|Photo Enforcement Program|

Due to the concern for Redflex employees safety, the Tempe Police Department will no longer list the locations of the mobile photo enforcement vans.

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 locations of all fixed system photo radar equipment:

PHOTO ENFORCEMENT LOCATIONS:

  • 600 S Priest Rd

  • 200 S Rural Rd

  • 500 S Rural Rd

  • Mill Ave and Southern Ave

  • Rural Rd and University Dr

  • McClintock Dr and Guadalupe Rd

  • McClintock Dr and Rio Salado Pkwy

  • 48th St and Broadway Rd

  • Rural Rd and Warner Rd

  • Rural Rd and Southern Ave

 

How does the Photo Enforcement program work?

The Photo Enforcement program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and operates in all weather conditions. Warning signs are posted on approach to a photo enforcement zone. The program works by using high resolution high speed digital cameras that are activated when a red light and/or speed violation occurs. The two different methods in which the violations are detected are by using fixed sensors or radar. The cameras are activated when either the sensors or radar detects that a violation has occurred. The cameras capture digital images that document the violation, the driver, vehicle and license plate. The Tempe Police Department reviews every violation. Upon review a Traffic Violation Notice or Arizona Ticket and Complaint is mailed. 

How does a red light camera work?

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. 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.

How do the speed cameras work?

Mobile Speed Vans:  The Tempe Police Department has contracted with Redflex Traffic Systems, of Scottsdale, AZ., to deploy mobile speed vans throughout the City. The vans are set up with a sophisticated RADAR unit that monitors vehicle speeds as traffic approaches the van. If a vehicle is exceeding the ‘enforcement’ speed, the RADAR unit signals the cameras to capture an image of the violating vehicle as it approaches the enforcement van and a second image as it goes past the van.

Fixed Speed Cameras:  Tempe has also implemented fixed speed cameras at various locations including intersections. If the speed of the vehicle is over the ‘enforcement’ speed, the cameras will activate and record the speed violation. The intersection speed cameras are the same units that record red light violations. They are specially programmed to also register the speed of a vehicle at a intersection.

Are red light cameras effective?

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 an image will not be captured by the camera system.

Who receives the Traffic Violation Notice or Arizona Ticket and Complaint?

A Traffic Violation Notice or Arizona Ticket and Complaint can be received at the registered owner’s or identified drivers address depending on information gathered during the review process.

What is the amount of the fine?

The fine for a photo enforcement violation in Tempe is $171.00.  

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

Both the Traffic Violation Notice and Arizona Ticket and Complaint have locations for the owner to 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 Traffic Violation Notice or Arizona Ticket and Complaint. Refer to the Traffic Violation Notice or Arizona Ticket and Complaint for specific detailed instructions/requirements.

Can I receive citations for offenses other than a red light and/or speed violations?

No, the Tempe Police Department has chosen not to issue citations for violations other than those directly related to the photo enforcement violation (such as not wearing a seatbelt, expired plates, etc.)

Where do I mail my payment?

Payments are to be mailed directly to the Tempe City Court. Refer to the AZ Traffic Ticket and Complaint for the payment options. For additional payment information go to http://www.tempe.gov/court/fines.html

What if I want to request a hearing or attend Defensive Driving School?

Refer to the Arizona Traffic Ticket and Complaint for specific detailed instructions/requirements to request a hearing or attend driving school.

Where can I get information regarding my Traffic Violation Notice or Arizona Ticket and Complaint?

You may call the Redflex Focus on Safety Call Center 1-800-752-4874 from 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday – Friday.

 

Together we can make Tempe safer.
Remember to slow down and red means stop.