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Phoenix Speed Cameras Are Back: What Arizona Drivers Need to Know About Photo Enforcement

  • Writer: Julie Vo
    Julie Vo
  • 16 hours ago
  • 5 min read

Every year, hundreds of Arizonans lose their lives in speed-related crashes. In response, cities across the Valley—including Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale—have expanded the use of photo enforcement cameras in an effort to reduce dangerous driving behaviors.


If you've noticed new cameras appearing around town, you're not alone. Here's what drivers need to know about Arizona's growing photo enforcement programs, why they're being used, and how to avoid receiving a citation.


Phoenix Restarts Photo Enforcement

In 2026, the City of Phoenix restarted its Photo Safety Program, placing speed-monitoring cameras on several high-crash corridors and school zones throughout the city. The goal isn't simply to issue tickets. City officials say the program is designed to reduce speeding-related crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities.


Phoenix selected camera locations based on crash data and roadway safety concerns. During the program's warning period, city officials reported that cameras recorded more than 70,000 speeding violations in just 30 days.


The city's Photo Safety Program is part of its broader Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Phoenix roadways.



Photo Enforcement Results from Tempe

Phoenix is not the only city increasing the use of traffic cameras. Several East Valley cities have either expanded or maintained photo enforcement programs in recent years as part of broader traffic safety initiatives.


In 2025, Tempe launched one of the largest new photo enforcement programs in Arizona. The city installed cameras at 14 intersections along with mobile speed enforcement units that can be relocated throughout the city.


According to Tempe officials, the purpose is to reduce speeding, discourage red-light running, and improve safety at intersections with histories of crashes and dangerous driving behavior.

The City of Tempe cites research showing that photo enforcement can significantly reduce collisions. The city references studies indicating that speed-related crashes declined by 65% and overall collisions decreased by 23% at monitored intersections in Scottsdale.


Within the first few weeks of enforcement, Tempe cameras recorded more than 2,200 violations, including both speeding and red-light offenses. By 2026, the city reported issuing more than 26,000 citations during the program's first six months while also reporting reductions in collisions at monitored intersections.


Scottsdale's Long-Running Camera Program

While Tempe's program is relatively new, Scottsdale has operated photo enforcement since 1996 and maintains one of the most established camera programs in Arizona.


Scottsdale currently uses both red-light and speed enforcement cameras at major intersections throughout the city. According to Scottsdale Police, the program focuses on reducing crashes caused by excessive speed and red-light violations.


Scottsdale's published information states that enforcement generally focuses on drivers traveling more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit. The purpose is to focus enforcement efforts on higher-risk driving behaviors rather than minor speed variations.


The city also notes that crash risk rises dramatically as speeds increase. According to Scottsdale's traffic safety information, the likelihood of being involved in a crash roughly doubles at 10 mph over the speed limit and increases substantially at higher speeds.


Why Speeding Is More Dangerous Than Most Drivers Realize

Many drivers think driving 10 or 15 mph over the speed limit isn't a major concern. However, crash severity increases dramatically as speed increases.


Higher speeds reduce reaction time, increase stopping distance, and make crashes significantly more severe. Even a small increase in speed can dramatically increase the likelihood of serious injury or death during a collision.


According to Arizona traffic safety data:

  • 1,228 people lost their lives in traffic crashes statewide in 2024.

  • Speeding contributed to 417 deaths.

  • More than 20,700 people were injured in speed-related crashes.

  • Approximately one-third of all Arizona traffic fatalities involved speeding.


These statistics help explain why cities across Arizona continue investing in traffic safety programs and speed enforcement initiatives.


How Fast Do You Have to Be Going to Get a Ticket?

According to reports on Phoenix's current program, citations are generally issued when a vehicle is traveling approximately 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit.


Examples include:

  • In a 35 mph zone, 46 mph or higher may trigger enforcement.

  • In a 40 mph zone, 51 mph or higher may trigger enforcement.

  • In a 45 mph zone, 56 mph or higher may trigger enforcement.


However, every recorded event is reviewed before a citation is issued, and drivers should always obey the posted speed limit regardless of enforcement thresholds.


Have Speed Limits Been Reduced?

Yes. As part of Phoenix's Vision Zero initiative and other local traffic safety efforts, speed limits have been reduced on certain corridors throughout the Valley. Many drivers assume a road still carries the same speed limit it did years ago. Before accelerating, take a moment to check posted signs—especially on roads you don't travel regularly.


Are Red-Light Cameras Still a Concern?

Running a red light remains one of the most dangerous traffic violations because it often results in high-speed side-impact crashes. Even if a driver believes they can "make the yellow," the safest choice is usually to slow down and stop when it can be done safely. Red-light violations continue to be a major focus of photo enforcement programs because of the serious injuries and fatalities that can result from intersection crashes.


Where Are Cameras Located?

Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale publish information about their photo enforcement programs on their official websites. Camera locations may change over time, particularly in Tempe where mobile speed enforcement units can be relocated. Rather than focusing on where cameras are located, drivers should focus on consistently following traffic laws wherever they travel.


The Easiest Way to Avoid a Camera Ticket

The answer is simple: know the speed limit and drive at or below it. Many drivers receive citations because they rely on the speed of surrounding traffic rather than checking posted speed limits. Just because other vehicles are speeding doesn't make it legal.


A few simple tips can help:

  • Use cruise control on major arterial roads.

  • Pay extra attention when entering school zones.

  • Watch for recent speed limit changes.

  • Slow down when approaching intersections.

  • Allow extra travel time so you don't feel rushed.

  • Stay alert and avoid distractions behind the wheel.


The Bottom Line

Whether drivers agree with photo enforcement or not, cities across Arizona are increasingly using technology to address speeding, red-light running, and other dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious crashes.


While some drivers focus on where cameras are located, the reality is that photo enforcement programs are expanding across the Valley. Whether you're driving in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, or another Arizona community, the safest and most cost-effective strategy is simple: obey posted speed limits, stop for red lights, and stay focused behind the wheel.


Not only can this help you avoid a citation, but it can also help protect you, your passengers, and everyone sharing Arizona's roads.


This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Traffic laws, insurance requirements, and enforcement practices may change. Readers should verify all information with official sources such as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI), or legal professionals.


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