Hi all—first time getting one of these and I'm spiraling a little. I was driving out toward Coney Island on Ocean Parkway around 7:40 this morning. I got the flash somewhere just before the school zone ended, but the sign said the zone ended maybe 30 feet later. I genuinely wasn't going crazy fast, maybe 30? The ticket says 36 in a 25. It came with a video link? I didn't know cameras show videos now. Do people actually fight these or just pay? Also, does this give me points? I don't want my insurance going up.

Speed cameras don't give points. It's $50 flat, no insurance hit. But 36 in a 25 is only 11 over, and if the zone genuinely ended 30 feet after the camera, you might be able to get it tossed. The city uses cameras in school zones but they're supposed to be within the zone. The catch is the online video usually shows you passing the school speed limit sign, not where the zone ends. Don't do the online 'pay guilty' yet. Go to the hearing. Worst case you pay the $50, but if the sign placement is off, the judge will sometimes actually review it. If you have a passenger who can take a photo of the end zone sign nearby, bring it.

Beth, a few things to separate. School speed camera summonses in NYC are civil, not moving violations—so no points and no insurance impact. The fine is $50, plus possible late fees if you wait too long. You can request a hearing online. There is usually a defense option like 'vehicle was not in school zone' or 'sign was missing/obstructed.'

The video link is timestamped. The problem: the city's position is generally that the school speed limit extends until the 'end school zone' sign, but there is some tolerance in sign placement. If the camera is 30 feet before the end sign, that's still likely inside the zone. What's more likely to work is showing the sign was obscured, turned, or missing. Time sometimes matters too, but many zones are now 24/7, and 7:40 on a weekday is definitely in the active enforcement window.

I'd check the video to see if the school speed limit sign is visible as you pass. If not, go back and photograph the same direction at a similar time and light. Don't assume an admin judge will accept a passenger saying 'the zone ended right after'; photo or video evidence is stronger. If you lose, it's still no points—just a city fee at that point.

lol yeah $50 is the city's little subscription fee. I fought one up by Prospect Park last year and lost because the judge said the zone runs to the next sign, and the camera was inside that gap. If the camera got you 30 feet before the end sign, they're going to say you're still in the zone. The only time I've seen people win is when the sign is turned or blocked by a tree. But if you've got the time, do a hearing anyway. Bike_lane_lou is right about the photos—just showing up without them is a waste of a morning.

I got two of these over the last year, both on Northern Blvd near a school. I just paid the first one. Second one I fought because the sign was actually down for a week. I sent DOT photos, but they still said the online video was sufficient. I've heard it often goes to an admin judge who can reduce but not dismiss, though I might be wrong. Either way, no points, so check the video and if you're still in the zone, maybe it's not worth taking the morning off.

Came to say the same—no points. One caveat: if you ignore the hearing deadline, it can double. I forgot one and it jumped to $100 with late fees. Set a reminder if you're doing the online hearing. Beth, you should be able to pull it up by plate and summons number on the camera violation site. Good luck.