Twin Cities Suburb Just Moved Into Citation Phase For Speed Cameras

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN — Mendota Heights police have moved into the citation phase of Minnesota's first automated speed camera program, according to a statement from Police Chief Kelly McCarthy posted to the department's Facebook page.

The camera, located on the 1300 block of Delaware Avenue, is part of a four-year pilot program authorized by state lawmakers that runs from Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2029.

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Minneapolis is the only other Minnesota city currently testing the technology, with five active speed camera locations of its own.

According to McCarthy, the rollout was divided into three phases. The first phase, running June 18 through July 20, only collected data. During that period, the camera recorded 70,426 vehicles, with 3,109 traveling more than 41 mph.

The second phase, a warning period from July 20 through Aug. 27, recorded 87,105 vehicles, including 1,938 going more than 41 mph. Police issued 1,037 warnings during that stretch, averaging 31 per day in July and 21 per day in August. Of those, 107 drivers were repeat offenders, responsible for 262 total violations.

Starting this week, the department began issuing citations to repeat offenders. McCarthy said the camera does not photograph drivers and only captures an image of a vehicle's rear license plate when it is traveling 41 mph or faster. Because the system cannot identify who is driving, citations are issued to a vehicle's registered owner, similar to a parking ticket.

Drivers who receive a citation can have it dismissed by watching a 30-minute safety video. McCarthy said every vehicle gets at least one warning before a citation is issued, and the department has posted two "photo enforced" signs, plus a driver feedback sign that flashes a vehicle's speed if it exceeds 31 mph, near the camera.

The chief estimated the department has spent roughly 50 hours of staff time, valued at about $4,000, plus $1,000 in postage, for a total program cost of about $5,000 to date.

Minneapolis, meanwhile, has five active speed cameras of its own, located on:

• Fremont Avenue North near West Broadway Avenue North
• 18th Avenue Northeast near Central Avenue Northeast
• 3rd Street North near 1st Avenue North
• Chicago Avenue South near Franklin Avenue East
• Nicollet Avenue South near 46th Street West.

The city has said it may expand to as many as 42 camera locations and could add red light enforcement at some sites.