More Red Light Cameras Coming to City Intersections

By Y.M. Lowy

Drivers may soon notice more red light cameras at busy intersections, as the NYC Department of Transportation moves forward with a major expansion of the program.

Red light running has dropped sharply at intersections where cameras are already installed, leading DOT to activate cameras at 50 new locations each week for the next five weeks. The expansion will eventually bring the total number of red light camera intersections to 600 across the city.

According to DOT data, intersections with red light cameras have seen fewer dangerous crashes, including a significant drop in side impact accidents. 

Before the current expansion, cameras were limited by state law to 150 intersections. A recent change now allows the city to expand the program, with all 600 locations expected to be active by the end of 2026.

DOT data shows the program has been effective beyond reducing red light violations. Intersections with cameras have seen a 65 percent drop in T-bone crashes and a 49 percent reduction in rear-end collisions. Officials say vehicles that receive five or more red light violations in a single year are far more likely to be involved in serious or fatal crashes.

The city also says the cameras help change driver behavior. In 2023, 94 percent of vehicles caught running a red light received only one or two violations, while fewer than half a percent received five or more.

New camera locations will be installed across all five boroughs, with intersections selected based on crash history and safety concerns.