Speeding in Minneapolis is about to get much more dangerous and costly for drivers.
On Tuesday, the city unveiled the location of the first five traffic cameras will be placed under a new pilot program.
“Minneapolis is taking commonsense steps to protect lives on our streets,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “With these traffic safety cameras, we’re making clear that speeding and reckless driving won’t be tolerated—especially near our schools and areas with lots of foot traffic. This pilot program is about saving lives, not writing tickets, and I’m proud to have signed the contract this morning to get this work moving.”
The program is slated to begin in September at 5 key locations across the city. Those include:
- 3rd St. N near 1st Ave N. in Downtown
- Fremont Ave N near W. Broadway Ave in Near North
- 18th Ave NE near Central Ave NE in Northeast
- Chicago Ave near Franklin Ave E in Ventura Village
- Nicollet Ave near 46th St. W in Kingfield / Tangletown
With 43 traffic deaths in the last three years across Minneapolis, program coordinator Ethan Fawley says the goal is safer streets.
"Traffic safety cameras are a way of providing automatic enforcement. We have the ability to do it for speeding or red light running. Traffic safety cameras are used in 29 states," Fawley explains.
The first five locations will go online in September, with actual ticket enforcement beginning in October.
The program begins with a warning period. That is followed by fines for subsequent violations that will not impact driving records. Any violations incurring fines will be $40 or $80 depending on how much over the speed limit a driver is going (over 10 mph or over 20 mph). Drivers are able to opt-in for a free traffic safety class instead of paying a fine for their first ticket.
The fines, which organizers claim are the lowest in the county, will not affect driving records.
"We're also the only state that has a war the first violation of warning for everyone, and that's because again our goal is, 'hey, just don't do it again,' right? Our goal isn't to send out citations or generate revenue. The goal is to change that unsafe behavior," says Fawley.
Organizers claim the planned fees are among the lowest in the county. If successful, the program could expand to 42 total locations. The City has identified an additional 11 locations as high priorities for future expansion.
“One of the most common concerns my office hears from constituents is reports of unsafe driving and speeding on residential streets,” said Council Member Katie Cashman. “If we truly want to achieve zero pedestrian deaths in Minneapolis, the Traffic Camera Pilot is a step in the right direction. I am optimistic about what will come of this pilot.”
Only streets under the City’s jurisdiction were considered for the launch of the pilot. Hennepin County or MnDOT roads may be considered for future locations. Vehicle owners are not liable if their car was stolen or if they were not driving at the time of the violation. The city does note that a sworn statement must be provided.
Between 2022 and 2024 in Minneapolis:
- 43 people were killed in crashes involving clear speeding
- 19 people were killed in crashes involving red light running
- 17 people were killed in crashes that involved both speeding and red light running