Prohibit New Photo Traffic Enforcement Systems Measure
Law Enforcement & Vehicle Regulations
Summarized
What Would This Do?
Proposition 319 would prohibit state or local authorities from installing and using new photo enforcement systems — devices with radar or a sensor linked to a camera that photograph a vehicle's license plate — to identify traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light.
Local authorities that had already installed photo enforcement systems by December 31, 2026, could keep using them, but only if voters approve their continued use at a referendum in the November 2027 election. If voters reject continued use, the local authority would have to shut the systems down within 90 days. If voters approve, the authority could keep operating them for ten years, after which voters would have to reapprove continued use again.
A “Yes” Vote
A "yes" vote supports prohibiting the state and local governments from installing new photo traffic enforcement systems, and requiring local governments that already have such systems to get voter approval to keep using them.
A “No” Vote
A "no" vote opposes this prohibition and voter-approval requirement, maintaining current law governing photo enforcement systems.
Official Language
Full Legal Text
Ballot Title & Summary (as filed with the Secretary of State)
Ballot Title
PROPOSITION 319 — REFERRED TO THE PEOPLE BY THE LEGISLATURE RELATING TO PHOTO ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS. OFFICIAL TITLE: AMENDING SECTION 28-1201, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES; AMENDING TITLE 28, CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE 21, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, BY ADDING SECTION 28-1207. DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: PROHIBITS STATE AGENCIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM USING PHOTO ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS FOR TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNLESS PROVIDED BY CONTRACT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2026; REQUIRES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO OBTAIN VOTER APPROVAL TO CONTINUE THEIR USE.
Ballot Summary
A "yes" vote shall have the effect of: (1) prohibiting state agencies and local governments from using photo enforcement systems to identify traffic-law violators unless the agency or government contracts to use those systems by December 31, 2026; and (2) requiring local governments to obtain voter approval of existing photo enforcement systems at the next regular general election, and every 10 years afterward, to continue using them. A "no" vote shall have the effect of maintaining the current laws governing photo enforcement systems.
Support
Officials
State Sen. Mark Finchem (R) · State Sen. Wendy Rogers (R)
“Arizonans deserve a direct voice in whether automated ticketing systems operate in their communities. This measure restores accountability and makes sure enforcement decisions are made by voters specific to each town or city, not outsourced systems that many residents believe prioritize fines over fairness.”
“Automated enforcement removes discretion, undermines due process, and turns routine driving into a revenue stream. ... It ensures that enforcement decisions are made by trained law enforcement officers, not algorithms and contractors.”
Opposition
Corporations
AAA Arizona
Organizations
Arizona Public Health Association · Civic Engagement Beyond Voting LD3 Democrats Northeastern Maricopa County · League of Arizona Cities and Towns
“Traffic radar reduces crashes and injuries by 35%; repealing it means more dangerous roads and more collisions. ... In Arizona, photo radar fines levy a mandatory 10% surcharge for Clean Elections, which provides public funding to candidates who agree to forgo private or special-interest money.”
“There's a reasonable debate about the overuse of speed cameras, especially when cities place them on roads with artificially low speed limits. But SCR1004 also covers red-light cameras. ... Properly placed red-light cameras can discourage drivers from running red lights and reduce dangerous T-bone crashes, serious injuries and deaths.”
Verify