Phoenix cameras starting on Friday

I drive all over the valley daily, let me know if I can help.

I drive I-10 daily, and I really appreciate the work others have put in on these files. I hope to contribute soon.

B.Chrish287...
I will be driving into the Phoenix area in a week or so and wanted to know how far west of Phoenix are the new collection to Speed Cameras located? Do they stretch back to the Calif. border?
JeffSh

wegasque-

Gender matching is done on the photo radar and red light citations. That doesn't mean if they can't tell by the photo exactly what gender the driver is they won't issue the citation. It will still get issued to the registered owner. It's a numbers game. They are hoping that you will get the citation and pay the fine. Their problem comes when you show up for your hearing. It is at that time that they must show that by a preponderance of the evidence (civil violation) or beyond a reasonable doubt (criminal violation) that it was you driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. If it isn't you, they will have to drop the complaint. My friend's case was just that and his and his wife's names are not androgynous. His name might as well be Man and hers Woman. Again, sometimes the close ones slip through. The payout for the state is worth the cost of the paper (in their opinion at least.)

As far as the service goes, you have 90 days to be served with a civil traffic violation that does not include a traffic accident. As far as avoiding the civil service, they can and will serve just about anyone who answers your door including your family members. Your friend is correct that if you respond to the citation, it has been served. This includes going to the DPS website to view your photo and video. You have to enter the first five numbers of the notice of violation or complaint number. To get this, you have to open the envelope. Bingo you are served. Other agencies make you sign a document to view the photos prior to court. This also serves as proof of service. Also, some sneaky agencies photograph you when you go to view you photos. This can also be used as proof against you in court (for those who try to change their appearance.

They obviously take the criminal violations a lot more seriously than the civil ones. if you remember the guy that got caught on the 101 in Scottsdale for doing over 120mph on several occasions. They assigned a detective to track him down, ID him and book him. Avoiding the service can be a gamble. One that you'd better be willing to take the consequences. The cameras are not going anywhere anytime soon. Thanks to the hard work of the people on this site, we have a tool to remind us to slow down. The best bet is to pay attention and avoid getting the ticket in the first place. Even the mobile vans are pretty obvious if you pay attention to the signs and the brake lights ahead of you.

They stretch back to the Cali border from what I have heard from friends(the furthest I have been West lately is about 400th Ave. Just be careful because they like to lower the speed limits right before the cams for no apparent reason other than trapping.

I don't travel US 60 on a regular basis, so I thought I'd post this link to an article that says that the test cameras up on US 60 will start issuing tickets on 1/1/09.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2008/12/29/...

The article mentions US 60 westbound at Gilbert Road, Mesa Drive and Alma School Road. I assume these locations are in the database - I thought we got all proposed cameras early on. Miss POI/FPichon, can you verify?

Phxpilot -

Are you an attorney? Or do you play one on tv? Not making fun, you've good really good comments. If you are an attorney, can you provide our users with free legal advice on whether civil citations could/should be ignored or not? I understand about the 90 day timeline for service, but it seems to me that since they do not send the citations registered mail or anything that indicates that the registered owner of the vehicle has received it, what would someone do if the US Mail didn't come through and the citation was never delivered? Just curious - one of my friends raised this argument and was thinking about using it since he was just "flashed."

You may be interested in:
http://www.photoradarlaw.com/service.htm

She's an attorney who has been on several local Radio/TV Stations in the Phoenix area. See her FAQ at:
http://www.photoradarlaw.com/faq-home.htm

RT

We were in the Phoenix area for Christmas, and I noticed how well the POI Factory warnings worked. We also noticed that the photo police use a SUV on the side of the road in various locations. I could not tell if they could radar all 3 or 4 lane or just the inside lane. The do put up two signs unlike radar equiped police cars that love to hide in the weeds.

They send more than one notice before serving you so that argument would fail. If he managed to follow that lady's advice and "dodge" the server for 3 months he will get out of it. Most likely he would fail and then be paying for the ticket plus the costs to serve him.

And the vans hit all lanes.

The cost for serving is just a 'token amount' compared to the outrageous fine for speed cameras ... well worth the gamble. Considering the number of tickets they issue (40,401 in two months), there's a good chance you won't get served.

In addition, comments on TV have stated the City has no way of forcing payment for out-of-state drivers.

As the lawyer/author said, if you don't force them to follow the law (physically serve you), they won't!

