New Speed Cameras Are Coming to Select Areas in Poughkeepsie

A new bill could soon allow the City of Poughkeepsie to put speed cameras in school zones.

It was only a matter of time until more towns and cities across the Hudson Valley started moving forward with installing speed zone cameras in select locations. So far, Kingston is one of the only areas that has speed cameras in certain school zones, but that's about to change as Poughkeepsie, NY now has permission to install them.

Poughkeepsie Sign

Speed Cameras Coming to Poughkeepsie, NY

New York lawmakers have passed legislation that now gives Poughkeepsie permission to install and operate speed cameras in up to three school speed zones throughout the city. The bill, sponsored by Senator Rolison, comes after a tragic incident last year that claimed the life of a local school crossing guard.

On September 29, 2025, 72-year-old James Montanino was struck and killed by a vehicle while helping children cross the street near Smith Elementary School at the intersection of Baker Street and Quaker Street.

According to the bill, the City of Poughkeepsie requested the legislation following Montanino's death.

Speed Cameras Coming to Poughkeepsie

Where Will the Cameras Be Located?

Now that the bill has passed, the road is paved for Poughkeepsie to place cameras in no more than three school speed zones at any one time.

The locations would be selected using factors including speed data, crash history, and the layout of the roadway.

The cameras would only be allowed to issue violations during certain times, including school days during school hours and one hour before and after school. They could also be used during periods of student activities and for up to 30 minutes before and after those activities.

Speed Camera Fines

How Much Would a Speed Zone Ticket Cost?

The cameras would only result in a violation if a vehicle is traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit in an authorized school speed zone. The maximum fine would be $50 per violation, with an additional penalty of up to $25 for failing to respond on time.

SEE ALSO: Are Gunshot Detectors Being Used in the Hudson Valley?

The good news is that unlike a traditional speeding ticket, the violation would not result in a conviction for the driver, would not be added to the driver's record, and could not be used for insurance purposes.

The bill also includes privacy protections for drivers and passengers, as the city would be required, when practical, to use technology that avoids capturing images identifying people inside the vehicle.

The legislation would take effect 30 days after becoming law and would expire on December 31, 2030.

According to the bill's justification, similar speed camera programs have been shown to reduce speeding. New York City's school zone camera program reportedly saw speeding decrease by an average of 73% in areas where cameras were installed.