Speed Cameras and Red-Light Cameras: Will Arizona Voters Decide on a Photo Radar Ban in 2026?
For nearly two decades, privacy and constitutional rights advocates have pushed to end photo radar traffic enforcement in Arizona. After last year’s resolution failed to advance, 2026 is bringing renewed momentum with companion measures in both the Arizona House and Senate moving early in the session.
The fight remains difficult because photo radar generates revenue for vendors, municipalities, and state funding streams, including Clean Elections.
Heading into the first committee hearing Tuesday, Sen. Wendy Rogers tells me lawmakers are optimistic about advancing her resolution which would send a photo radar ban to Arizona voters.
As I dug deeper into Arizona’s surveillance landscape last year, it became clear there is no single consensus on tools like photo radar and automated license plate readers. The debate is not limited to privacy advocates and law enforcement, and lawmakers themselves often draw different lines depending on the technology and how it is used.
These issues continue to generate strong reactions. Senator Mark Finchem (R-LD1), speaking on the Eye on Prescott podcast podcast released on November 14, 2025, said government must find the right balance when it comes to license plate readers.
Continue reading: https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/ai-meets-arizona-roads