Automated Speed Cameras Raise Questions in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque

New speed cameras have sparked debate over their effectiveness and fairness.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:15am

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Rio Rancho and Albuquerque have implemented new automated speed cameras, but the policy has faced criticism from some residents who view the cameras as more about revenue generation than public safety. While the cities say the cameras have reduced speeding, there are questions about the enforcement process, including canceled hearings and low payment rates for tickets.

Why it matters

The use of automated speed cameras is a controversial traffic enforcement tactic, with debates around their effectiveness, fairness, and potential for abuse. This story highlights the ongoing tensions as cities like Rio Rancho and Albuquerque adopt these technologies, balancing public safety goals with concerns over civil liberties and government overreach.

The details

Rio Rancho's new speed cameras, operated by Verra Mobility, take photos of license plates of vehicles going at least 11 mph over the speed limit (5 mph in school zones). Police then review the data and issue $100 tickets, which can be sent to collections if unpaid. In Albuquerque, the city has issued nearly 582,000 citations since the program began in 2022, with a 52% payment rate. Unpaid tickets can lead to additional penalties like vehicle booting. However, some drivers claim in-person hearings to contest tickets are often quickly dismissed when the citing officer fails to appear.

  • Rio Rancho's new speed cameras went into effect on January 27, 2026.
  • Albuquerque's automated speed enforcement (ASE) program has been in place since 2022.

The players

Verra Mobility

The company that owns and operates the speed cameras in Rio Rancho.

Jose Martinez

A Rio Rancho resident who has been criticizing the city's use of speed cameras, viewing them as a revenue-generating tactic rather than a public safety measure.

Rio Rancho Police

The department responsible for reviewing data from the speed cameras and issuing tickets in Rio Rancho.

City of Albuquerque

The city that has implemented an automated speed enforcement program, with cameras installed on 21 critical arteries.

MVD

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, which confirmed that tickets from automated cameras are considered civil violations and do not go on a driver's permanent record.

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What they’re saying

“This is something that an out-of-state contractor like Verra is cashing out on the citizens of New Mexico, and I think it's very bad policy.”

— Jose Martinez

“Some in-person hearings were cancelled because one of our five officers who review the citations terminated his employment with the city at the end of 2025. We are re-hiring for that position.”

— City of Albuquerque spokesperson

What’s next

The City of Rio Rancho is continuing to monitor the effectiveness of the new speed cameras, and the City of Albuquerque is working to fill the vacant officer position to review citations and hold in-person hearings.

The takeaway

The implementation of automated speed cameras in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque highlights the ongoing debate around the use of such technology for traffic enforcement. While the cities argue the cameras improve public safety, some residents view them as revenue generators that undermine civil liberties. The high rate of unpaid tickets and canceled hearings also raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the enforcement process.