The City of Minneapolis has launched a new traffic safety camera pilot program aimed at curbing speeding and saving lives on local streets. The program began October 1 and will run through July 2029, starting with five locations across the city and expanding to as many as 42 sites over the next four years.
City leaders say the initiative is a direct response to rising traffic deaths and years of community input, combined with new state legislation that sets strict rules around fairness, privacy, and equity.
Where the Cameras Are
The first cameras are located at:
- Fremont Ave. N. near W. Broadway Ave. N.
- 18th Ave. NE near Central Ave. NE
- 3rd St. N. near 1st Ave. N.
- Chicago Ave. S. near Franklin Ave. E.
- Nicollet Ave. S. near 46th St. W.
All sites are marked with warning signs and are within 2,000 feet of a school.
Why It Matters
Since 2020, speeding has been the leading cause of severe crashes in Minneapolis. Fatalities have risen sharply, and city data shows that low-income neighborhoods and communities of color are disproportionately affected.
The program supports Minneapolis’ Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths. Other cities with camera enforcement have seen significant drops in crashes and fatalities.
How Enforcement Works
- First violation: warning only
- 10–19 mph over limit: $40 fine
- 20+ mph over limit: $80 fine
Drivers can choose a free safety class instead of paying their first ticket. Tickets are issued to the vehicle owner but are not added to driving records, nor do they lead to arrests or license suspensions.
Privacy Protections
The cameras capture only the back license plate, not drivers or passengers. Images cannot be used for anything beyond traffic enforcement.
Oversight and Transparency
Every potential violation will be reviewed by a trained Minneapolis traffic control agent. Annual reports will share data on citations, costs, and revenue. By law, any revenue must be reinvested into traffic safety improvements.
Community Input
More than 4,500 residents weighed in since 2019. While most supported traffic cameras, many raised concerns about equity and trust. City officials say those concerns shaped the current program.
“Minneapolis residents deserve safer streets,” city officials said in a statement. “This program is designed to save lives, not generate revenue — and it will be evaluated every step of the way.”