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Frequently Asked Questions

If I am in the intersection and the light turns red, am I going to get a ticket? I received a citation in the mail, can I make partial payments? I no longer own the car, am I still responsible for the citation? Do photo enforcement flash units cause collisions? Can I pay my violation at City Hall? Are license plate sprays and covers that are advertised and sold to prevent photography of plates by photo detection cameras prohibited by law? Are points assessed against my driver's license for photo enforcement convictions? Can I avoid paying the fine by attending a defensive driving class or doing community service? Is there a charge to request a hearing, how do I request a hearing? What do I do if I am not the driver? Are all violations that are captured issued a notice of violation?

If I am in the intersection and the light turns red, am I going to get a ticket?

No, only vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red will be cited. The automated system uses ground loops to determine the vehicles that will not stop prior to the intersection.

For more information on how the red light system works see How Stuff Works.

No, you are required to remit full payment within 35 days of receiving a citation.

Probably not, by New Mexico law,  the license plate belongs to the owner and not the vehicle. If you sold your vehicle without removing the license plate and can provide documentation that the vehicle in question was sold prior to the violation date the ticket will be dismissed.

No. The flash duration is less than 1/2000th of a second. That is shorter than lightning due to weather. The intensity of the flash is no brighter than any camera one might purchase for personal use. The height of the pole, shape of the reflector, and distance to motor vehicles and pedestrians also minimize the effect of the flash. In the last 10 years there has not been a single reported incident of flash causing a collision. If anything, photo enforcement flash has a positive effect on driver behavior. It provides instant feedback to those who speed or run red lights, and most react by slowing down. 

No, you are required to mail the fine to the address indicated on your Safe Traffic Operations Program (STOP) notice or you can pay by credit card online at www.photonotice.com   
City code: ABQ

Yes. New Mexico law requires that, " A person shall maintain each license plate so it is clearly legible."  The sprays and covers themselves are not illegal, the act of illegible display of the plate is.

No. The STOP program is a civil violation, much like a parking ticket.  It is not reported to the Motor Vehicle Division.

Community service is now offered.  Also, effective February 20, 2008, drivers may take a driving safety course instead of paying a fine (you can only do this once a year).

No, there is no charge to request a hearing. You must request a hearing by the "respond date" listed on your citation. You may request a hearing by selecting Option B on page 2 of your citation. 

Automated enforcement violations are enforced the same way parking tickets are enforced.  The registered owner, or owners, of the vehicle are responsible without regard to whether they were actually driving at the time of the infraction.  If you are a person or company that owns a fleet, rents cars or otherwise lets other people use your car, you can name the person who was actually driving during the time of the violation.  You do this by exercising option A on the notice of violation.  If the named party does not pay, the registered owner is still responsible.

No, there is a two-step quality control process.  First, Redflex reviews the violations and then an Albuquerque Police Department designee reviews and dismisses all non-valid violations.

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