ASE FAQs

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is automated speed enforcement?

A: Automated speed enforcement systems, also called speed safety cameras, are radar devices equipped with cameras to monitor for vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. The devices are designed to keep our communities safe by issuing citations to speeders whose behavior endangers pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. Speed safety cameras are a proven safety countermeasure to change dangerous behavior on our roadways. Other cities in New Mexico and across the United States have used similar technology with positive results.

Q: How does automated speed monitoring equipment work?

A: The City of Albuquerque only operates speed safety cameras in fixed locations. Radar in these units is activated when a vehicle exceeds the set enforcement speed, triggering a camera to capture images of the vehicle and its license plate and for the unit to measure the speed of the offending driver.

Q: Do Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Track My Location?

A: No. Our cameras only capture evidence of vehicles travelling at excessive speeds. Our cameras do not record footage of vehicles traveling past below the enforcement threshold. Drivers who obey the law are not photographed by the ASE cameras. We do not identify or track the vehicles that travel past through automated license plate reading technology, nor do we share the information we capture with any agency not related to the enforcement or notification process—all information collected is secure and confidential.

Q: Where will the citation be mailed?

A: The fine notice will be sent to the address of the registered owner(s) or nominee of the fine determined by the address records received by:

• The Department of Motor Vehicles;
• The Albuquerque Police Department Records;
• Documents reasonably relied on by police officers; and
• Information provided in the Owner’s Affidavit.

The registered owners are ultimately responsible for ASE infractions against their vehicle(s). Unpaid citations may result in enforcement against the vehicle. The registered owner selected from among the registered owners for the purpose of mailing the citation is not affected differently than other registered owners or vehicle operators. These citations do not result in points applied to any licenses and do not affect the credit of the person selected from among the registered owners to receive the mail.

Q: How are camera locations decided?

A: The City uses a data-driven approach to determine the appropriate placement of speed safety cameras. This data includes speeding and crashes, as well as the Vision Zero High Fatal and Injury Network (HFIN), and the Vulnerability Index. Staff also consider schools, parks, community centers, and other community locations where vulnerable populations are likely to be walking or biking. Community feedback is also considered.

Once a potential camera location is identified, there are site-specific feasibility requirements that must be considered. For example, access to power, sight distance, and ensuring there are no camera lens obstructions.

Q: Where are the cameras located?

A:  We maintain an up-to-date list of our cameras on the main program landing page: https://www.cabq.gov/ase

Q: What is the difference between automated speed enforcement and red light cameras?

A: The City of Albuquerque does not have red light cameras.

Speed safety camera units are placed in areas known for high-speed driving and high numbers of injury and fatal crashes to capture speeders. No driver is identified or photographed. Registered owners are collectively responsible for the citations issued to their vehicles.

Q: Will the cameras replace officers?

A: No. Speed safety cameras are a force multiplier that keep corridors safe whether the officers are there or not. This enables our law enforcement personnel to get out from behind the wheel, engage in community-based work, address more severe driving or vehicle compliance infractions, and respond to other calls. Our cameras can work hand in hand with officers to inform and expand the scope of targeted speed reduction efforts on our streets.

Q: Will automated speed enforcement target over-policed communities?

A: No. The locations of the fixed speed units are selected based on a data-driven approach (see question above "How are camera locations decided?"). This data shows the areas across Albuquerque that have the highest numbers of traffic fatalities and injuries in conjunction with the areas with the highest prevalence of speeders.

Q: Do the cameras take a picture of every vehicle that drives by?

A: No. The units only take pictures of vehicles that are exceeding the enforcement speed.

Q: How do I know that the cameras are working correctly?

A: The Automated Speed Enforcement systems are individually tested and certified. View system test and calibration records.

Q: How long are calibration certificates valid?

A: Calibration certificates are valid for one year after the inspection date. 

Q: Who reviews my fine notice before it is mailed?

A. Prior to a fine notice being issued, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) will review all evidence provided from the automated speed enforcement cameras as provided by the vendor. If the Albuquerque Police Department determines that a violation has occurred, APD shall cause a fine notice to be delivered to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Q: How will I know if I received an Automated Speed Enforcement System Fine Notice?

A: If a vehicle receives an Automated Speed Enforcement System Fine Notice, it will be mailed to the address of the registered owner, which is determined by records with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Q: What if someone else speeds in my car?

A: You may submit an Owner’s Affidavit identifying the driver if you have sold the vehicle or if the citation cannot be forwarded to the person who operates the vehicle as it is currently addressed. The Owner’s Affidavit must be notarized. Mailing instructions for the Owner’s Affidavit are also included at the bottom of the form.

A nominee may not nominate another person as the driver. No further nomination is allowed. The only way for a nominee to contest the infraction is by timely requesting a hearing. Owner's affidavits that do not update the address will be automatically rejected.

Q: How much is the citation?

A: $100. This amount is set by State law and cannot be modified.

Q: What if I can’t pay?

A: The Automated Speed Enforcement Ordinance allows for four (4) hours of community service in lieu of payment. 

You must state your intent to complete community service by the due date on the system fine notice, which is 30 days from the date of issuance of the system fine notice. After 30 days, you will no longer be eligible to request community service. Please be advised that you must complete all 4 hours of community service within 90 days of issuance of the system fine notice to have your debt considered as paid in full. If you would like to take advantage of community service as an alternative resolution, you MUST follow the instructions on your citation to accept responsibility for the citation and opt in to community service for each citation separately.

