Traffic laws from cameras on school buses and in work zones to traffic signals for bicycles began taking effect in late 2024 with more rolling out this year in five states in the AAA Northeast region.
AAA supported several of the measures enacted by state legislatures in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
Connecticut Traffic Laws
Work Zone Speed Camera Program
After a pilot program for work zone speed cameras ended in December 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly authorized a permanent program that allows the state Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to install speed cameras in up to 15 work zones at any time, a law AAA endorsed.
“We testified at a hearing in support of a permanent work zone speed camera program in Connecticut,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast. “The pilot program, which was conducted in 2023, was demonstrably effective in reducing speeds in work zones. Speeding drivers pose dangers to roadside workers, and the narrowness of some work zone traffic lanes compounds the risk, so speed cameras are an important tool to keep work zones safe.”
Signs must alert drivers that a camera is in operation, and vehicles traveling at least 10 mph over the speed limit can be ticketed. Vehicle owners receive a warning for their first violation, unless they are driving 85 mph or faster, and a $75 fine for any subsequent violations within a year. The law took effect on July 1, 2024, but CTDOT expects to start the permanent program later in 2025.
Variable Speed Limits
Effective Oct. 1, 2024, CTDOT can set variable speed limits on limited-access highways. The speed limits can vary depending on road conditions — specifically, if the roads are wet or icy — CTDOT can set a lower speed limit to improve safety.
Traffic Signals for Bikes
Municipalities are now allowed to install traffic signals at intersections just for bicycles if the signals comply with federal engineering standards. The law took effect July 1, 2024.
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School Bus Cameras
Legislators authorized municipalities to install cameras on school buses to record vehicles that fail to halt for a stopped school bus with its stop-arm out and issue tickets to violators. The law passed Jan. 10 and took effect on April 10. A trial of the cameras in Peabody found more than 1,000 violators.
“AAA is generally supportive of school bus cameras like the ones now authorized in Massachusetts,” Slatky said, “provided that they are operated fairly and transparently and with safety at the forefront. There’s no excuse for putting kids’ lives at risk by dangerously passing stopped school buses, and cameras can help deter such behavior. We’ll continue to advocate to make sure any camera programs are optimized for safety.”
Bus Lane Camera Enforcement
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and other transit agencies are now authorized to install cameras on public transit buses to capture people illegally driving in a bus lane or parking in a bus stop and issue tickets to violators. The law was signed Jan. 8 and took effect April 8.
Electric Vehicle Public Charging Standards
The State Division of Standards was directed to draft and publicize regulations regarding accurate and transparent pricing at electric vehicle charging stations, similar to the regulations of gas stations. This went into effect Feb. 18.
New Jersey Traffic Laws
Teen Driver Practice Hours
New Jersey is requiring learner’s permit holders under age 21 to complete 50 practice hours behind the wheel with a supervising driver — including 10 hours at night — before getting a probationary license. A parent, guardian or supervising driver will have to sign a form attesting to the completion of this requirement. The law applies to all drivers who received their learner’s permit on or after Feb. 1.
“AAA was at the forefront of helping to pass New Jersey’s teen practice hours law, assembling a coalition to advocate in Trenton,” according to Slatky. “It’s vital that new drivers obtain experience under the guidance of a supervising driver before they hit the road by themselves, and this law will help make sure that’s the case. But 50 hours of practice driving is a minimum — more is certainly better.”
Target Zero Commission
The New Jersey legislature established a Target Zero Commission to propose various strategies to improve road safety. The law took effect Jan. 13. The commission’s goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040 utilizing engineering, education and enforcement strategies.
New York Traffic Laws
New York City Can Lower Speed Limits
Effective since June 19, 2024, New York City is allowed to lower speed limits to 20 mph, rather than 25 mph, on many city roads. The New York City Department of Transportation said it plans to reduce the speed limit at 250 locations by the end of 2025, prioritizing school and slow zones.
Charter Bus Passengers Required to Wear Seat Belts
A New York law will require charter bus passengers ages 8 and older to wear seatbelts beginning April 21, a change prompted by a tragic crash in Orange County.
New Automated Enforcement Programs
Greenburgh received state authorization to operate red light cameras and Kingston received state authorization during 2024 to operate speed cameras, in addition to the state legislature reauthorizing various other red light camera programs around the state.
No Reckless Driving in Parking Lots
New York’s law against reckless driving now applies to parking lots, as of Nov. 22, 2024. Previously, the law applied only on roadways.
No Turn-In Fees on Vehicle Leases
Beginning this year, New York vehicle leases cannot include a a turn-in fee at the end of the lease solely for administrative, handling or clerical purposes.
Rhode Island Traffic Laws
Increased DUI Lookback Period for Repeat Offenders
Driving under the influence offenses in Rhode Island can carry harsher penalties if they’re a driver’s second offense. Previously, only violations within the past five years could be considered when determining if someone is a repeat DUI offender. Beginning July 1, the law extends that period to 10 years.
“AAA has been advocating for Rhode Island’s extended lookback hours law for years,” noted Slatky. “Drunk driving remains a stubborn problem — in 2022, the latest year of federal data, nearly 43% of traffic fatalities in Rhode Island involved alcohol impairment. Extending the lookback period for second-offense penalties ensures that drunk drivers are effectively deterred from repeating their dangerous behavior.”
Blue Envelope Program
The legislature on Jan. 1 directed the state Division of Motor Vehicles, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association and the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities to develop a Blue Envelope Program to improve communications between police officers and people with autism.
Taxicab Limitations
With limited exceptions, a law that took effect June 17, 2024, prohibits taxis from operating after 300,000 miles or 10 model years.
Do any of these laws affect you? If so, do you agree with them?
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