ACE Bus Camera: Automated Camera Enforcement

ACE (Automated Camera Enforcement): cameras mounted on MTA buses that record vehicles blocking the bus. The MTA describes it as "a bus-mounted camera system that issues violations to vehicles occupying bus lanes," as well as "double parked vehicles along bus routes" and "vehicles blocking bus stops." The MTA, NYC DOT and the NYC Department of Finance run it together (MTA ACE page, updated October 12, 2026).

What it tickets

Per the MTA, ACE catches vehicles that:

• drive, stand or park in a bus lane while it is in effect;
• stand or stop in a bus stop, or block access to one;
• are double parked along a bus route.

What it does not ticket: the MTA says you may "quickly pick up or drop off passengers in a bus stop, bus lane or along a bus route." Waiting is the problem: you may not "wait for passengers in a bus stop, bus lane or double parked on a bus route."

ACE is different from DOT's stationary bus lane cameras, which are mounted on poles. DOT says stationary cameras mostly catch "illegally driving in bus lanes and busways" and "complement ACE cameras, which focus on parking and standing violations" (NYC DOT).

The fine ladder

The MTA says fines "start at $50 and increase by $50 for each additional violation received, up to a maximum of $250 per violation." The Department of Finance lists the ACE codes as 12 ("Mobile MTA bus lane violation") and 15 ("Mobile MTA double parking violation"), each "based on violations received in a 12-month period": $50, $100, $150, $200, then $250 for each one after (NYC DOF violation codes). Prices as of October 12, 2026.

Warning periods

When ACE starts on a route, there is a grace period first. The MTA: "On each ACE bus route, the MTA and City issue warning notices for 60 days before fine-bearing violations begin." The MTA page lists the routes in their warning period; it says ACE is "currently active on 76 bus routes", and routes keep being added. A warning notice is a sign that the cameras on that route are now live.

Where you will see this term

• On signs along camera corridors. DOT says they warn drivers "to keep out of bus lanes, except for allowed right turns and passenger pick-ups or drop offs" (NYC DOT Vision Zero).
• On a Notice of Liability from the Department of Finance, with code 12 or 15.
• At violationinfo.com, where DOT says you can view the video used for a bus lane camera violation.

Common mix-ups

• ACE vs TLC summons. ACE is a City camera ticket handled by the Department of Finance. It is not an OATH TLC summons and carries no TLC points.
• ACE vs busway. A busway is a street where only buses (and usually trucks) may drive through. ACE is a camera; it can operate on busways and ordinary bus lanes. See busway.

The full rules, every busway and how to contest are in bus lanes, busways and ACE cameras. Quick answer for drop-offs: can I drop off passengers in a bus lane. Where bus routes and pickups overlap most: busiest pickup zones and rideshare trips by borough. More on the places hub.