A growing controversy over traffic enforcement in Arizona may soon lead to a statewide ban on photo radar, following a major scandal in Mesa involving tens of thousands of improperly issued citations. The issue has resurfaced with renewed urgency after revelations that over 45,000 tickets were signed off by retired judges between 2020 and 2024, raising serious questions about the legality and fairness of the system.
The Mesa Citation Crisis
The City of Mesa, Arizona, is at the center of the storm. Between 2020 and 2021, a staggering 43,096 citations were issued bearing the signature of a retired judge. The problem didn’t stop there: in 2024, another 2,446 tickets were sent out with a different retired judge’s name attached. While city officials maintain the tickets were still legally valid, lawmakers strongly disagree.
Lawmaker Outcry and Proposed Ban
Arizona Representative Teresa Martinez has been vocal in her opposition, stating bluntly, “I don’t like this photo radar business, and I don’t think it’s fair to the people of Arizona.” She argues that the cameras contribute to rising insurance costs and that citizens deserve refunds for tickets issued under incorrect judicial signatures.
Martinez isn’t alone. State Senators Wendy Rogers and Mark Finchem have proposed a resolution to put the question of traffic camera legality directly to voters. The bill passed a committee vote on January 20, moving it closer to a potential statewide referendum.
Why This Matters
The backlash against traffic cameras isn’t new. Arizona has a history of skepticism toward automated enforcement, and the recent scandal reinforces existing concerns about due process and transparency. Critics argue that the cameras are primarily revenue-generating tools rather than legitimate safety measures. The debate also touches on broader issues of government overreach and individual privacy.
Mixed Reactions From Residents
Not everyone wants the cameras gone. Some residents believe they deter dangerous driving, especially in areas with active nightlife. “We do have a lot of party life going on here,” one resident told reporters, “and that can increase instances of drunk driving.” Others worry that without enforcement, drivers will simply ignore citations altogether.
Next Steps
The proposed resolution now moves to further committee review or potentially straight to a floor vote. If it passes, Arizona voters will decide whether to permanently ban traffic cameras across the state. Meanwhile, Mesa officials say they’re working on a fix to eliminate judges’ signatures from future citations, but the damage to public trust may already be done.
The core issue isn’t just about faulty citations; it’s about whether Arizona wants to rely on automated enforcement systems that many see as unfair and intrusive. The upcoming vote could reshape traffic law across the state for years to come.
