New Law Would Allow City to Seize Vehicles of Reckless Drivers

New York – Drivers who have a pattern of blowing through red lights or speed near school zones will have their vehicles seized under a new law signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday.

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement bill, which was introduced by Councilman Brad Lander, passed the City Council with an overwhelming majority. It targets the most reckless drivers, those with 15 or more school speed camera violations or five red light camera violations during a 12-month period. The registered owner can prevent his car  from being impounded if they complete a driver accountability course.

Officials estimate that the new law will affect about 3,000 to 6,000 vehicles, or less than 1 percent of the nearly 2 million vehicles registered in the city.

The law will take effect on Feb. 26, 2021, and apply to violations incurred after Oct. 26, 2020. The program will run for three years, at which point the Council will decide to renew or modify it.

New York City school zone speed cameras issue violations to vehicles traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Both speeding and red light violations carry a $50 fine. Ther department of transportation currently operates more than 600 speed cameras in school zones around the five boroughs. By the end of 2021, the number of cameras across the city is expected to reach 2,000. The city also operates red light cameras at 150 intersections.

Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office