RT

I'm not an attorney, just someone with inside info to share. I in no way give legal advise free or otherwise. I too have a friend who was nailed twice at the 35 av/loop 101 camera and he is waiting out the service. My inside source info deals with non-DPS cameras and they are different. DPS camera violations do not involve points to your license at least for the civil violations. I'm not sure what they are doing for the criminal speed violations. They tried to get it to where the registered owner was responsible for the violation regardless of who was driving (same as a parking ticket.) To my knowledge, that plan stalled out. When you get flashed, you receive a notice of violation in the mail. this is the first correspondence you receive. If you don't respond, then comes the process server with the actual ticket. If your friend isn't served within the required time, he's in the clear. As to the time line for service, it seems that the length may be different for these DPS citations since they don't involve the points just the fines. I'll have to dig a little more on that. Be advised though that the speed/red light cameras run by cities bring the whole shebang. An interesting note with the justice court judges (who would hear the case from a DPS or MCSO ticket.) They really had a hard time finding someone responsible for 11 over on a freeway at late night/early morning when there is no other traffic or hazards on the roadway. The violators would make a case based on the speed being reasonable and prudent based on the conditions present at the time of violation. This was based on citations issued under 28-701A (speed not reasonable and prudent.) I find it interesting that they bought off on the 10 over activation of the cameras. I was thinking about this when driving past a mobile unit on the W/B 101 after passing under the I17 at 5:15 am on Sunday morning(well beyond the actual construction zone but before the raise in speed limit.) I'm thinking that same case could be made. It's a gamble with judges though. A lot of them have personal agendas when it comes to the interpretation and enforcement of the laws. Incidentally, a DPS officer told me that was exactly the reason they rarely issued 701A tickets in the 65 mph zones (unless other violations were present ie. dui.) When they raised the speed limits to 65 on the freeways, they failed to include a new violation for "exceeding 75 mph in a 65 mph zone" like they have for the 55 mph zones (exceeding 65 mph in a 55 mph zone.) I'll have to do more digging and see how the JP's are handling the violations in court. It's a relatively new program so they may still be feeling it out themselves. If I find out, I'll post it.

An interesting site. She is obviously trying to make some money here. It may or may not be good advise. I won't pay for her info, but if anyone has, I'm interested in what she has to say.

I don't know many lawyers who aren't "trying to make some money".

RT

If I get one of those camera tickets, and I have two choices:
1. Take the advice of an attorney who makes their living successfully defending this type of ticket; or
2. Take the advice of someone with no legal credentials who is posting their unsupported 'legal theories' on a GPS forum;
what would I do? I'm no 'brain surgeon', but I think I got this one figured out!

As my signature says:
Internet: Don't believe half of what you read, and verify the other half."

RT

Hey, if you get the ticket...pay for her services. Maybe you'll get off. Everyone gets their day in court if they want it. I offer no advice except pay attention and drive within the law. If you get caught...roll the dice. You may just be one of the success stories. Let us know how it goes.

I've noticed the mobile SUV's/Vans with the cameras like to hide shortly after the installed cameras.

I see one at 35th Ave and 101 almost weekly. They put the signs up before the installed cameras and then sit just after them...usually a little down the hill. Plus thats a construction site so its only 55mph. Seems people forget that and the installed one blasts them. If they do remember, they tend to speed back up after the installed cam and the mobile one catches them right after the fact.

It seems that if its not in the East Bound side of the 101, its on the West Bound side in roughly the same spot. You end up going under the I-17 overpass through the construction and then you start speeding up and get blasted by the mobile right before it turns back to 65mph again.

I've seen so many cars get flashed through that area it looks like the red carpet on oscar night.

Looks like the State is raising the speed limit on a portion of I-10 sometime next week.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/...

If it's where I think it is, it should only affect 1-2 cameras (in each direction) in the database. Miss POI, we'll verify and get the info to you as soon as they change the signs.

Everyone have a happy new year and drive safe!

They have cameras going up all over the I-10 as you head West out of Phoenix. Every few miles or so.

B.Chris287
Thanks for the information regarding the speed cameras on I-10 from Calif. to Phoenix. I will be making that trip on the 9th and will be sure to have the most up-to-date info loaded into my Nuvi 650 before I leave.
JeffSh

Currently a ticket issued by DPS does NOT add points to your license. However, there is noise from the insurance industry that they are lobbying to to have the tickets get points or notify the insurance companies.

Once again, they and the government are trying to pick our pockets.

When will this stop? Only when we as citizens make enough noise to our legislators that we do not want this. Only by being active can we prevent the government from enacting these new laws.

A real life 'ignore the mailed citation and get off' story? I suspect everyone will recognize the name.

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2008/12/danica_...

Cheers

Scottsdale had a good week, Patrick and Barkley.

Are there any new cameras in the works???

Sorry to hear about all the new cameras. I really hate those things.

I don't believe there should be any fixed cameras but look out for the vans. I spotted a couple of vans about 100 miles north of Phoenix this past week.

The speed changes affect the I-10 between the tunnel and the 17. I did not see if they are increasing the limits on the portion of the I-10 east of the I-17 split east of the airport (towards the Broadway curve). There are cameras on the west bound I-10 there.

Does anyone know if that area is increasing too?

Thanks (B.Chris287) for your reply. I will be driving to Scottsdale this Friday, the 9th, and will certainly have my GPS updated before I go.
I wonder how long it will take the "locals" to get teed-off enough for them to stop putting the cameras on the freeways. It must be costing the "locals" a bundle.
JeffSh

Jeffsh, AZ has many mobile camera vans that are placed all over the state. They could stretch all the way to the CA border. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, DPS had one about every 20 miles or so. The POI database onyl covers the fixed permanent locations and not the mobile locations. So be aware when traveling.

