Speeding remains one of the biggest threats to traffic safety in cities. To combat dangerous driving and reduce crashes, many urban areas have adopted automated speed enforcement cameras. Minneapolis is now joining this trend through a new pilot program of “traffic safety cameras” designed to catch speeders and red-light runners.
This article explains the background of the program, where the cameras are located, how the system works, and what drivers should know. For a full statewide list, see the Minnesota Speed & Red Light Camera Map.
Legal and Policy Background
Legislative authority & pilot program
For years, Minnesota law did not permit automated enforcement. That changed in 2024, when the Legislature authorized a limited pilot program in Minneapolis and Mendota Heights. The pilot runs from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2029.
During this time, Minneapolis is permitted to activate up to 42 traffic camera locations chosen from an initial pool of 51 candidate sites.
The City Council approved a four-year contract with NovoaGlobal, Inc. to manage the cameras, citation system, and appeals. By late summer 2025, cameras will be operational in the city.
Purpose and rationale
The program is part of Minneapolis’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries. Speed is a top factor in serious crashes. Cameras provide consistent enforcement that police staffing alone cannot deliver.
Officials emphasize that the intent is not revenue but safety: deterring reckless driving near schools, pedestrian corridors, and high-injury intersections.
Initial Camera Locations
Minneapolis announced the first five intersections for camera installation. These sites were selected for crash history, speeding patterns, and geographic distribution:
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3rd Street North near 1st Avenue North (Downtown)
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Fremont Avenue North near West Broadway Avenue North (Near North)
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18th Avenue NE near Central Avenue NE (Northeast)
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Chicago Avenue near Franklin Avenue East (Phillips)
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Nicollet Avenue near 46th Street West (South Minneapolis)
These locations represent a cross-section of the city, from the urban core to neighborhood corridors.
In addition to these five, dozens of other intersections were evaluated as candidates. Sites such as Lyndale Avenue, Hennepin Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and Minnehaha Parkway remain on the potential deployment list for later phases of the program.
For an updated statewide view, visit the Minnesota Speed & Red Light Camera Map.
How the Camera System Works
Warning period and thresholds
When cameras first activate, the city will issue warning notices rather than fines for about 30 days. After the warning phase, citations will begin.
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10 mph over the limit = citation
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20 mph over the limit = higher penalty
This approach is meant to give drivers time to adjust their behavior before fines apply.
Fines and penalties
The initial fine schedule is modest by design:
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$40 for 10+ mph over the limit
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$80 for 20+ mph over
These are considered administrative citations and will not affect driving records during the pilot.
First-time offenders may also have the option of completing a free safety class instead of paying the fine.
Citation process
Cameras use radar and high-resolution photography to identify violators. Vehicle owners receive notices by mail. If the owner was not driving, they may file a sworn statement to contest responsibility.
NovoaGlobal will oversee system management, evidence review, and citation processing on behalf of the city.
What Drivers Should Know
If you drive in Minneapolis, here are the key takeaways:
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Cameras run 24/7. Don’t assume late-night or off-peak driving exempts you.
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Check your speed. Just 10 mph over the limit can trigger a citation.
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Watch your mail. Notices are sent to registered owners.
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Citations won’t add points to your license during the pilot.
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You can contest. If you weren’t the driver, you can file a statement to that effect.
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Expect expansion. After the first five sites, more cameras will likely roll out.
Common Concerns and Criticisms
Privacy
Critics argue cameras may lead to over-surveillance, since images of license plates and vehicles are stored.
Equity
Questions remain about whether low-income drivers are disproportionately impacted or whether cameras are placed fairly across neighborhoods.
Accuracy
Cameras must be properly calibrated to avoid errors. Clear rules for challenging tickets are essential.
Revenue vs. safety
Skeptics worry that cameras function as “cash grabs.” City leaders insist revenue is secondary to traffic safety.
Driver behavior
Some argue drivers only slow down near cameras. Others believe the deterrent effect spreads to overall driving habits.
Future of Minneapolis Speed Cameras
The pilot will be closely monitored through 2029. Data will be analyzed on:
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Crash reductions
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Average speed changes
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Equity impacts
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Public feedback
If successful, the Legislature may allow permanent programs and expansion to other Minnesota cities.
Minneapolis may also extend the cameras to red-light enforcement, further expanding automated safety efforts.
Conclusion
Minneapolis is moving forward with automated traffic enforcement to make its streets safer. Starting in 2025, five intersections will host speed cameras, with more to follow during the pilot. The fines are modest, records won’t be affected, and education options exist for first-time offenders.
For drivers, the best defense is simple: stay within the speed limit. With cameras rolling out, Minneapolis is signaling that traffic safety is a top priority.
To track current and future camera locations across Minnesota, see the Minnesota Speed & Red Light Camera Map.