Putnam County, NY Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Program type
- School bus stop-arm cameras only
- Governing law
- VTL § 1174 violations
- First offense fine
- $250
- Second offense fine
- $275 within 18 months
- Third+ offense fine
- $300 within 18 months
- Late-response penalty
- $25 per unanswered notice
- Image retention
- Destroyed 90 days if no notice issues
Summary
Putnam County has no red-light or speed camera program; its only automated traffic photo enforcement is Chapter 198, the School Bus Camera Demonstration Program, which fines vehicle owners who pass a stopped school bus caught on camera under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1174.
There is hereby established a demonstration program imposing monetary liability on owners of vehicles for failure of the operators thereof to comply with section 1174 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law when meeting a school bus marked and equipped as provided in subdivisions 20 and 21-c of section 375 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law in Putnam County. ... Two hundred fifty dollars for a first violation; ... Two hundred seventy-five dollars for a second violation committed within 18 months of the first violation; ... Three hundred dollars for a third or subsequent violation all of which were committed within 18 months from the first violation; and ... An additional penalty of $25 for each violation for the failure to respond to a notice of liability within the prescribed time period.
Full Breakdown
Under § 198-3, the County Executive may enter agreements with individual school districts to install stationary or mobile stop-arm cameras on school buses, with the County bearing the full installation and maintenance cost. Only roadways within Putnam's boundaries qualify, mobile units require a district agreement, and either side can end an agreement with 30 days' notice. A notice of liability goes out by first-class mail to the registered owner, who is presumed liable unless the operator was separately convicted of the underlying violation, the vehicle was reported stolen at the time, or the vehicle was under lease and the lessor forwards the rental contract within 37 days.
The first 30 days a camera operates, owners get a written warning instead of a fine. Images are destroyed 90 days after an alleged violation if no notice issues, or upon final case disposition, and the county must post Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices signage at each roadway entering the county. A malfunctioning stop-arm is a valid defense. The county must submit an annual report on the program to the Governor, Senate, and Assembly by June 1 and share it with local law enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Section 198-4 sets a graduated fine schedule: $250 for a first violation, $275 for a second within 18 months, and $300 for a third or later violation within 18 months of the first. A separate $25 penalty applies for each notice of liability an owner fails to answer within the prescribed time. Liability is adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction in Putnam County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Putnam County use red-light cameras at intersections?
How much is the fine for passing a stopped school bus caught on camera?
Can I fight a stop-arm camera ticket?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Putnam County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Putnam County to another location·View the New York mobility & curb rules overview
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