Photo Radar Frequently Asked Que

While the Police Department does a great job to make Tempe streets safe, Tempe’s Photo Enforcement Program provides round-the-clock monitoring of intersections where accidents occur most frequently. Offenders have the option of paying a fine or paying a fee to attend defensive driving school. Citations are printed with photographic records of the offense so drivers can see the record personally.

Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions about red light and speed camera enforcement along with the exact locations of all fixed system photo radar equipment

Mill Ave and Southern Ave
600 S Priest Road
200 S Rural Road
500 s. Rural Road
Rural Road at University Drive
McClintock Drive at Guadalupe Road
McClintock Drive at Rio Salado Pkwy
48th Street and Broadway Road
Rural Road and Warner Road

A red light violation occurs when a vehicle crosses the legal violation point and proceeds through the intersection after the traffic light has turned red. It is not a violation if the vehicle has entered the intersection prior to the signal turning red (such as to complete a left hand turn)

In Arizona the point of violation is defined as the “Prolongation” of the Curb Line. Simply stated this is a line from the curb face on one side of the street to the curb face on the opposite side of the street. If a vehicle crosses this point after the traffic control light has turned red, they are in violation of running the red light. On right turns on red signal, the vehicle must make a complete and discernable stop, prior to the point of violation, and then may proceed through when traffic has cleared and it is safe to do so.

Each intersection is outfitted with a high resolution high speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the intersection and are only activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has turned red. The cameras take two digital photos which document the violation and are mailed with a citation to the registered owner of the vehicle. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle runs a red light and all intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The Tempe Police Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain images of the violation vehicle before it enters the intersection, while the vehicle is in the intersection, the vehicle license plate and an image of the driver.

Yes. Red light cameras have been proven to be effective in reducing red light violations and right-angle crashes. Cities using these systems consistently report safer roads with fewer intersection collisions.

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

No. Citations are only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection AFTER the light has turned red. If you enter the intersection on a green or yellow light you will not be photographed by the camera system.

Mobile Speed Vans: The Tempe Police Department has contracted with Redflex Traffic Systems, of Scottsdale, AZ., to deploy mobile speed vans throughout the City. Each van is staffed by a Redflex employee, who is visually observing each violation. The vans are set up with a sophisticated RADAR unit that monitors vehicle speeds as traffic approaches and passes the van. If a vehicle is exceeding the ‘enforcement’ speed, the RADAR unit signals the cameras to take a picture of the violating vehicle as it approaches the enforcement van and a second image as it goes past the van. These images document the driver, vehicle and license plate of the violating vehicle.

Intersection Speed Cameras: Tempe has also implemented intersection speed enforcement cameras. The intersection speed cameras are the same units that record red light violations. However they are specially programmed to also register the speed of a vehicle as it enters the intersection. If the speed of the vehicle is over the ‘enforcement’ speed, the cameras will activate and record the speed violation. A citation will then be generated for the speeding violation in the same manner that the red light citations are generated.

The fine for a Red-Light camera violation, Speed on Green violation and exceeding the posted limit in Tempe is $161.00. The fine for speeding in a school zone is $223.00.

What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the citation?

The owner should read and submit the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility (Option “B”) found on page one of the citation received in the mail, within 30 days of the Issue Date of the Notice of Violation. The owner should submit the name and address of the person responsible for the violation and return it to Redflex Traffic Systems at the address shown on the citation. A clear, enlarged photocopy of the registered owner’s driver’s license MUST accompany the affidavit. If the information is acceptable, the violation will be taken out of the registered owner’s name and a new citation will be issued with the information provided on the affidavit. If the car has been reported stolen at the time of the violation, the owner must submit a copy of the filed police report with a signed Affidavit of Non-Responsibility.

Can I receive citations for other offenses as a result of my red light camera or photo speed citation?

No. Drivers who receive photo citations are cited for red light or speed violations. The Tempe Police Department has chosen not to assign multiple violations at this time.

Fines on Citations will be mailed directly to the Tempe City Court. The payment coupon will contain the court’s address. The courts will accept payment by the following methods:

· Automated payment by phone- 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week with a major credit/debit card by calling 480-350-8800 or 1-877-729-2687

· Through the mail by check, money order, or credit card. A copy of the citation must be included in the mailing. Please include the complaint number, which can be found on the citation. Fines may be mailed to:

· By drop box. There are two drop boxes available for the payment of fines. One is located directly in front of the court building, at 140 E 5^th St. and the other is on the south side of the parking lot west of City Hall at 31 E 5^th St.

· In person, at the Tempe City Court by cash, check, money order, or credit card.

Sign the front and mail "Section B," which has the notice number on the back, along with a clear copy of your driver's license to:

Sign the front of Section "C" and "D" and then, on the back, place a check mark by option C or D. Mail this section to:

Redflex customer service can be reached toll free: Monday thru Friday, 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CALL: (800) 752-4874 or 24-hours a day at 480/350-8532.