Photo Enforcement

Font Size: + -

To view case-specific information such as scheduled court dates, the status of a motion, or current balance due, please visit https://courtcaseinfo.tempe.gov/.

Upon Receiving Your Photo Enforcement Complaint:

If you receive a photo enforcement complaint, there are several options for resolving the charge:

Option A: Pay the Fine

Each Photo Enforcement violation has a fine or sanction amount that is expected to be paid in full on, or before the assigned court date. Click here to view the fine or sanction schedule. The fine amount for your complaint should be imprinted on your copy of the complaint. The court accepts payment via cash, cashier's check, personal check, money order, all major credit cards, and select debit cards.

Do not ignore your responsibility to pay the fines because of financial hardship as there are several payment options available from the court. If you intend to plead responsible but cannot afford to pay the full amount of court fines and fees, you may request a time payment plan from the Court.

Pay online - click here to visit the City of Tempe Online Payment Portal to pay online

Pay in person: You may pay your fine, in person, at the Tempe Municipal Court. Click here to view contact information and hours of operation for the Tempe Municipal Court.

Pay by mail: please complete the Option A coupon from page 2 of your complaint and return with your payment in the enclosed postage paid envelope. Also include your complaint number on the check or money order to ensure timely processing.

By paying you: (I) Admit responsibility and understand the Court will not reverse your plea of responsibility or allow you to attend Driving School once fine is paid, and (II) waive your right to a hearing and appeal, and (III) understand if paying a fine on a red light charge the Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will require you to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS).

Option B: Declaration of a non-driver (you weren't the driver)

If you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation, please complete the Option B coupon on page 2 of the complaint and return it in the enclosed postage paid envelope at least 7 days before your court date to allow for processing/validation. If you do not obtain a response from the Tempe Police Department by your court date, you must appear for your court date.

You must include a clear copy of Government-issued photo identification as proof you were not the driver. Submit your ID directly to the Photo Enforcement Unit:

Tempe Police Department
Photo Enforcement Unit
1855 East Apache Boulevard
Tempe, AZ 85281

Note: if a copy of D/L is not enclosed, your declaration will not be processed, and the complaint will not be acknowledged or satisfied.

Pursuant to A.R.S §28-1602(A)(1)(2) and A.R.S §28-1602(B)(1)(2), You are not obligated to identify who is in the photo or respond to the notice of violation for certain traffic offenses captured by photo enforcement systems, although ignoring it may lead to official service and additional fees.

A.R.S §28-1602(A)(1)(2) - Click here to view information about A.R.S §28-1602(A)(1)(2)

A.R.S §28-1602(B)(1)(2) - Click here to view information about A.R.S §28-1602(B)(1)(2)

If it is determined by the state that you were not the driver, your complaint will be dismissed and a new complaint will then be issued to the appropriate party.

Option C: Request a trial/hearing

Do NOT request a hearing if you were not the driver. See Option B.

If you were the driver, you may request a hearing to contest the complaint. To do this, you must complete the information on the Option C coupon on page 2 of your complaint and return it to the Court in the enclosed postage paid envelope at least 7 days before your court date to avoid a delinquency notice.

You may also request a civil hearing in person. Click here to view the Request a Trial/Hearing form.

You will be notified by mail/email of your hearing date. You must appear for your hearing on the date and time assigned by the court. At that time you will be afforded the opportunity to testify regarding your case and to question the state's evidence.

Evidence (exhibits) may be required to be submitted through the Court's Digital Evidence platform. Click here to view the Digital Evidence website. Parties are responsible for ensuring their digital content is properly formatted and for providing a compatible media device. Click here to view a list of supported digital formats for displaying evidence. If any evidence is presented to the Court on a personal electronic device, the Court is required to hold the device for a minimum of 14 days, pending the parties’ right to appeal the Court’s decision.

Option D: Attend Defensive Driving School (DDS)

By attending a Defensive Driving School you will receive a dismissal for one "moving" violation. However, not all violations are eligible for this program. Click here to view the Fine Payment and Sanction Schedule Webpage and information on eligible violations.
Click here to view more information on the Defensive Driving School Webpage.
To enroll in the Defensive Driving Program, log on to http://www.azdrive.com or call 1-888-334-5565.