Many U.S. cities are adopting speed cameras in school zones and high-traffic areas as both safety tools and sources of revenue. But how much of a typical $100 speeding ticket actually stays with the city? The answer varies significantly depending on the speed camera vendor.
In April 2025, the Village of Wellington, Florida, approved a contract with Jenoptik Smart Mobility Solutions LLC, revealing just how lucrative the right vendor partnership can be.
Wellington Selects Jenoptik: Highest Revenue Share per $100 Fine
Wellington’s new agreement with Jenoptik allows the city to retain $49.98 per $100 fine—the highest municipal revenue share among six leading speed camera vendors. That figure gives Wellington nearly 50% of each citation issued through its school zone speed enforcement program.
According to a report from the Town-Crier, the village's decision to go with Jenoptik came after evaluating six proposals. Price was weighted at 40% in the evaluation, with qualifications and technical capability each accounting for 30%. Jenoptik edged out competitors despite not yet operating school zone programs in Florida, while former frontrunner RedSpeed tied for third place.
Speed Camera Company Comparison: City’s Share from a $100 Fine
Here’s a breakdown of how much cities keep per $100 speeding fine based on the contracted speed camera company:
| Speed Camera Vendor | City Revenue per $100 Fine |
|---|---|
| Jenoptik | $49.98 |
| Blue Line Solutions | $42.00 |
| Altumint | $40.02 |
| Verra Mobility | $39.00 |
| RedSpeed USA | $37.50 |
| NovoaGlobal | $33.00 |
These numbers underscore a stark contrast in revenue-sharing agreements across vendors. Over time, the difference between $33 and $49.98 per fine can add up to hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars for local governments.
Why Jenoptik Was Chosen in Wellington
Wellington officials said that Jenoptik’s financial proposal, experience with school safety, and U.S. headquarters in Jupiter, Florida, made it a competitive choice. Company president Finbarr O’Carroll assured the council that Jenoptik would comply with Florida laws and be ready to launch operations before the next school year.
The agreement includes a 30-day warning period before real fines are issued, giving drivers time to adjust to the new system. Cameras will only ticket drivers going 10 mph or more above the posted school zone speed limit, in compliance with state law.
Are Speed Cameras Profitable for Cities?
Yes—but only with the right contract. While many residents believe that speed camera tickets are fully pocketed by the city, much of the fine often goes to the private vendor. As seen in Wellington’s case, choosing a vendor like Jenoptik can nearly double city revenue per fine compared to companies like NovoaGlobal or RedSpeed.
For cities considering new speed enforcement systems, the vendor choice significantly affects long-term revenue. Municipal leaders should scrutinize not just vendor technology and reputation—but also how much of each fine actually supports local infrastructure and public safety.
Final Thoughts
Wellington’s decision to contract with Jenoptik sets a new benchmark for city revenue potential from speed cameras. As automated traffic enforcement expands across the U.S., more cities are likely to follow suit, looking to maximize both safety and financial return.