Traffic Enforcement FAQs

​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 just prior to 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 and a short streaming video which is 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 with advance warning signs.

Q: Where are the Red Light Cameras located?​

35th Avenue & Cactus Road
35th Avenue & Glendale Avenue
16th Street & Jefferson Street
Tatum Boulevard & Thunderbird Road
67th Avenue & McDowell Road
Central Avenue & McDowell Road
53rd Avenue & Indian School Road
50th Street & Ray Road
7th Street & Bell Road
12th Street & Camelback Road
35th Avenue & McDowell Road
24th Street & Thomas Road​

​Q: How do the Photo Enforcement Speed Vans work?

A: The Phoenix Police Department deploys Photo Enforcement Vans at or around schools throughout the City. 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 approaches the enforcement van and a second image as it goes past the van. The incident is also recorded by a streaming video camera. 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 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: 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 No. as listed on your complaint when making a payment. The Court accepts most major credit cards by phone including American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA.

Q: Where do I mail my payment?

A: Mail your cashier check, money order or personal check, payable to the Phoenix Municipal Court, or your credit card payment information along with the OPTION A: PAY THE FINE 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.

PHOENIX MUNICIPAL COURT
PO BOX 25650
PHOENIX, AZ 85002-5650

Q: Can I pay my fine in person?

A: Yes. You can pay your fine in person at the Phoenix Municipal Court, 300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003. The Court is open for business, Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Q: How can I challenge a traffic ticket?

A: If you wish to contest this complaint, you must complete the OPTION C: REQUEST a HEARING 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:

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 Arizona, you can attend an out-of-state class once you have scheduled through an Arizona certified school. If you choose to attend the Defensive Driving Program class, you waive your right to a hearing or trial on this charge.

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 # and the City Code: PHNXAZ at www.photonotice.com Your Notice # and City Code are located on the front of your Complaint.

Q: I got a red light ticket and paid my fine. Why do I have to attend Traffic Survival School?

A: All persons who are convicted or found responsible for a red light charge (A.R.S. 28-645) are required by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to attend Traffic Survival School unless they are eligible and attend Defensive Driving School for dismissal of the charge. State law also requires any person under the age of 18 who holds a driver permit or license and has committed a moving traffic violation as a first time offense, must attend and successfully complete Traffic Survival School.

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 thru Friday, excluding legal holidays; from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.