Judge Overturns 26,000 Speeding Tickets Issued by Unmarked SUV in 25 Days, Citing Legal Flaws

More than 26,000 speeding tickets were issued on Interstate 490 in Rochester, New York, over a 25-day period in fall 2024. The tickets were automatically generated by a speed camera mounted on a white, unmarked SUV placed in a work zone.

Kent Kroemer, a motorist in Rochester, received three of these automated speeding tickets. After losing in city traffic court, he appealed the decision. On April 2, 2025, County Judge Doug Randall overturned Kroemer’s fines and issued a scathing critique of the traffic court’s handling of the case.

Judge Slams Traffic Court for Legal Violations

Judge Randall condemned the traffic court’s actions, stating that “barely any evidence” was presented to establish liability. He described the proceedings as “clearly inappropriate” and “the most egregious event.”

Key issues highlighted by the judge included:

• The traffic court improperly shifted the burden of proof to the defendant, requiring Kroemer to prove his innocence rather than the prosecution proving guilt.
• No evidence was provided to confirm that construction or maintenance work was active at the time of the alleged violation.
• The prosecutor failed to demonstrate that workers were present at the site during the violation.
• No proof was submitted that the Notice of Liability was mailed to Kroemer within the required 14 business days, as mandated by local law.

Broader Impact on 26,000 Ticketed Drivers

Of the 26,000 drivers ticketed, 239 contested their fines in city traffic court. All but 40 lost their cases. However, Judge Randall’s ruling now allows those who lost to file an appeal by May 8, 2025.

This decision could set a precedent for thousands of motorists seeking to challenge similar tickets issued by the unmarked SUV’s speed camera during the 25-day enforcement period.