FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
AUTOMATED RED
LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
Q: What is a Red Light Camera Enforcement
Program?
A: This is a traffic safety
program in which a city utilizes 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.
Q: Why are they used?
A: 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.
Q: How do Red Light Cameras work?
A: Each intersection is outfitted
with high resolution high speed digital cameras. The camera is activated
by sensors which are located at the intersection and are only activated when a
vehicle is detected entering the intersection after the light has turned
red. The camera takes three digital photographs that are reviewed by the
police prior to a complaint being issued and mailed to the registered owner of
the vehicle. The program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in all
weather conditions. The complaint
will contain images of the vehicle, the license plate, and the driver. All
intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked.
Q: How do the Photo Safety Speed Vans work?
A: The Phoenix Police Department
deploys Photo Safety Vans at or around schools throughout the City. Each van is staffed by an operator, who is
visually observing each violation. The
vans are setup with sophisticated radar equipment that monitors vehicle speeds
as traffic approaches and passes the van.
If a vehicle is exceeding the posted speed, the radar equipment signals
the cameras to take a picture of the vehicle as it passes the enforcement van
and a second image as it goes past the van. These images document the driver,
vehicle, and license plate of the vehicle that the operator observes. The
Phoenix Police Department reviews each incident before a complaint is issued.
The complaint will contain images of the vehicle, the license plate, and the
driver.
Q: Are Photo Safety Enforcement Programs effective?
A: Yes. Red Light and Photo Speed cameras have been
proven to be effective in reducing red light violations and right-angle collisions. Cities using these systems consistently
report safer roads with fewer collisions.
Q: Who receives the ticket?
A: Complaints are mailed to the
registered owner of the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle if identified by
the registered owner.
Q: What is the amount of the fine?
A: The fine amount due is
listed on this table.
|
VIOLATION TYPE |
VIOLATION CODE |
FINE AMOUNT |
|
Red Light |
28-645A3A |
$248.40 |
|
Speed in School Zone |
28-797H |
$267.40 |
|
Speed (0-9 mph) |
28-701A |
$189.40 |
|
Speed (10-15 mph) |
28-701A |
$199.40 |
|
Speed (16-20 mph) |
28-701A |
$219.40 |
|
Speed (21+mph over) |
28-701A |
Must
appear in Court or complete |
Q: I am the registered owner but
I was not driving the vehicle at the time of the traffic violation. What should I do?
A: As the owner you must complete
and return the Declaration of Non-Driver form,
Option B, found on page 2 of the complaint within 30 days of the mailed date. You
must provide a clear copy of your driver license or government-issued photo
identification for the police to review.
You may also provide the name and address of the actual driver of the
vehicle at the time of the violation and return the information to the Phoenix
Municipal Court using the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If the information is approved by the
reviewing police officer, the Police will request that the original complaint
be dismissed and a new complaint will be issued to the actual driver.
If the car had been reported stolen at the time of the violation, you
must submit a copy of the filed police report with a signed Declaration of Non-Driver form and a
copy of your driver license or government-issued photo identification.
Q: Can I make a credit card payment by telephone or
on-line?
A: Yes.
You may pay with a credit card by calling the Phoenix Municipal Court at 602-262-6421
during business hours or on-line at www.azcourtpay.com. You will need your Case number as listed
on your complaint when making a payment.
Q: Where do I mail my payment?
A: Mail your
cashier check, money order or personal check, payable to the Phoenix Municipal
Court, along with the Option A coupon on page 2 in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope, making sure the pre-printed address shows through the envelope
window. Do Not Mail Cash. Write your
Complaint Number on the payment instrument.
Q: Can I pay my fine in person?
A: Yes.
You can pay your fine in person at the Phoenix Municipal Court,
Q: How can I challenge a traffic ticket?
A: If you wish to contest this complaint, you must complete the Option C coupon on page 2 and return in the enclosed postage-paid envelope immediately to receive a hearing date and to avoid being personally served.
Q: Are there any points associated with a Red Light or Speed violation?
A: Yes. If you are found responsible for the charge, points are added to your driving record with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) as follows:
|
VIOLATION Type |
# of
Points |
|
28-645A3A - Red Light |
2 |
|
28-797H - Speed in a school zone |
2 |
|
28-701A - Speed greater than reasonable and prudent |
3 |
Q: Can I attend traffic school to satisfy
my complaint?
A: If you are eligible and chose OPTION “D” ATTEND DEFENSIVE DRIVING SCHOOL, you do not have to pay the court fine; you
will only pay the fee to the school.
To attend a Defensive Driving class, you must schedule and attend a class that has been certified by the Arizona Supreme Court. The schools you can attend are listed on the Supreme Court website at www.supreme.state.az.us/driveschoolinfo or by calling a recorded message at 1-888-334-5565. The Phoenix Municipal Court ID number is 0741.
You must complete
your class at least seven (7)
calendar days before the court date listed on front of your summons and
complaint. Once you complete the class,
the school will notify the Court of your attendance. If you do not live in the State of
Bring the following to the class:
· Your driver license or government-issued identification (ID)
· Your copy of the Summons and Complaint
· A Money Order or Cashier Check for the amount specified by the school for your class attendance
If you hold a Commercial Driver License
(CDL), you are not eligible to attend a defensive driving class for complaint
dismissal.
Q: How do I view the
images from my ticket?
A: You may view your photographs and video on-line by logging in with your Notice Number and Pin at www.violationinfo.com. Your Notice Number and Pin are located on your Complaint.
Q: Where can I get help with questions
regarding my ticket?
A: You may contact the Phoenix Municipal Court at 602-262-6421. The Court is open for business, Monday through Friday, excluding
legal holidays; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Q: Will
intersections that have red light cameras be publicized?
A: Yes, locations will be listed
on the City of
Northern Ave. @
