April 8, 2026 | Car Accidents
With advancements in modern technology, many local municipalities are turning to cameras to help enforce traffic rules. Getting a red light or speeding ticket in Phoenix can be expensive, and receiving one of these citations in the mail can be surprising and frustrating.
Keep reading below to learn all the details about traffic and red light cameras in Phoenix, AZ.
Does Phoenix, AZ, Use Traffic Cameras?
Phoenix, Arizona, uses traffic cameras for speed monitoring at various intersections throughout the city. The red light camera program in Phoenix was temporarily halted, but photo safety cameras returned in early 2026. These cameras are intended to improve driver safety and reduce car accidents by changing driver behavior.
A total of 17 cameras are currently in use across the city. These cameras are deployed at locations with a history of speed-related crashes. Cameras will rotate to new locations every six months. Additionally, the city is deploying speed-monitoring cameras in 15-mph school zones, and these school-zone cameras will rotate to new locations each week.
How Will I Receive a Traffic Camera Citation?
If you are caught speeding by one of the cameras in Phoenix, you will receive your citation in the mail. The City of Phoenix will never send communications to you via email, text, or phone calls. As part of this renewed camera enforcement program, drivers initially began to receive warnings for their speed in the mail.
However, citations will begin going out to drivers as of March 25, 2026.
What Options Do I Have if I Receive a Citation?
If you get a traffic ticket because you were caught breaking the law on camera, you have a few options. You can:
- Pay the ticket
- Request defensive driving school (in some cases)
- Dispute the ticket in court
If you decide to pay the ticket, you can do so online, by mail, or in person. If you decide to dispute the ticket in court, it could benefit you to hire an experienced lawyer to help. Since the citation that you receive in the mail is technically a “Notice of Citation,” you will need to be formally served if you choose to simply ignore the notice you receive in the mail.
Some of these tickets end up being dismissed because the driver is never served with the citation.
How Much Will My Ticket Cost?
Citations issued by the camera system in Phoenix can come along with some steep fines. Arizona drivers pay some of the highest fines and penalties of any state in the country. A speeding infraction ticket will typically cost you about $250, but that fine can be even higher if you were traveling more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit.
Will a Traffic Camera Citation Go on My Driving Record?
Yes, a citation issued by a traffic camera in Phoenix could potentially go on your record. These tickets are generally considered “moving violations,” and they may result in fines as well as points on your license. Additionally, these violations could result in higher insurance premiums since they may end up on your driving record.
Can a Traffic Camera Help Prove Fault in a Car Accident?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Phoenix, it is possible that these traffic cameras captured what happened. The footage from the camera could help your case and prove who has liability for your damages.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove your claim, including making the necessary requests to obtain camera footage when necessary.
Contact KRLG Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer
Traffic and red light cameras are becoming an increasingly common part of traffic enforcement in Phoenix, AZ. If you’ve been involved in a car accident or believe a traffic camera citation may impact your situation, gathering the right evidence and understanding local laws can make a difference.
At KRLG Injury Lawyers, we can thoroughly evaluate your case to identify potential evidence that may be useful to your claim. Reach out to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix car accident attorney and let us help you maximize the value of your recovery today.