Arizona Voters Back Measure to Ban New Traffic Photo Enforcement Systems

Proposition 319 would require cities with existing speed and red-light cameras to seek voter approval to keep them operating

Jessica Parks, Staff Writer

Nov. 4, 2026

2 min read

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Key Takeaways

Proposition 319 would prohibit new traffic photo enforcement systems, with an exception for systems under contract before Dec. 31, 2026.
Cities with existing systems would need voter approval to continue operating them, with another vote required every 10
The measure has drawn debate over whether traffic cameras improve safety or unfairly penalize drivers.

Proposition 319 in Arizona prohibits state agencies and local governments from installing or using photo enforcement systems for traffic violations.

Arizona voters are backing a measure that would prohibit new traffic photo enforcement systems across the state and require local voter approval for existing cameras.

Proposition 319 was leading with 59% of the vote at 1:34 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Associated Press, as reported by KJZZ. Arizona ballot measures require a simple majority to pass.

The measure would prohibit state agencies and local governments from installing or using photo enforcement systems for traffic violations.

The proposition also applies to red-light cameras, but not automated license plate readers, such as Flock cameras.

Existing Cameras Would Need Voter Approval

Municipalities with existing photo enforcement systems would have to seek approval from local voters at the next general election to continue operating them.

According to KOLD News 13, cities with active cameras could continue operating them temporarily but would need to obtain voter approval. If voters approve, the systems could remain in operation for 10 years before another approval vote is required. If voters reject them, the cameras would need to be removed within 90 days of the election.

The measure applies to both speed and red-light cameras and is set to take effect next year.

Supporters and Opponents Debate Road Safety

Supporters of the ballot measure argue that municipalities should focus on roadway infrastructure improvements rather than issuing citations to drivers.

The Goldwater Institute has described automated photo enforcement as “taxation by citation,” arguing that the systems remove officer discretion. The organization favors increased police patrols, saying officers serve as a visible reminder for drivers to slow down, KOLD News 13 reported.

Others have questions whether cameras prevent crashes.

AAA Arizona, citing the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, reports that red-light cameras result in a 21% reduction in fatal red light crashes and also reduce high-speed T-bone collisions.

As Arizona’s population continues to grow, AAA Arizona said the measure could limit local governments’ ability to address traffic hazards on their own timelines.

The measure applies to photo radar systems used for traffic enforcement, not automated license plate readers such as Flock cameras, according to KOLD News 13.

Source: KJZZ, KOLD News 13

About the Author

Jessica Parks, Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Jessica Parks is a staff writer at Roads & Bridges with newsroom experience in Brooklyn, Long Island and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several years spent living in Puerto Rico. She is currently based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.