BILL NUMBER: S4647A
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to increasing
penalties for certain speed violations
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation will increase monetary penalties for drivers convicted
of speeding in a work zone to further deter speeding and dangerous
behavior in work zones.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 1180 of the vehicle and traffic law to
increase penalties for speeding in a work zone as follows:
*For exceeding the speed limit by not more than 10 miles per hour, a
fine of not less than $90 and not more than $175. The current law allows
a fine of not less than $90 and not more than $150.
*For exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour but less
than 30 miles per hour, a fine of not less than $180 and not more than
$350. The current law allows a fine of not less than $180 and not more
than $300.
*For exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 miles per hour, a fine
not less than $360 and not more than $700. The current law allows a fine
of not less than $360 and not more than $600.
Section two establishes the effective date.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
The amendments modify the fines.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation is critical to better protect both highway workers and
motorists. Construction and maintenance workers face significant risks
while working on roadways, and these dangers are exacerbated by driver
negligence.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, an average of 132 work-
ers are killed each year in work zone crashes, with thousands more
suffering injuries. In 2020 alone, nearly 850 fatalities occurred in
work zone crashes across the United States, with speeding and failure to
yield being among the leading contributing factors. Speeding in work
zones significantly increases the risk of severe accidents, as reduced
speeds allow drivers more time to react to unexpected obstacles and
changing road conditions. The National Work Zone Safety Information
Clearinghouse highlights that drivers who speed are more likely to lose
control of their vehicles or fail to stop in time to avoid collisions.
The last time fines for speeding in work zones were increased in New
York was in the early 2000s. Since then, traffic volumes, roadwork
demands, size and weight of vehicles, and the risks to workers have
increased significantly.
However, the penalties for these offenses have not kept pace with the
growing dangers. A 2023 study by the National Safety Council found that
nearly half of all drivers admit to speeding in work zones. By increas-
ing these penalties, New York can send a strong message that such reck-
less driving will no longer be tolerated. Enhanced penalties will serve
as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to follow speed limits and move over
for roadside workers, thereby reducing the number of accidents and
fatalities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2025: A 4015
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None to New York State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
January 1, 2026, to apply to violations committed on and after such
date.

Statutes affected:
S4647: 1180 vehicle and traffic law, 1180(h) vehicle and traffic law
S4647A: 1180 vehicle and traffic law, 1180(h) vehicle and traffic law