DOT To Begin Issuing Fines To Cars In The 181st Street Busway

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Circle the date if you're a frequent driver in Washington Heights. On July 17, the Department of Transportation will begin issuing fines to drivers of vehicles using the new 181st Street busway illegally.

The fines will be issued through automated enforcement cameras along the half-mile busway that was recently installed on 181st Street between Broadway and Amsterdam going east, and from Amsterdam to Wadsworth to the west.

The Washington Heights busway installed at the end of April gives buses and trucks priority, while all other cars, taxis, and vans must make the next available right turn off the lane if they do enter.

The DOT installed bus lane cameras in May along the stretch of 181st Street in Washington Heights, and on May 17 began issuing warnings to motorists who used the lane illegally. The 60-day period of warnings is meant to properly ensure drivers were informed about the busway program before they started getting penalized for any wrongdoing.

On July 17, the 60-day period for the warnings will end, and the city agency will begin issuing violations and fines to drivers.

A single violation will cost $50 and can increase to as much as $250 for the fifth offense.

Violations are issued against the vehicle — not the driver — so points will not be deducted from motorists' licenses if they do receive a violation.

The busway rules are in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Read More:

• Special Busway On 181st Street Coming To Wash Heights in April
• 181st Street Busway To Launch In Washington Heights On Monday
• Mayor Rides Bus Down New 181st Street Lane In The Heights