Short answer: No. Montgomery County, Maryland, operates a sizable and long-running speed camera program, but New York City runs by far the largest network in the United States.
What Montgomery County Actually Operates
Montgomery County’s program has been studied frequently because of its measurable safety impact. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluation notes that by 2014 the county operated 56 fixed cameras, 30 portable units, and 6 mobile vans, focused on residential streets (≤35 mph) and school zones. The IIHS found large reductions in high-end speeding and serious crashes after deployment. Source: IIHS.
- Impact: Fewer drivers exceeding the limit by 10+ mph and fewer fatal/incapacitating crashes on eligible roads (per IIHS study).
- Focus: Neighborhood streets and school zones rather than every arterial or highway segment.
Who Has the Most Cameras? New York City.
New York City operates the country’s largest speed-camera program. By 2023, NYC DOT reported more than 2,200 cameras across all 750 school zones, and since August 1, 2022, cameras have been authorized to operate 24/7. NYC DOT 2024 Report • NYC Finance: Program Details
| Jurisdiction | Approx. Number of Cameras | Coverage & Hours | Primary Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County, MD | ~92 devices noted in 2014 (56 fixed, 30 portable, 6 mobile vans) | Residential streets/school zones; hours vary by location and signage | IIHS |
| New York City, NY | 2,200+ cameras across 750 school zones (as of 2023) | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round (since Aug 1, 2022) | NYC DOT 2024, NYC Finance |
Bottom Line
The claim that “Montgomery County has the most speed cameras in the U.S.” is incorrect. While Montgomery County is a major and influential program that has demonstrated safety benefits, New York City’s network—expanded to all 750 school zones and operating 24/7—makes it the clear leader by total cameras.
Why the Confusion Persists
- Early adopter effect: Montgomery County launched in 2007 and is often cited in research, so older summaries can sound “largest” without current context.
- Different metrics: Some discussions compare coverage (zones or corridors) rather than raw camera counts, which can blur apples-to-apples comparisons.
- Rapid NYC expansion: NYC grew from a small pilot a decade ago to the nation’s biggest program, especially after the 2022 change to 24/7 enforcement.
Notes: Montgomery County device counts above come from the IIHS study period (through 2014). NYC counts reflect DOT reporting through 2023 and official program pages current to 2024–2025. For the very latest numbers, check the most recent NYC DOT annual report and Montgomery County program updates.