Last year, just 10 drivers in New York City racked up more than 2,700 school-zone speed camera violations. One individual received more than 560 of those violations. Despite the evidence that speeding continues to be one of the deadliest threats on NYC roads, these “super speeders” continue to operate their vehicles.
According to NYC’s Department of Transportation (DOT), vehicles with over 20 speed camera violations are five times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious crash. Those with 30 or more violations are 50-plus times more likely.
To combat this dangerous trend, in 2022, NYC became the first major U.S. city to pilot Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) in its municipal fleet (with over 700 city vehicles), resulting in a 64% reduction in speeding events for the fleet. This year, although the Senate passed a bill to expand the program, the Assembly adjourned without taking it up – but with new data in hand and a growing number of legislative models across the country, officials are likely to reconsider ISA as a core safety measure to penalize these “super speeders” in the next session.
So, what does this mean for drivers licensed by New York City’s Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC)?
The majority of super speeders are private motorists, not professional truck, bus, taxi, or for-hire vehicle drivers, according to Matthew W. Daus Esq., founder and chair of the Transportation Practice Group at Windels Marx.
“Unlike other fleets and personal vehicles, the city’s TLC oversees one of the most heavily regulated fleets in the country,” Daus says. “Under its Vision Zero program, TLC drivers who commit serious violations – such as speeding, failing to yield, or distracted driving – receive license points that can trigger mandatory safety courses, fines, suspension at 6-9 points, and revocation at 10 or more. This constant oversight and accountability means that while ISA may be optional for TLC drivers, it is not essential in the same way it is for private vehicles and less-regulated fleets, where repeat dangerous behavior often goes unchecked.”
Source: Windels Marx
