Here you
will find some of the most frequently asked questions about red light and speed
camera enforcement. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact
us using the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.
What is
a Red Light Camera Enforcement Program?
This is a
traffic safety program in which a city uses a state-of-the-art digital camera
and violation detection system installed at intersections for the purpose of
decreasing the number of red-light runners and reducing collisions.
Why are
they used?
According
to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety red light running is a leading
cause of urban crashes and often causes injury and death. Cities install the system to improve public
safety by deterring red light running.
What is
a red light violation?
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.
How does
it work?
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 four 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 Mesa Police
Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations
contain images of the violation vehicle before it enters the intersection,
while it is in the intersection the license plate and a image of the driver.
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 intersections 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.
How do
the speed cameras work?
Intersection
Speed Cameras:
Mesa has 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 excessive, (11 mph and greater
over the posted limit), the cameras will initiate and record the speed
violation.
Who
receives the citation?
Citations
are mailed to the registered owner or the driver (if identified) of the vehicle.
What is
the amount of the fine?
Please refer to www.mesaaz.gov/court for sanction amounts.
What if
the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the citation?
The owner
or driver (if identified) 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 violation date. The owner should submit the
name and address of the person responsible for the violation and return it to
the Mesa Police address shown on the citation. If the information is
acceptable, the violation will be taken out of the registered owners name and
the citation will be re-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
Mesa Police have chosen not to assign multiple violations.
Will
intersections that have red light cameras be publicized?
Yes,
locations will be announced and listed in the local newspaper and on the city
website. In addition, they are listed at the following link: http://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/police/divisions/photo-safety-program.
The daily
deployment locations of Mesa’s Speed Enforcement vans can be found on the Mesa
Police Web site: http://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/police/divisions/photo-safety-program.
Where do
I mail my payment?
Mail your
check or money order, payable to the City Mesa, 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 Notice
Number on the check.
Mesa Municipal Court
Photo Safety Program
250 E 1st Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
Can I
pay my fine in person?
You may
also pay in person at the Mesa Municipal Court; 250 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 between
the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
Where do
I mail my Affidavit of Non-Responsibility?
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:
Mesa Police
Department
Photo Safety Program
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211-1466
What if
I want to request a hearing or attend Defensive Driving School?
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:
Mesa Municipal Court
250 E 1st Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
Where
can I get help with my photo safety citation?
Customer
service can be reached toll free: Monday thru Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00
P.M. CALL: (866) 790-4111
The City of
Mesa, the Mesa Police Department and American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS)
have joined together to improve the safety for students, faculty and community
members in the Rhodes Jr. high school corridor on West Baseline Road, Fremont
Jr. high school corridor on Power Road, Brimhall Jr.
high school corridor on Southern Avenue, Mesa High School, and Skyline High
School.
The
fixed-site speed cameras at school zones were the first of its kind in the
State of Arizona. Photo enforcement between Pennington and Longmore
was the first mid-block speed camera system in Mesa. The system consists of
sensors in each lane that detects the speed of all vehicles that pass over
them. The cameras, at all three school locations, are operational 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. When the school zone yellow lights are flashing,
a reduced speed limit of 35 miles per hour is enforced and during non-school
periods the speed limit of 45 miles per hour is enforced. The cameras
photograph the front and rear of the vehicle traveling 11 miles over the posted
speed limit. The speed technology in the system is synchronized with the
flashing lights to ensure violations are captured with the appropriate speed
limit.
In addition
to the fixed speed cameras, streaming video is provided for court purposes and
on the citation website for recipients to view.
AZDPS
#1675900