Pilot features and goals
We tell you about the features and goals of the traffic safety camera pilot.
Key pilot features
Enforcement
- A warning is issued for the first offense. After the warning, a $40 fine will be issued if a vehicle goes 10 mph or more over the speed limit.
- Drivers can take a free traffic safety class instead of paying a fine for their first ticket.
- Vehicle owners are not liable if their car was stolen or if they were not driving at the time of the violation.
- Violations do not go on driving records. Violations cannot be grounds for revoking a driver’s license, arrest, or towing a vehicle.
Privacy
- Cameras can only capture a picture of the vehicle’s back license plate. They are not allowed to take pictures of people.
- Cameras can only be used for traffic enforcement.
Program revenue
- The goal of the program’s design is to reduce unsafe behavior, not to generate revenue.
- Any revenue generated by the program must be spent on traffic safety improvements.
Oversight
- A Minneapolis traffic control agent will verify all potential violations.
- The program will be independently evaluated to inform whether it continues after the pilot.
- Yearly data including number of citations, costs, and revenues will be publicly reported.