Res. No. 467
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, legislation, which would authorize the City of New York to establish a camera enforcement program to enforce a state law which prohibits motorists from blocking the intersection and crosswalk, known as the “Don’t Block the Box” Law
By Council Members Schulman, Restler and Louis
Whereas, New York State (“NYS”) Vehicle and Traffic Law (“VTL”) §1175 prohibits motorists from entering an intersection when the traffic from the next block is backed up to the intersection, and requires motorists to ensure that they will be able to exit the intersection before entering the intersection; and
Whereas, Under current penalty schedules, it is designated that a fine of $115 be given to a motorist if they are blocking an intersection, a practice sometimes known as “Blocking the Box;” and
Whereas, When VTL §1175 is not adhered to, it can cause major traffic issues that, among other things, delay emergency and regular vehicles, worsen air quality, and reduce pedestrian safety; and
Whereas, Although already illegal throughout NYS, many motorists fail to adhere to this law; and
Whereas, As the condition may be fleeting, it can be difficult to enforce through enforcement officers, leading to increased noncompliance; and
Whereas, The establishment of a NYS authorized camera enforcement program to enforce this law within New York City (“NYC”) would ensure increased awareness of and compliance with this law; and
Whereas, According to City Limits, when discussing implementing such a program to address motorists failing to comply with the “Don’t Block the Box” Law, the article noted that “automatic enforcement changes behavior- and it does so consistently, fairly, and without escalating interactions;” and
Whereas, NYS has previously authorized several camera enforcement programs in NYC, including the speed, red light, and bus lane camera enforcement programs; and
Whereas, When NYC expanded the speed, red light, and bus lane camera enforcement programs, positive impacts were seen, including decreases in: speeding where speed cameras were installed; crashes at intersections where red light cameras were installed; and unauthorized vehicle use where bus lane cameras were installed; and
Whereas, Implementing a camera enforcement program that would fine drivers automatically when they “Block the Box” would improve street safety, reduce congestion, produce revenue that could be invested in the construction of safer streets, and make commutes faster and more efficient; and
Whereas, NYS should authorize such a program by introducing, passing, and signing legislation that would allow the City to establish a camera enforcement program to enforce the “Don’t Block the Box” Law; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, legislation, which would authorize the City of New York to establish a camera enforcement program to enforce a state law which prohibits motorists from blocking the intersection and crosswalk, known as the “Don’t Block the Box” Law.
KK
LS 23683
4/29/26