Department of Public Safety - Photo Enforcement Program

The Department’s photo enforcement program began operating in October 2008. The program has 76 photo enforcement camera units on highways state-wide. These cameras take photos of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 11 mph or more. If the Department can identify the driver, it notifies him/her of the offense by mail. Individuals can pay the fine, deny responsibility, or request a hearing. Projected revenue for the program’s first year was $90 million, but only $37 million in fines was collected. Reasons include that detections decrease as motorists become aware of the program and change their driving behavior. Monies collected are used for program operations, and some revenue is deposited in the State General Fund—$19 million as of October 2009. Surveys indicate that the majority of Arizonans support photo enforcement.