Editor’s note: this press release was provided by Beau Duffy, Director of Public Information

State Police announce start of a Speed Week enforcement campaign

NEW YORK STATE POLICE 
Major Robert E. Patnaude
Troop G Commander

June 7, 2018- SP Latham

The New York State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. The “Speed Week” campaign starts today and runs through Wednesday, June 13.
 
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “Our top priority, as with all traffic enforcement, is safety. The public can do their part to keep our streets safe simply by slowing down. Follow the posted speed limits, watch your speed and put your electronic devices down. These proactive measures will reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents and increase the chances of everyone making it to their destinations safely.”
 
Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State. More than 42,000 people die as the result of traffic crashes each year on our nation’s highways and hundreds of thousands are seriously injured. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 33.
 
During this summer’s “Speed Week”, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are violating laws while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
 
Speeding by all vehicle types, as well as other traffic violations, will be heavily enforced throughout the week in addition to normal year-round enforcement. Troopers will also be watching for other traffic violations, including distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating New York’s Move Over law.
 
During the August 2017 Speed Week campaign, State Police issued more than 19,000 traffic tickets including more than 7,900 for speeding, and over 580 for distracted driving.
 
Funding for the Speed Week initiative is provided through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
 
The fines for speeding on 55 mph highway or posted 65 mph zones are as follows:

10 mph or less over the limit – min $45/max $150
11-30 mph over the limit – min $90/max $300
31 mph or more over the limit – min $180/max $600
 
Second Conviction
10 mph or less over the limit – min $45/max $300
11 – 30 over the limit – min $90 /max $450
31 or more over the limit – min $180/max $750
 
Third Conviction
10 mph or less over the limit – min $45/max $525
11 – 30 over the limit – min $90 /max $675
31 or more over the limit – min $180/max $975
 
Court Surcharges are as follows:
Town or village courts – $93
Other Courts (city traffic courts, etc.) – $88
 
Violation Point Structure:
1-10 mph over limit = 3 points
11-20 mph over limit = 4 points
21 – 30 mph over limit = 6 points
30 – 40 mph over limit = 8 points
More than 40 mph over limit = 11 points (triggers suspension)