least for now. However, multiple violations can add up quickly and become costly, especially for daily commuters traveling through monitored zones.
Where Are the New Speed Cameras in the Hudson Valley?
This week’s deployments focus heavily on Orange, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties, targeting construction zones, high-speed corridors, and heavily traveled highways. According to the NYSDOT, the new speed enforcement cameras will remain active through June 6, with some continuing beyond that based on traffic patterns and project timelines.
Here’s a breakdown of where cameras are currently operating:
Orange County
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Route 9W: Both northbound and southbound lanes between Angola Road in Cornwall and Route 218 near West Point.
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Interstate 84 (I-84): Cameras are placed on both eastbound and westbound lanes near Exit 28 for Maybrook and Walden.
Dutchess County
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I-84 Work Zone: Cameras will be tracking vehicles from Exit 4 in Port Jervis all the way to Exit 15, including over the Lime Kiln Road bridge. The area has seen increased construction activity, and enforcement here is aimed at protecting workers on the ground.
Westchester County
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Interstate 684 (I-684): Drivers should be aware of active cameras between Exits 2 and 3, where work zone conditions have prompted heightened enforcement throughout the week.
More cameras may be added in these or other locations depending on daily work activity and state patrol data.
What Drivers Should Keep in Mind
If you regularly drive through any of the affected areas, it’s wise to check your speed—not just to avoid a fine, but to protect lives. Construction zones often have reduced speed limits, and even a slight excess over the posted limit can result in a citation.
Here are a few key tips for staying ticket-free:
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Observe posted work zone speed limits, even if no workers are visible. The speed limits apply 24/7 in many cases.
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Watch for signage indicating speed cameras ahead.
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Don’t assume you’re safe just because other drivers are speeding—camera systems track each vehicle individually.
Are More Cameras on the Way?
With the continued success of the program and growing public support for road safety initiatives, it’s likely that more cameras will be deployed statewide. Governor Hochul has indicated she wants to expand enforcement to permanent fixtures at high-risk locations, especially around bridges, tunnels, and major interstates.
As the debate over privacy and enforcement methods continues, the statistics remain clear: speeding is dangerous, and cameras are catching tens of thousands of violators who might otherwise go unnoticed.
What to Do If You Receive a Ticket
If you receive a speed camera ticket in the mail, instructions will be included for how to pay or contest the citation. The process is typically handled online or by mail and does not require a court appearance unless you choose to dispute the violation.
You can learn more about the program and check active camera locations by visiting the New York State Department of Transportation website.
For now, the best defense is simple: slow down, drive safely, and pay attention—especially if you’re behind the wheel in the Hudson Valley this week.
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