Scottsdale - Photo Radar Question (home, school, law)

[Dagmen]

I am new to AZ, just moved here 2 weeks ago from NJ.

I was driving on E. Shea Blvd a last week at night. At the intersection of 90th street I was in the middle of the intersection with another car or two and the camera flashes went off. When I entered the intersection the light was clearly green it changed to orange while I was in the middle of the intersection.

Is this considered running a red light?

Also how soon after the flash goes off do you get the ticket in the mail?

[AZBigJ]

You can't run a red light when it is amber. You get a ticket when the light changes to red, then you enter the intersection.

[Lovehound]

These cameras are probably the same across the country. Basing my answer on that, I've seen traffic cameras taking pictures even when nobody was breaking the law. I assume a person will review the pictures and see that you didn't break the law and you'll be okay. Or at least you'll be okay as long as you didn't enter the intersection after the red came on.

Funny, I just got my picture took today too. I stopped before I entered the intersection, and in fact it was a fairly abrupt stop, but I'm confident that I didn't break the law and not worried about getting a ticket.

One nice thing about AZ, as far as I know, you don't need any front license plate. (Correct me on that if I'm wrong.) Here in CA you need the front plate. Without the plate it's harder to photo ticket somebody.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by Dagmen

I am new to AZ, just moved here 2 weeks ago from NJ.

I was driving on E. Shea Blvd a last week at night. At the intersection of 90th street I was in the middle of the intersection with another car or two and the camera flashes went off. When I entered the intersection the light was clearly green it changed to orange while I was in the middle of the intersection.

Is this considered running a red light?

Also how soon after the flash goes off do you get the ticket in the mail?

From my day at traffic school here, if you are at the intersection and halfway through and then turn, you won't get a ticket because it doesn't pick it up if you're halfway through. That flash might have been for someone else.

When I first moved here I thought I was in a police state - sometimes I still do. Avoid ALL areas where there is a school in Scottsdale. Do not drive down Sweetwater during the day, as they have their little mobile unit there.

Generally it's a couple of weeks before you get your picture in the mail - yes, your picture. It's hard to dispute a picture of you. Good luck.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by Lovehound

These cameras are probably the same across the country. Basing my answer on that, I've seen traffic cameras taking pictures even when nobody was breaking the law. I assume a person will review the pictures and see that you didn't break the law and you'll be okay. Or at least you'll be okay as long as you didn't enter the intersection after the red came on.

Funny, I just got my picture took today too. I stopped before I entered the intersection, and in fact it was a fairly abrupt stop, but I'm confident that I didn't break the law and not worried about getting a ticket.

One nice thing about AZ, as far as I know, you don't need any front license plate. (Correct me on that if I'm wrong.) Here in CA you need the front plate. Without the plate it's harder to photo ticket somebody.

Yes, you don't need a front plate here but it didn't matter in my case. They still nailed me.

[aj661]

Originally Posted by Dagmen

I am new to AZ, just moved here 2 weeks ago from NJ.

I was driving on E. Shea Blvd a last week at night. At the intersection of 90th street I was in the middle of the intersection with another car or two and the camera flashes went off. When I entered the intersection the light was clearly green it changed to orange while I was in the middle of the intersection.

Is this considered running a red light?

Also how soon after the flash goes off do you get the ticket in the mail?

I answered this question (about running red lights & where an intersection actually starts) for someone else last December.

https://www.city-data.com/forum/2368271-post69.html
Click on the photo for a larger image. Hope it helps.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Dagmen

I am new to AZ, just moved here 2 weeks ago from NJ.

I was driving on E. Shea Blvd a last week at night. At the intersection of 90th street I was in the middle of the intersection with another car or two and the camera flashes went off. When I entered the intersection the light was clearly green it changed to orange while I was in the middle of the intersection.

Is this considered running a red light?

Also how soon after the flash goes off do you get the ticket in the mail?

If the facts of your post are accurate, Dagmen . . . don't worry as the "flashes" were probably directed towards another vehicle.

There's a major intersection only blocks from my home with Photo Cameras and I see the flashes frequently . . . hopefully, NOT AT ME.

THINK POSITIVE!

[Dagmen]

Thanks everyone! I feel a little better. I will give it another couple of weeks to see if I get something in the mail, I hope not!

[Lovehound]

Sure! And if you get something in the mail, let us know what the fine is and friendly people that we all are, we'll chip in and help pay the fine for you.

NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck!

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by Dagmen

Thanks everyone! I feel a little better. I will give it another couple of weeks to see if I get something in the mail, I hope not!

My fine was $157. I think traffic school was around $127. I remember that guy saying we'd be back in two years and I thought, hell no, no way. That was in 2004 and I haven't been back. Just know where the cameras are in Scottsdale and you'll be fine.