City to Begin Fines for Red Light and Speed Cameras on Nov 2

City to Begin Fines for Red Light and Speed Cameras on Nov 2

Published on October 31, 2025

Data indicates drivers are slowing down: cameras locations with highest number of warnings have declined at least 60% as awareness of programs has grown

The City of Syracuse will begin issuing fines for violations captured by red light and school zone speed cameras starting Sunday, November 2, 2025. This marks the end of the 60-day warning period for active cameras.

The School Zone Traffic Enforcement program is part of the City's broader effort to improve traffic safety, especially for children and families in and around schools. Since its launch, the program has focused on educating drivers and encouraging safer behavior through warning notices. Beginning in November, drivers caught speeding or running red lights will receive fines by mail.

What Residents Should Know:

• Per New York State Law, speed cameras in school zones operate during posted school hours (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM) on days when school is in session.
• Per New York State Law, redlight cameras operate in and around school zones 24/7, regardless of the time of day or whether school is in session.
• Both Red light and Speed camera fines are $50 per violation with the possibility of an added $25 for non-payment.
• Fines include a photo, location and timestamp of the violation, along with instructions for payment or contesting the ticket.

Since the start of the warning period, the City has seen a notable drop in violations at the five locations with the highest initial warning counts. Each location has seen at least 60% drop in warnings.

"The decline in warnings at our highest-violation locations is a clear sign that drivers are starting to change their behavior," said Mayor Walsh. "But our work isn't done. We need to keep building on this momentum to ensure every school zone in Syracuse is safe for children, families, and all road users."

13 additional speed cameras where locations are being adjusted in school zones will be activated with warning periods in the upcoming weeks. In addition to speed and red-light enforcement, the School Bus Stop Arm Program, the third component of the City's school traffic enforcement initiative, has been active since April 3 and in that time has recorded 2,650 warnings and violations. This highlights the ongoing need for driver awareness and compliance around school buses.

The City encourages all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and help protect students and their families, as they travel to and from school.

For more information, including enforcement locations and FAQs, visit syr.gov/SZTE.

• City News & Press Releases