You can request a payment plan for citations in good standing. Download the payment plan request form.

Q: What options are available for community service and how do I sign up?

A: The Automated Speed Enforcement Community Service website maintains a list of opportunities and serves as a platform for logging and tracking hours. Only community service opportunities listed on the website are eligible for the program.

You must opt in for community service for each citation separately online at https://usview.cite-web.com/ or by phone at 844-652-0888 within 30 days of receiving it. All hours logged within 90 days of the citation issuance date will be applied as payment.

Our community service process is self-guided. You can find an active list of community service needs and register for them on the City of Albuquerque's Community Service Platform. This platform is only for City of Albuquerque ASE citations, not for court-mandated service or for ASE citations issued by other cities or governments. Hours must be logged correctly and within 90 days of the date on the first citation, or the citation will go to a collections agency.

If you are experiencing difficulty while trying to sign up for Community Service, please see our Automated Speed Enforcement Community Service Guide. If you need assistance signing up or logging hours, please click on the assistance request forms in the left-hand navigation column.

Q: Can I challenge the issuance of a system fine notice?

Yes. To challenge this infraction, you may request a hearing before the due date specified on your system fine notice. Please follow the instructions on your citation to request a hearing. To request a hearing by mail or email, please complete the Appeal Request Form. If the infraction is not dismissed after your hearing, you must pay your fine. At your hearing, the rules of evidence, the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure, and the City of Albuquerque Independent Office of Hearings rules will apply.

Q: Who conducts an Automated Speed Enforcement hearing?

A: The City Clerk’s Office administers Automated Speed Enforcement hearings. The hearing officers are appointed by the presiding judge of the civil division of the district court, and the hearings will adhere to the Independent Office of Hearing rules.

Q: What is considered a default?

A: A registered owner is in default if they do not timely respond to the fine notice (i.e., failure to pay the fine, request a hearing, nominate a driver, or request and complete community service).

Q: What happens if I default?

A: An Automated Speed Enforcement fine notice is a civil violation. In the event of a default, the City will enforce debt collections. This is not a criminal violation; therefore, a default does not result in a bench warrant or points on a driver’s license. 

Q: What happens if I default on two (2) or more Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) system fines?

If the registered owner is in default for two (2) or more ASE system fines, the registered owner may be subject to enforceable penalties including but not limited to a parking citation, immobilization, and/or impoundment of their vehicle if their vehicle is found to be parked on any street or roadway within the city; on or in any City-owned parking facility; on or in any City-managed parking facility; or on any other City-owned real property within the city limits (8-5-1-43 ROA 1994). 

Q: How do I look up the status of my citation?

A: Please go online or contact the issuer by phone to get the most up-to-date information on citation status and remaining balance. To log in, enter your citation number and PIN from your citation. Upon logging in, your citation status will be prominently shown at the top center of the screen for your convenience. If you need another copy of the original citation, please see our citation request information page.

Q: What does the City do with the money collected?

A: The revenue generated through Automated Speed Enforcement will be retained and distributed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-18-17(A)(2) NMSA 1978 (2009), which requires half to be remitted to the State, and the other half is retained by the municipality to offset reasonable costs directly related to administering the program. Any remaining funds will be used for Vision Zero traffic safety initiatives. View a map of Vision Zero traffic safety projects that included ASE funds.

Q: Does the company providing the equipment make more money if more tickets are issued?

A: No. The Automated Speed Enforcement Ordinance specifically requires that any vendor with which the City contracts have a flat fee structure and not a per-citation fee structure.

Q: Do plate blockers and sprays work?

A: No. First and foremost, utilizing many of these products is illegal. Moreover, with the industrial flash technology, most of the sprays actually serve to enhance the image of a reflective surface like a license plate, making the evidence even more prosecutable.

Q: Is this more "Big Brother?"

A: If you shop at a store, use an ATM, or fill up your car, you're on camera. When you choose to travel on public streets, you have a responsibility to safely and legally. Automated speed enforcement technology is simply one tool available to the community to ensure that citizens are driving safely and responsibly for the benefit of themselves and those around them.

Vision Zero

Q: What is Vision Zero?

A: Vision Zero is a commitment to work toward zero traffic deaths and serious injuries and create safer streets for everyone, whether we’re walking, biking, driving, or taking transit, and regardless of age or ability. Zero traffic deaths and serious injuries are the goal, and the Safe Systems Approach is how we get there. In 2019, Mayor Keller committed to a Vision Zero goal and signed an Executive Order committing the City of Albuquerque to work toward the goal of zero traffic deaths by 2040. In November 2023, the City Council approved the City's Vision Zero Year-in-Review/Action Plan Update, which lays out steps that the City will take to reduce traffic fatalities and make our streets safer. The plan prioritized safe multimodal street design and safe speeds from the Safe Systems Approach. The plan also identified Automated Speed Enforcement as a strategy to address safe speeds since we know from comprehensive data that humans are less likely to survive high-speed crashes. Learn more at cabq.gov/visionzero or view a map of Vision Zero traffic safety projects that included ASE funds.