Minneapolis Unveils First 5 Traffic Safety Camera Locations

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The city of Minneapolis has announced where it will place its first traffic safety cameras this September as part of a five-location pilot program aimed at reducing traffic deaths and serious injuries.

On Tuesday, Mayor Jacob Frey signed a contract with NovoaGlobal, a national traffic enforcement company, after the City Council approved the agreement last week.

Here’s where the cameras will go:

• 3rd St. N near 1st Ave N (Downtown)
• Fremont Ave N near W. Broadway Ave (Near North)
• 18th Ave NE near Central Ave NE (Northeast)
• Chicago Ave near Franklin Ave E (Ventura Village)
• Nicollet Ave near 46th St. W (King Field/Tangletown)

"Minneapolis is taking commonsense steps to protect lives on our streets," said Mayor Jacob Frey in a statement.

"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."

Why Now?

Speed cameras were off-limits in Minnesota for nearly two decades. The Minnesota Supreme Court struck down Minneapolis’ original "photo cop" program in 2007, and cities were left without authority to use automated enforcement.

But that changed when state lawmakers passed new legislation allowing pilot programs under strict rules. Now, cities like Minneapolis and Mendota Heights are taking the lead.

Why These Streets?

Only streets controlled by the city of Minneapolis were eligible for the pilot program. State or county roads, like Hennepin County or Minnesota Department of Transportation routes, weren’t considered, though they could be added later.

"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."

How It Works

• First offenses get a warning.
• A $40 fine is issued for speeding 10+ mph over the limit.
• A $80 fine applies for going 20+ mph over.
• First-time violators can take a free safety class instead of paying.
• Citations won’t impact your license or driving record.

A city traffic control agent will review every violation before issuing a citation.

Cameras will only capture the back of a vehicle and cannot photograph people. State law requires that all fine revenue go back into safety improvements, not general funds.

What’s Next

The city plans to add more cameras in early 2026 and expand into red-light enforcement later that year. Eleven more high-priority spots have already been identified.

Between 2022 and 2024, speeding contributed to 43 traffic deaths in Minneapolis, city officials said.