General Questions

Below you will find general questions regarding the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Photo Enforcement Program.

Photo Enforcement Common Questions

 

Is speeding really a safety problem?
Speeding is a factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in the United States. Every year more than 13,000 people die from speed related collisions. Speed increases the severity of the crash by increasing the energy of the impact.

Isn’t speed variation between the two cars the real issue in an accident?
No, nearly 50% of all speed related crashes are single vehicle accidents. The risk of death and injury is directly proportional to the level of speed.

If photo enforcement cameras are so new in the United States, how do we know they are effective?
Victoria, Australia and Great Britain have utilized photo enforcement systems for well over two decades. The number of motorists exceeding the speed limit in monitored roadways is down 66% in Victoria and 32% in Britain. Crashes have been reduced in Victoria by up to 35% and up to 40% in Britain. Source: Insurance Institute of Highway Safety Vol. 40 No. 8 September 28, 2005

Are there any photo enforcement speed studies in the United States?
Yes, a comprehensive statistical analysis was recently conducted by the Arizona State University for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) following the first ever United States Freeway program. When examining the crashes the study used non-peak hours which amounted to approximately 18 hours per day on the weekdays and all day during the weekend. It was determined that during the peak or "rush hour" periods, traffic was slowed below the posted speed limit due to congestion. The program results were dramatic:

• The program reduced average speeds by approximately 9 mph.
• Total collisions were reduced by 44% to 54%
  Total injury crashes were reduced by 28% to 48%
• Single vehicle crashes were reduced by 59% to 63%
• Sideswipe collisions were reduced by 33% to 48%
• * Rear end collisions ranged from a 14% increase down to a 23% decrease dependent upon which of the comparison models were used.

*The 14% figure was derived from a before and after study using a comparison group and calculating the expected collisions for the test area. When this was corrected for an increase in traffic flow the figure was found to be a 18% decrease, in the third model it was corrected for additional time trends and was found to be a reduction of 23% in rear end collisions. All three rear end collision figures were found scientifically insignificant due to the small sample sizes.

These numbers were taken from an AZDOT study titled; Evaluation of City of Scottsdale Loop 101 Photo Enforcement Demonstration Program, Final Report AZ-684. Click here for additional information on the study.

How long does it take to receive a citation in the mail?
It takes a minimum of 7 days to process and mail a violation.

What do I do if I am not the driver?
If you were not the driver at the time of the violation, you may identify the driver in the space provided in section “B” of the information mailed. Mail section “B” in the enclosed envelope before the appearance date. You must include an enlarged clear copy of your driver license to request to exclude yourself as the driver. If you no longer own the vehicle you can identify the business or person to whom you sold the vehicle. No further action on your behalf is required if all requested information is provided. If the vehicle or license plates were stolen at the time of the violation, please provide the agency name and case number in which the report was filed. If you are unsure what to do, call the PHOTO ENFORCMENT PROGRAM CALL CENTER 1-866-839-5839.

I no longer own the car, am I still responsible for the citation?
If you no longer own the vehicle you can identify the business or person to whom you sold the vehicle. If the vehicle or license plates were stolen at the time of the violation, please provide the agency name and case number in which the report was filed in section “B” of the information provided in the mailing sent to you. If you are unsure what to do, call the PHOTO ENFORCMENT PROGRAM CALL CENTER 1-866-839-5839.

Do Photo Enforcement flash units cause collisions?
No. The flash duration is less than 1/2000th of a second. That is shorter than lighting due to weather. The intensity of the flash varies depending on the time of day and the deployment location. Based on the configuration of the photo enforcement equipment and the distances between the vehicle and the flash equipment, the intensity of the flash is significantly less than that of a photographers externally mounted flash when standing six feet in front of a subject. The effect of an unanticipated flash, whether a photo enforcement flash or a photographer’s flash, seems to draw the most concern. The Department continues to pursue technology that would diminish the intensity or eliminate the flash all together in some applications.

Are license plate sprays and covers that are sold to prevent photography of plates by Photo Enforcement cameras prohibited by law?

• Please review ARS 28-2354. License plates; attachment

The Department of Public Safety interprets this statute as follows;

All characters of any license plate issued by any state or country must be clearly visible at all times from the rear. This includes being viewed from angles to the left and right in the event an officer should have to read the license plate from an adjacent lane.

The Officers of the Department of Public Safety may take enforcement action, to include issuance of a citation, if a license plate is not clearly visible.

How do the cameras work?
Click here to view the statement of technologies.

Does the Department own the equipment used to detect the speed and capture the images?
No, the Department has a contractor that provides the speed detection devices, the cameras and the personnel to operate them.

What speed are the cameras set to flash?
The “trigger” speed is set to eleven (11) Miles Per Hour (MPH) over the posted speed limit in all locations except for school zones which will remain at six (6) Miles Per Hour (MPH).

How can I find out if I have other outstanding obligations with Arizona Courts?
Click here to inquire.

How often are the systems checked for accuracy?
The mobile systems, which use RADAR to determine speed, are checked for accuracy at the beginning and end of each shift by the operator. The stationary systems, which use time and distance to determine speed, are checked for accuracy on a monthly basis. In the event the complaint is challenged in court, copies of the records are made and provided as evidence.