How does photo radar and radar enforcement work?

While new to Tucson, photo enforcement has been used in many countries in Europe and has been spreading throughout the United States, including here in Southern Arizona in the phoenix metropolitan areas. What you probably didn't know is that the cameras are enforcing red light violations and speeding.

Red Light Enforcement

The camera will only take your picture if the system detects a violation triggered by sophisicated sensors, they are set to photograph your license plate and you, the driver. You will know if you may receive a violation as the flash on the camera will alert you.

According the Tucson Police Department's website:

"You will only receive a ticket if you enter the intersection after the signal turns red. According to the law, a vehicle must stop when facing a red light before entering the intersection. Entering the intersection is defined as the vehicle passing the lateral prolongation of the curb line, or the line between the curbs on each side of the street. If you have passed this line when the light turns red, you are legally in the intersection. It is good driving practice to not speed up into an intersection in an attempt to be past the curb extensions when the light turns red. All of the yellow lights in Tucson comply with federal standards for yellow light length. This means that if you are travelling the speed limit, adequate time exists for you to go through the intersection at a constant speed before the light turns red or for you to safely stop before the red light. As the driver, you will need to make the judgement as to which is the best course of action. If you feel you have to speed through an intersection, one of the most dangerous places to speed, you should consider a safe stop as an alternative."

Speed Enforcement

Yes, just like the hand held radar units used in patrol cars, the photo radar also enforces your speed. However, because they take into consideration variables in driving conditions, the system will only enforce a ticket if it records a vehicle traveling at 10 mph over the posted speed limit.

Other Violations

Did you think we were done? Nope, if you are caught on camera not wearing your seatbelt or with an expired registration, tickets for those violations are fair game.

The tickets are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle unless somehow it is determined that the driver does not match the description of the person that is registered, they will attempt to mail the ticket to the actual driver.

If you have received a dreaded, "Arizona Traffic Ticket and Complaint" you have the opportunity to review the photos that were taken as evidence at www.ViolationInfo.com. Although, all potential violations are reviewed by Police personnel before they are issued. So, if you have recieved a ticket in the mail, you probably have little argument against burden of proof.

But, let our legal system prevail, you still have the legal right to challenge the violation in court.

Can I obscure my license plate to avoid a ticket?

Not legally, Arizona law (ARS 28-2354) requires that, "A person shall maintain each license plate so it is clearly legible." If an officer determines that the license plate is obscured by either a spray or cover, they can issue a ticket for obstruction. Regardless, according to a Mythbusters episode, all of them are ineffective anyway.

What's it worth?

Red Light Violation $280.00
No Seat Belt Violation $48
Expired Registration violation in Tucson is $600.00 – this fine amount may be reduced to
$123.00 if you register your vehicle before your court date.

Fines for speed violations in Tucson are tiered based on how many miles per hour the
violator is traveling over the posted speed:
MPH Over Posted Fine
0-10 151.00
11-15 191.00
16-20 208.00
21-25 234.00
26-30 248.00
31 and over 366.00


Click here for a complete FAQ guide from the Tucson Police Department

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