Farmington Council Approves Radar Speed Cameras to Improve Safety

Farmington city leaders have authorized a five-year automated speed camera program after a unanimous City Council vote on December 9, 2025. City officials described the initiative as limited in scope and data-driven, aimed at reducing speeding and improving public safety rather than generating revenue.

The program will deploy radar-based cameras supplied by NovoaGlobal, a vendor with systems already in use across New Mexico and the Southwest. Cameras will detect vehicles exceeding posted speed limits; each potential violation will be reviewed by a Farmington Police Department officer before any citation is issued. The agreement commits the city to five years of service and carries financial penalties if the city withdraws early.

Officials outlined the program costs at the meeting. The city will pay $27 for each paid citation and $75,000 per year for camera equipment, calculated as five cameras at $15,000 each annually. Speed camera citations will carry a $100 fine, consistent with New Mexico traffic law. City staff said the rollout will begin with a probationary period during which motorists may receive warnings rather than fines.

Initial camera placement will focus on 20th Street, using speed studies conducted from October through December 2024 to identify problematic segments. Proposed intersections for cameras include Butler Avenue, Knudsen Avenue, Sullivan Avenue, and Hutton Avenue. Farmington Police emphasized that traditional traffic enforcement will continue and that the automated system is intended to support officers, not replace them.

Councilors raised questions about privacy, fairness, and oversight. Staff told the council that all citations would be reviewed by police, that collected data would guide safety improvements, and that the program complies with state law. Councilor Jakino seconded the motion to participate and the measure passed unanimously.

Next steps include finalizing installation and testing with NovoaGlobal, public notification before enforcement begins, and ongoing reporting to city leadership. Residents can expect clear signage near camera locations and a probationary warning period before fines are imposed.

For San Juan County drivers, the program signals a shift toward automated traffic monitoring on key corridors. Motorists who travel 20th Street and adjoining intersections should watch for posted signs and allow extra time as enforcement begins. City leaders say the system will provide more granular traffic data to inform future safety projects and to help target traditional enforcement where it is most needed.