School Zone Traffic Enforcement

1. What is a school bus stop-arm camera?
   • School bus stop-arm cameras are devices installed on school buses to capture footage of vehicles that pass a stopped school bus when the stop-arm is extended, and students are loading or unloading.
2. Why are school bus stop-arm cameras used?
   • These cameras are used to deter drivers from passing stopped school buses, which can lead to dangerous conditions for children boarding or exiting the bus. As part of the Vision Zero Initiative, Syracuse is committed to eliminating traffic deaths and creating a more equitable, healthy, walkable, and bikeable city.
3. How do the cameras work?
   • When a school bus stops and extends its stop-arm, the cameras are activated. The cameras record the vehicle that passes a stopped school bus. This event is then reviewed, and if a violation is confirmed, a citation is issued to the vehicle owner.
4. Are the cameras always recording?
   • No, the cameras are only activated and recording when the school bus stop-arm is extended and students are loading or unloading.
5. How do I know when the school bus is going to stop?
   • Flashing amber lights signal the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload students. As soon as you see flashing amber lights, you should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
   •  Stop-arm with flashing red lights means the bus has stopped and students are loading or unloading. Stop your vehicle 20 feet away from the school bus and wait until the school bus resumes motion.
6. When do I have to stop for the school bus?
   • When a school bus stops and flashes its amber lights, traffic approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus:
     • on a two-lane road
     • on multi-lane roads
     • on divided roads
7. What are the consequences for passing a stopped school bus?
   • In New York State, the fines for passing a school bus are as follows:
     • First violation - penalty of $250
     • Second violation within 18 months - penalty of $275
     • Third violation (or more) within 18 months - penalty of $300
       • A $25 penalty for non-payment is applicable for any violation if payment is not made within 40 days
8.  Who issues the citation?
   • The event is initially reviewed by the bus stop arm camera contractor to determine if a violation occurred. The Syracuse Police Department then confirms the footage before issuing a citation.

1. What are red light cameras? 
   • Red light cameras are automated devices that capture images and videos of vehicles that run red lights at intersections.
2. Why are red light cameras used in and around school zones? 
   • Red light cameras are used to enhance the safety of students and pedestrians by deterring drivers from running red lights, which can lead to dangerous accidents, especially in areas with high foot traffic like school zones. As part of the Vision Zero Initiative, Syracuse is committed to eliminating traffic deaths and creating a more equitable, healthy, walkable, and bikeable city.
3. How do red light cameras work? 
   • When a vehicle runs a red light, the camera system is triggered to capture images and videos of the violation, including the vehicle's license plate. This evidence is then reviewed, and if a violation is confirmed, a citation is issued to the vehicle owner.
4. What is the penalty for running a red light in a school zone?
   • In New York State, the penalty for running a red light is $50, with the possibility of an added $25 for non-payment.
5. Do red light cameras operate 24/7 or only during school hours?
   • Red light cameras operate 24/7, regardless of the time of day or whether school is in session. This ensures that traffic laws are enforced consistently and that violations are captured at any time, enhancing overall road safety in school zones.
6. Are the cameras always recording? 
   • No, red light cameras are only activated to record when a vehicle runs a red light. They do not record continuously.
7. Who reviews the footage from the cameras?
   • The footage is initially reviewed by the red-light camera contractor to determine if a violation occurred. The Syracuse Police Department then confirms the footage before issuing a citation.
8. Can drivers contest a citation issued from a red-light camera?
   • Yes, violators have the right to contest a citation. The process for contesting a citation will be outlined in the notice they receive or at the following link [insert button].
9. Where are the red-light cameras located? 
   • Locations for red-light cameras can be found below. All locations are subject to change. 
     • Wadsworth and Lemoyne
     • Wadsworth and Grant
     • Teall and Gray
     • Grant and McChesney
     • Grant and Pond McChesney Park
     • James and Teall
     • James and Midler
     • Sunnycrest and Midler
     • Teall and Robinson
     • Butternut and Alvord
     • Wadsworth St and Cadillac
     • West and Shonnard
     • Adams and Warren
     • Townsend and Genesse
     • Geddes and Park
     • Geddes and Genesee
     • Genesee and Emerson
     • Geddes and Seymour
     • Geddes and Delaware
     • Glenwood and South
     • South and Elmhurst
     • Salina and Kennedy
     • State S and Martin Luther King
     • Geddes and Onondaga
     • Valley and Fish
     • Valley and Seneca
     • Salina and Amidon
     • Salina and Spaulding
     • Salina and Dorwin
     • Salina and Newell
     • Brighton and Midland
     • Colvin and Comstock
     • Genesee and East
     • Genesee and Croly St/Salt Spring
     • Geddes and Stinard
     • James and Wilson
10. Will there be a warning period before red-light camera enforcement begins in school zones?
    • Yes, the warning period will last for 60 days starting on the first day of school (September 3). During this time, drivers who run a red-light will receive warning notices instead of fines. This period will educate drivers about the new enforcement measures and encourage them to adjust their driving behavior accordingly. After the warning period ends, citations with fines will be issued for any violations.
11. Will tickets be issued for inching into the intersection after a light turns red?
    • Drivers are advised to stop before their vehicle passes the stop bar on the ground prior to the pedestrian intersection or risk being ticketed.
12. Can I still make a right turn on a red light?
    • Yes, vehicles are allowed to make a right on red, where permitted, after coming to a complete stop behind the stop bar.

1. What are speed cameras?
   • Speed cameras are automated devices that monitor and record an image and the speed of vehicles. They capture images and videos of vehicles that exceed the posted speed limit.
2. Why are speed cameras used in school zones?
   • Speed cameras are used to enhance the safety of students and pedestrians by deterring drivers from speeding in areas where children are likely to be present.  As part of the Vision Zero Initiative, Syracuse is committed to eliminating traffic deaths and creating a more equitable, healthy, walkable, and bikeable city. Reducing vehicle speeds in school zones helps prevent accidents and ensures a safer environment for everyone.
3. How do speed cameras work?
   • Speed cameras use radar technology to measure the speed of vehicles passing. If a vehicle is detected traveling above the speed limit, the camera captures an image of the vehicle, including its license plate. This evidence is then reviewed, and if a violation is confirmed, a citation is issued to the vehicle owner.
4. What is the penalty for speeding in a school zone?
   • In New York State, the fine for speeding in a school zone is $50, with the possibility of an added $25 penalty for non-payment.
5. Are the cameras always recording? 
   •  Speed cameras in school zones operate during posted school hours.
6. Who reviews the footage from the cameras?
   • The footage is initially reviewed by the City’s contractor to determine if a violation occurred. The Syracuse Police Department then confirms the footage before issuing a citation.
7. Can drivers contest a citation issued from a speed camera?
   • Yes, violators have the right to contest a citation. The process for contesting a citation will be outlined in the notice they receive or at the following link [insert button].
8. Where are the speed cameras? 
   • Locations for speed cameras can be found below. 

     All locations are subject to change.

10. Will there be a warning period before speed camera enforcement begins in school zones?

• Yes, the warning period will last for 60 days starting on the first day of school (September 3). During this time, drivers who are caught speeding by the cameras will receive warning notices instead of fines. This period is intended to educate drivers about the new enforcement measures and encourage them to adjust their driving behavior accordingly. After the warning period ends, citations with fines will be issued for any violations.

11. Will tickets be issued for driving one mile or more over the speed limit?

• Drivers are advised to follow the posted speed limit or risk being ticketed.