Photo Enforcement

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The City of Tempe has installed photo enforcement cameras at 14 intersections to improve roadway safety and encourage responsible driving. The goal is simple: slow down, stop at red lights, and prevent crashes.

Tempe is committed to making our roads safer, and research shows that photo enforcement works. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, these systems can reduce crashes by more than 50%. A study by Lee Engineering found that at Scottsdale intersections with photo enforcement, speed-related crashes declined by 65% and overall collisions decreased by 23%.

Tempe’s photo enforcement cameras became operational on May 7, 2025, beginning with a 30-day warning period to help drivers adjust to the new system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fine amount for a violation?

Any vehicle captured speeding or running a red light will receive civil citation with a fine of $250. If a red light is run while speeding, that is a second citation. Criminal charges could apply for excessive speeds as indicated in A.R.S. 28-701.02. A member of the Tempe Police Department will verify each violation before a complaint is issued.

Starting Sept. 26, 2025, the new total amount due for photo enforcement violations will be $252.

How does the system work?

State-of-the-art digital cameras identify vehicles driving at an enforceable speed or running a red light. Two images are recorded, one of the intersection and one close up picture of the license plate. These two photos along with some additional data is sent to the Tempe Police Department. Each violation is reviewed and citations are issued to those who the police identify as the driver of the violating vehicle.

The camera light flashed as I drove through the intersection, has a citation been issued to me?

What if the person cited was not driving the vehicle at the time of the traffic violation?

The person cited must complete and return the Declaration of Non-Driver form, Option B, found on page 2 of the complaint within 30 days of the mailed date. The person cited must provide a clear copy of their driver's license or government-issued photo identification for the police to review. You may also provide the name and address of the actual driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation and return the information to the Tempe Police Department using the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

If the information is approved by the Police Department, they will request that the original complaint be dismissed and a new complaint will be issued to the actual driver. If the car had been reported stolen at the time of the violation, the person cited must submit a copy of the filed police report with a signed Declaration of Non-Driver form and a copy of their driver's license or government-issued photo identification.

How do I contest the complaint?

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. To avoid delays, we recommend that you request a hearing by email.

You will be notified by mail 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.

If I am already in the intersection when the light turns red, will I get a citation?

Can I avoid points against my license by taking defensive driving school?

How do I pay my fine?

Online: You can pay online by visiting www.tempe.gov/CourtPay.

Mail: Mail your cashier check, money order or personal check, payable to the Tempe Municipal Court, along with the tear-off coupon (Section "A") in the enclosed envelope, making sure the payment side shows through the envelope window. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Write your Complaint Number on your payment.

Tempe Municipal Court
140 East Fifth Street
Tempe, AZ 85281

In-Person: You can pay in person at the Tempe Municipal Court located at 140 East Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).

Listen

Photo Enforcement Camera Map

Check out this map of permanent photo enforcement locations. The City of Tempe also operates four mobile cameras that change location regularly.

Photo Enforcement Map_030625