Minneapolis speed safety cameras show fewer extreme speeders, as ticket volume concentrates at key locations

Early results from the city’s first automated speed enforcement sites

Minneapolis’ traffic safety camera pilot is producing a split picture in its initial months: measurements at the five original camera sites show a substantial decline in the most dangerous levels of speeding, while large numbers of warnings—and now citations—have been concentrated at a handful of locations.

The city began using speed safety cameras on Oct. 1, 2025, at five locations selected for high crash risk and documented speeding. The initial rollout started with warnings, followed by a transition to citations on Nov. 7, 2025, for drivers recorded traveling at least 10 mph over the posted limit.

What the first-month speed data shows

Comparing the pilot’s first month of operation with pre-installation conditions, city analysis reported a reduction of nearly 30% in the rate of drivers traveling 10 mph or more over the limit across the five sites. The rate of drivers recorded at 20 mph or more over the limit fell by 76% across those locations. City data also indicated that 98% of drivers passing the camera locations did not meet the violation threshold.

At the same time, the volume of mailed notices has been sizable. During the first month, the city reported issuing 12,633 warnings, with site totals showing uneven distribution—meaning a smaller number of corridors accounted for a disproportionate share of detected violations.

Where enforcement is happening

The initial five camera locations are:

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

The city has also said it may expand the pilot to as many as 42 locations through July 2029, as allowed under state-authorized pilot rules.

How warnings and tickets work

The enforcement framework is designed around mailed notices sent to the registered vehicle owner. A city traffic control agent reviews potential violations before a warning or citation is issued. The first offense results in a warning; subsequent violations can result in a fine of $40 for driving 10–19 mph over the limit and $80 for driving 20 mph or more over the limit.

The city has stated that citations from the traffic safety camera program do not appear on driving records and cannot be used to revoke a license, arrest an individual, or tow a vehicle.

Drivers can contest a notice through established processes, and first-time ticket recipients may be eligible to take a traffic safety class instead of paying the fine.

Next steps: potential red-light enforcement in 2026

Minneapolis has indicated it plans to add red-light enforcement at some locations in 2026 under the same pilot framework. The city has also emphasized that, under the authorizing structure, fine revenue is intended to cover program costs and support traffic safety investments.