By Ethan Faverino |
Legislation sponsored by Sen. David Gowan (R-LD19) that would significantly change how photo radar violations are enforced in Arizona has cleared the Legislature and now awaits the governor’s decision.
Senate Bill 1624, which was transmitted to the Governor last week, seeks to limit financial penalties associated with most photo radar violations while preventing those citations from affecting a driver’s insurance rates or driving privileges.
Under the legislation, individuals found responsible for a civil traffic violation resulting from a photo enforcement system would face a maximum civil penalty of $75. The cap would apply to most photo radar violations but would not affect existing penalties for red-light violations or school-crossing violations. Of the penalty collected, $15 would be directed to Arizona’s Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund.
“Arizonans are tired of being treated like an ATM by photo radar systems,” stated Senator Gowan. “For years, these cameras have generated frustration because they often feel more focused on collecting revenue than improving public safety. A photo radar ticket should not carry the same consequences as an interaction with a law enforcement officer who can evaluate the circumstances, exercise judgment, and make a real determination about what occurred.”
The bill also contains several provisions designed to limit the long-term consequences of automated traffic enforcement citations. State agencies would be prohibited from considering qualifying photo radar violations when determining whether a driver’s license should be suspended or revoked.
Courts would be barred from transmitting records of those violations to the Arizona Department of Transportation, and insurance companies would be prohibited from using the violations to establish rates, determine insurability, cancel coverage, or refuse policy renewals.
“SB 1624 restores some common sense to the system by limiting excessive penalties and preventing these automated citations from being used to raise insurance rates or jeopardize a person’s driving privileges,” added Gowan. “This bill protects drivers from unfair consequences while maintaining accountability for legitimate traffic violations. Arizona families deserve a system that is fair, reasonable, and focused on safety—not one that treats every camera flash as an opportunity to extract more money from hardworking taxpayers.”
If signed into law, SB 1624 would establish a statewide framework limiting the use of photo radar citations in insurance and licensing decisions while maintaining existing enforcement standards for red-light and school-zone violations.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
