Administrative Rules and Structures of Speed Safety Camera Systems

Speed Safety Cameras (SSCs) detect the speed of vehicles through the use of radar technology or detectors that are embedded in the surface of the roadway, and associate those readings with a photograph or video of the vehicle. They can be deployed as fixed units (a stationary camera targeting a specific location), point-to-point units (multiple cameras that capture average speed over a set distance) or mobile (a portable camera positioned in a trailer or vehicle). The results are then “read” by trained analysts in a data center, who may or may not be members of law enforcement. Speeding tickets are then issued on the basis of this technology. The question facing the Minnesota Legislature in 2024 was, is this needed? And what are the best practices for implementing it?

Analysis of crash reports from the Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety, shows that speeding is the most frequent driver behavior contributing to crashes overall, and also leads to an increase in fatal crashes on Minnesota roadways. Research done in other states indicates that speed safety cameras (SSCs) can be effective at reducing the number of these crashes. The Federal Highway Administration suggests that fixed units can reduce crashes by as much as 54% (FHWA-SA-21-070). While the effectiveness of SSC programs has been widely agreed on, implementation of SSC programs is complex.

In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill to pilot an SSC program in certain locations. This transportation research synthesis was completed to help elected officials and administrators better understand the complexity and best practices for SSC administration and highlight considerations specific to Minnesota in support of the legislation. It also provides a summary of recent FHWA guidance documents, bi-annual reports from states with active SSC programs, and expert interviews to better understand Minnesota-specific considerations. Some of the topics covered in the report include citation type/processing structure, penalties, equity considerations, commercial driver’s license implications, top concerns from stakeholder agencies, public perception and funding.