Automated Camera Enforcement

The 2023 NYS Legislature passed a provision in the budget to expand Automated Camera Enforcement, or ACE. The ACE program is a bus-mounted camera system that issues violations to vehicles occupying bus lanes, to double parked vehicles along bus routes, and to vehicles blocking bus stops. The program is administered in partnership between the MTA, the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT). It is currently active on 39 bus routes that carry over 775,000 average weekday riders. 

The goal of ACE is to make bus service faster and more reliable by keeping bus lanes and bus stops clear.

ACE is effective. On each ACE bus route, the MTA and City issue warning notices for 60 days before fine-bearing violations begin. Most motorists get the message during the warning periods and do not incur ACE violations. This keeps streets clear and speeds up bus trips for hundreds of thousands of daily riders. Camera enforcement has sped up buses on the 39 targeted routes by an average of 5%, with some corridors seeing much larger gains of up to 30%.

All buses are ADA accessible, and many of our riders are people with disabilities. When bus stops are blocked buses can’t reach the curb, and people in wheelchairs are often unable to board. In these scenarios, buses are forced to pick up and drop off passengers in the street, creating a safety hazard for all passengers.

Automated enforcement doesn’t just help bus riders. Keeping bus lanes and bus stops clear by enforcing double-parking helps keep all traffic moving and makes roads safer for all users. With less than 10% of violators receiving multiple tickets, the program has been successful in deterring violations and keeping our streets moving.

Don't:

• Drive, stand or park in a bus lane.
• Stand or stop in a bus stop.
• Double park along a bus route.
• Wait for passengers in a bus stop, bus lane or double parked on a bus route.

Do:

• Quickly pick up or drop off passengers in a bus stop, bus lane or along a bus route.
• Enter the bus lane to make the next right turn.
• Observe posted Bus Lane, Bus Stop and Parking regulatory signs.

How to pay a violation

Violations can be paid online, by mobile app, by mail, or in person at an NYC Department of Finance Business Center. Follow the instructions on the back of your notice for more information. Be aware that late penalties may be applied if violations go unpaid.

You have the right to contest violations if you believe they were issued in error. Follow the instructions on your notice to request a hearing.

Be a part of the solution

Buses are critical to equity and accessibility, and 98% of New Yorkers live within 1/4 mile of a bus stop. Your cooperation makes a difference. Drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help make New York City a safer place for all.

• Obstructing active bus lanes and bus stops and double parking is illegal 24/7. Vehicles that are found to be double-parked along an ACE-enforced roadway or driving, parked-in or otherwise obstructing an active bus lane or bus stop are subject to violations resulting in fines.
  • Vehicles committing the above illegal acts for the above specified respective times are issued violations only after being observed by two buses.
• Fines start at $50 and increase by $50 for each additional violation received, up to a maximum of $250 per violation. Unpaid fines can result in additional fees and could result in your vehicle being booted, towed or having its registration blocked.
• Violations will be issued once every two hours for illegal double parking and for illegally obstructing bus lanes and bus stops.
  • These violations are subject to the escalating fine structure, up to a maximum $250 per violation.
• ACE violations are civil penalties and do not affect your driving record or insurance rates. Each violation is reviewed for accuracy by a City employee before being issued. All revenue from ACE violations supports MTA operations, including improved bus service.

Bus lanes

• Bus lanes are active 24/7 unless otherwise specified by signage with posted days and/or hours. When in doubt, assume the bus lane is active.
• Only expeditious pick-ups or drops-offs are permitted in active bus lanes.
• Vehicles are only permitted to enter active bus lanes to make right turns onto the next street or to access a parking spot or driveway.
• Vehicles standing in a bus lane for longer than 5 minutes and are observed by two buses are issued an violation.

Bus stops

• Standing or parking at a bus stop is against the law and is not legally permitted 24/7 under any circumstance.
• Vehicles standing in or obstructing access to bus stops for longer than 2.5 minutes and are observed by two buses are issued a violation.

Roadways

• Unless otherwise specified, double parking is against the law and is not legally permitted 24/7 under any circumstance. Vehicles that are found to be double parked for longer than 2.5 minutes and are observed by two buses are issued a violation.

ACE is in operation on these bus routes. Major streets that these routes run on are listed with each route.