You might be among the thousands of Syracuse-area drivers who have received violations in the mail for speeding through a school zone or construction zone. But the increasing proliferation of traffic cameras is raising some legal questions.
The cameras began appearing on state thruway work zones in 2023, and since then they've expanded to other state highways. In Syracuse, dozens of cameras were installed near schools in an effort to slow down drivers and keep kids safe. Senior counsel with Tully Rinckey law firm Cory Missell said the city and state aren’t being sneaky about it.
“They do need to put up signs letting the drivers know that there is automated speed cameras ahead,” he said.
That’s the case on Syracuse’s east side, for example, near H.W. Smith School where flashing lights and signs warn that the zone is photo enforced. The city says they’re active in 18 areas during summer school.
But Missell said what most drivers might not know is camera-generated violations are legally different than those issued by an officer. Those would have an affidavit or supporting document that can be challenged in court.
“The driver could then confront the officer on the stand, cross-examine them as a witness," he said. "Here, there is no person who issued the ticket. This is a computer or artificial intelligence that is issuing this ticket.”
Missell said it’s more difficult to directly challenge a computer. He added that the issuing entity still has to back it up.
“I have certainly come across cases where people wish to challenge the fine," he said. "There is still an obligation on the state to provide proof that the driver violated the law in some way in order to uphold these fines.”
Fines in school and work zones start at $50 and increase with each additional violation. But they don’t include points against your license, and are typically paid online.
