Assigned to PS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.C.R. 1002
photo enforcement systems; prohibition
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, statutorily prohibits a local authority or state agency from using
a photo enforcement system to identify violators of speed restrictions or traffic control devices.
Background
The state, or a local authority, may not use a photo enforcement system on a state highway
to identify violators of speed restrictions or traffic signs, signals and markings. A local authority
or state agency using a photo enforcement system must adopt standards and specifications that
indicate to a motor vehicle operator that a photo enforcement system is present and operational
(A.R.S. §§ 28-1204 and 28-1206).
If a person receives notice in the mail for a violation of state or local speed restrictions or
traffic control devices that is obtained using a photo enforcement system, the person does not have
to: 1) identify who is in the photo; or 2) respond to the notice of violation. The notice must state
that it is not a court-issued document, but failing to respond to the notice may result in official
service that may lead to an additional fee being levied. An alternative service of process may be
used to serve a citation. A person's driving privilege may not be suspended or revoked as a result
of a citation served by the alternative service of process (A.R.S. § 28-1602).
A photo enforcement system is a device substantially consisting of a radar unit or sensor
linked to a camera or other recording device that produces one or more photographs,
microphotographs, videotapes or digital or other recorded images of a vehicle's license plate for
the purpose of identifying violators of speed restrictions or traffic signs, signals and markings. An
official traffic control device is any sign, signal, marking or device that is consistent with traffic
and vehicle regulations and is placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having
jurisdiction for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic (A.R.S. § 28-601).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a local authority or state agency from using a photo enforcement system to identify
violators of:
a) speed restrictions or traffic signs, signals and markings; or
b) a city or town ordinance for excessive speed or failure to obey a traffic control device.
FACT SHEET
S.C.R. 1002
Page 2
2. Removes the prohibition on unarmed police aides, municipally-approved private contractors
and traffic investigators serving any process resulting from a citation that is:
a) issued for a failure to obey state or local speed restrictions or traffic control devices; and
b) obtained using a photo enforcement system.
3. Expands the definition of photo enforcement system to include a device that is being used to
identify violators of a city or town ordinance for excessive speed or failure to obey a traffic
control device.
4. Repeals photo enforcement system statutes, including:
a) the placement and use of photo enforcement systems;
b) standards and requirements for photo enforcement zones;
c) service of process requirements;
d) a first responder exemption;
e) red light running; and
f) a prohibition on state use.
5. Contains a statement of legislative intent.
6. Makes conforming changes.
7. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general
election.
8. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2025
AN/slp