Starting October 1, the City of Minneapolis will launch automated enforcement of speed limits at five high-risk intersections for the first time in the City’s history. The traffic camera safety pilot program is a key part of the City’s award-winning Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on Minneapolis streets, and represents a new tool to ensure a seamless – and safe – city experience for all residents and visitors.  

“These traffic safety cameras are about preventing reckless driving, stopping crashes from happening, and saving lives,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “These cameras are not about tickets or revenue; they are about making sure that whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or rolling, you can move through our city safely.” 

The guidelines for the program were determined by state lawmakers, with members of the Minneapolis delegation leading the effort in the Minnesota House and Minnesota Senate via legislation that was crafted in coordination with communities across the state, including the City of Minneapolis.  

“Traffic safety cameras have the potential to save lives in our city. We have seen a sharp and alarming increase in unsafe driving in Minneapolis in the last few years, and we need to do everything we can to keep our streets safer,” said Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura. “I am excited that the traffic safety camera pilot has been implemented at key intersections, and I look forward to tracking the results so we can decide if we want to continue and expand this tool.” 

“I am very optimistic that this pilot will show that traffic safety camera technology can improve the safety of our streets and avoid further tragedy in our city,” said State Sen. Zaynab Mohamed. “Improving the safety for all who travel our streets, whether by car, bicycle or walking, requires many solutions. I hope that the lessons learned and future success here in Minneapolis can be built upon to improve traffic safety across Minnesota.” 

This milestone marks the completion of a years-long, strategic look at opportunities to improve traffic safety marked by deep collaboration between multiple departments within the City of Minneapolis, City Council, and state lawmakers. As a result, the pilot will create an immediate positive benefit in areas prone to speeding and traffic crashes, while also providing the flexibility to make changes in response to feedback and needs that may arise during the pilot period.  

“Safety on our streets for everyone—people walking, biking, driving, or rolling—is the most basic expectation we should be able to count on. Over 40 lives have been cut short on Minneapolis streets in just the last two years—every single one a beloved family member, neighbor, or friend,” said Sen. Scott Dibble. “The implementation of speed enforcement cameras is an important step to prevent the unnecessary and heartbreaking tragedies we’ve seen on Minneapolis streets, and to ensure that no more families have to endure such unimaginable loss.” 

“This is a major step towards traffic safety. Traffic safety cameras will save lives and make our streets safer,“ said former Rep. Frank Hornstein. “We appreciate all the hard work over many years on this legislation. This has been particularly rewarding to get this bill passed into law with the diverse coalition behind it. I look forward to its implementation.“ 

Earlier this year, the City announced the five locations where the cameras will be located: 

• 3rd St. N near 1st Ave N. in Downtown 
• Fremont Ave N near W. Broadway Ave in Near North
• 18th Ave NE near Central Ave NE in Northeast 
• Chicago Ave near Franklin Ave E in Ventura Village
• Nicollet Ave near 46th St. W in Kingfield/ Tangletown

Each location has signage notifying drivers that there is camera enforcement. The City has also placed temporary message signs ahead of the launch at each location to reinforce that camera enforcement is starting. 

Only streets under the City’s jurisdiction were considered for the launch of the pilot. Hennepin County or MnDOT roads may be considered for future locations. Public Works anticipates adding more speed cameras and adding red light cameras early next year. The City has identified an additional 11 locations as high priorities for future expansion. Those locations and a detailed analysis of all candidate locations considered is available in the City’s camera location analysis.   

The scale and timeline for expansion will be guided by early results, capacity, and community feedback. The City will provide regular updates as the pilot progresses.   

“Every person in Minneapolis has been a pedestrian at some point. As the Council Member who represents parts of both Downtown and Uptown, the number one issue I hear from constituents is to slow down speedy cars,” said Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman. “From hustling to an event Downtown to leisurely strolling around the lakes, everyone deserves to be safe from speeding vehicles when moving about our City. This new speed camera program is a powerful step in taking action on this issue.” 

“The launch of these cameras marks another important milestone for our award-winning Vision Zero team,” said Tim Sexton, Director of Minneapolis Public Works. “This work isn’t meant to win awards, just like these cameras aren’t meant to generate revenue. We’re doing this to create safer streets and save lives.” 

ENFORCEMENT AND PRIVACY 

Warnings will begin being issued to drivers as early as Wednesday, October 1. Following the initial one-month warning period, citations will start being issued to drivers as early as November 1. 

A Minneapolis traffic control agent will verify all potential violations and issue a warning or citation as appropriate:

• A warning is issued for a first offense. After the warning: 

• • A $40 fine will be issued if a vehicle goes 10-19 mph over the speed limit
  • The fine increases to $80 for speeds 20 mph or more over the 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. A sworn statement must be provided. 
  

• Citations will not appear on driving records and cannot be used to revoke a license, arrest an individual, or tow a vehicle.  

People who receive a violation will be able to go to a secure website run by the City’s traffic safety camera vendor, NovoaGlobal, to see pictures and video of the violation. They will also be able to submit information directly through that website if they think the citation should be dismissed. This will allow people to address most cases without having to do a court hearing. As with any traffic citation, people will pay fines through the Courts and also can schedule a hearing to contest the citation. 

Traffic safety cameras may only be used for traffic enforcement and may only capture a picture/video of the back of the vehicle. The cameras must blur out any people who happened to be captured in a picture/video. 

Traffic Safety Cameras are meant to shift driver behavior and save lives, not to generate revenue. As required by state law, any revenue from fines will be used to cover implementation costs and investments in other traffic safety/calming measures. 

For more information about the Traffic Safety Camera Pilot program, including FAQs and maps of current and potential future locations, please visit the program webpage on the City’s website.