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‘It can save lives’: NYC DOT pushes state to pass ‘super speeders’ bill, renew speed camera program
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 3, 2025
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 3, 2025
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New York City transportation officials are joining elected leaders and other New Yorkers in urging the state to require devices known as speed limiters in the cars of some of the region’s most reckless drivers.
The “super speeders” bill is aimed at motorists who rack up repeated violations for speeding. It has stalled in Albany for years, but is getting renewed attention following a crash in March that killed a Brooklyn mother and two of her children, where police said the driver had a suspended license.
Speed limiters generally prevent drivers from going faster than the speed limit, according to transportation officials. As drafted, the legislation would mandate the devices for drivers who accumulate 11 or more points on their record over two years or receive at least six speed or red-light camera tickets in a year. It would also require affected drivers to prove they've installed the device on their vehicle, or else they could have their license revoked.
At a press conference Monday in Midtown, city Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called speeding drivers “the leading cause of traffic deaths on our streets,” saying they account for a quarter of all fatalities.
“This is a number that can be eradicated,” he said. “And that’s why we are here today, to never give up and continue doing whatever we can.”
Rodriguez also called on state lawmakers to renew the city’s speed camera program, which is set to expire next month. He cited new city data showing that locations where the cameras were installed in 2023 experienced a nearly 30% drop in severe crashes after a year, compared to nearby locations.
“Having more speed cameras — and the authorization — is a tool necessary to change the culture of how people drive on our streets, and how it can save lives,” Rodriguez said.
A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul said the governor will review the legislation if it passes both houses of the state Legislature.
Other city data shows drivers who regularly blow past the speed limit are much more likely to reoffend than those who receive only one or two violations. Vehicles with more than 20 speed camera tickets are five times more likely to be involved in a serious crash, officials said. Those with 30 or more violations are 50 times as likely, according to city estimates.
The city has taken steps to slow drivers down, including reducing speed limits in parts of the five boroughs under Sammy’s Law and a related provision in the state budget.
Tagged
new york city
new york state
public safety
transportation
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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