The mobile vans are easy to spot with a decent radar detector. They're usually emitting constantly. My Escort 8500 usually lets me know 1/2 mile or so before getting to the van (straight shot, no hill), plenty of time to check and be sure I'm not more than 10 mph over the posted limit (the freeway cam standard). The electronic warfare continues!

Cheers

The key to the photo van on the 101 at 35th ave (it hides in the shadows of the overpass) is the very large, can't miss orange signs they have to post as one approaches this location.

I've noticed they have the idiot warning signs on I-10 as well.. Photo enforcement in 1200 ft, then 300 ft. Ok, um.. why are these signs there? I know thyey have to post that there are cameras but those signs are huge.

They are huge because the prosecutor has to show everything was setup properly and the signs were clearly visible from all lanes of traffic. If they were any smaller retiredtechnicians lawyer would be all over it.

I guess my point is that with all the warnings, one has to be severely distracted or just plain asking for it to get a ticket from those cameras. I mean they give a warning that they are there (unlike the ones hidden by the bushes and trees).

According to the January issue of Highroads, the AAA magazine, the no-point "benefit" of the camera "civil fines" are only for the state freeways. It says:

"Photo-enforcement tickets received on city streets or streets other that state-run highways may result in points on the offender's driver's license."

So figuring out if, when, and how to fight a camera ticket or go to driving school may have more meaning than saving just the amount of the fine.

Yes, all way to the 24th Street.

My understanding is that the I-10 will have the speed limit of 65MPH through the whole valley except in the construction zone on the west side.

But remember, the speed limit increase isn't in affect until the signs are replaced.

The speed limit signs have all been replaced now along I-10 and it's 65mph for the entire length through the Valley (not counting construction zones). I travel from Estrella Parkway to Warner Road every day, so I have verified that stretch. Now if only they change it along all of I-17....

I have seen a mobile van parked at the end of 202West as it turns into Pecos just where the speed limit drops from 65 to 50.

I could not believe the number of fixed speed cameras that are now in operation on I-10 coming into Phoenix. Also, Scottsdale has numerous vans parked along city streets, using radar, which is on all the time.
I managed to avoid them eastbound and will test my skills on my way back to Palm Desert in the morning.
JeffSh

It appears from the article that the State Rep from Anthem doesn't like the cameras on the interstates and has proposed a bill top get rid of them. State Rep Andy Biggs from Gilbert recommended that people not pay the civil fines they get in the mail and wait until you are served properly. Nice.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/2009/01...

The last three times we've been on 60 in the Phoenix-Mesa area we've seen several pulled over just past the stationary cameras. It appears the police may be waiting for those exceeding the speed limit after getting past the cameras.

RT

I made it back to Palm Desert without having my picture taken by the speed cameras along the way. I did notice that drivers were sticking to the posted speed limits in the Phoenix area. On previous trips if I was doing 70 a number of drivers would pass me as if I was standing still. This was not the case on my recent trip. Everyone was behaving themselves.
JeffSh

The speed is 55 on the "lower" section of the 51 as well. Also, I'm curious to see if they increase the speed between Bell and the 101 as they are set to open it all up this monday.

One other note for drivers at the top of the 51. Coming home the other day from the west bound 101 to the southbound 51 I notice a temporary speed limit sign where the on ramps merge that says 45mph.

I've noticed this as well. The other night I was driving east on the 101, near 51st Ave and there was a motorcycle cop shooting radar at people. This was just after the camera location. Glad I have a V1.

I saw the same on I10. About 1/4 mile after a stationary camera there was a phot radar van. WTF over???

I need to update my cameras on my garmin, but I did notice last week that there is a new camera on I-17 Southbound right before I-10. Luckily this spot always seems congested or else I probably would have gotten a ticket.

Also, the camera on the 101 East Bound at 35th Ave is now 65mph instead of 55mph. They moved the construction signs behind it.

These may be already updated, like I said, I need to update my files.

I just saw on the news last night that in Coconino county, AZ, if you receive a ticket and decide to fight the photo radar ticket, you will be charged a fee to do so. If you ignore the ticket you will be charged with a fee as well. The only way to not be charged a fee is to pay the ticket. Always some way they will try to get another buck (or $20) out us. Go figure.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/02/03/20090203sp...

This is a site that uses a map of Phoenix and shows you all the cameras in your area. Color codes for each type as well as location. It is free site and in the future plans to have gps data for you to download.

https://www.radarrover.com/index.htm

I'm just tired of having my money "taken" by restrictive legistlation under the guise of "public safety". When they double the fines will they tell me that they higher cost will deter people from these actions (as opposed to trying to raise money).

OK, I'm done ranting. Thank you to everyone for working tirelessly to provide the information on this website.

It looks like the southbound new cameras haven't been activated yet as the warning signs are still covered. The one under the bridge is hard to see if your not looking for it.