Camera Radar
Fort Collins Police Services enforces traffic laws and issues citations, including camera radar and red light citations. Fort Collins Municipal Court, an independent judicial body, processes all such cases. Learn about regulations, citation processes, payment options and your rights when receiving these traffic enforcement citations.
Regulations Regarding Radar/Red Light Citations
To review regulations for using cameras for traffic enforcement, refer to:
- Red Light Camera Enforcement: Section 615 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code
- Camera Radar Speed Enforcement: Section 1106 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code
General Radar/Red Light Citations
Fort Collins Police Services issues Camera Radar/Red Light citations. Municipal Court processes cases filed by local enforcement agencies, including Camera Radar/Red Light violations.
Based on current state law, no points are deduced from your driver's license for Camera Radar/Red Light citations unless your speed is 25 miles or more over the speed limit. If your speed was more than 25 miles over the speed limit, you will receive a 6-point speeding citation and an arraignment date to appear in court. Court appearance is required for 6-point speeding citations.
Citation Process
- The City sends photos and video links with the first notice of your violation via regular mail.
- If you fail to pay or appear by the "respond by" date, the City may send a second notice via regular mail.
- If you fail to respond, a Certified Peace Officer may personally serve you with a citation and complaint that includes an arraignment date.
- You may contest your citation for any reason. Please follow the instructions for filing a Motion to Dismiss listed on the paperwork you received.
- If you plead guilty or are found guilty after service, the City will assess a minimum $45 service cost, plus any fines or other costs.
- If you wish to contest the service charge, you must come to Municipal Court to file a Motion to Waive the Service Cost. If your motion is denied, the Court will schedule a Service Cost Hearing Date.
Payment Options
If you wish to plead guilty and pay your citation, you may pay online, by mail or in person at Fort Collins Municipal Court.
View Payment Options
Options for Vehicle Owners Who Were Not Driving
If you are the registered owner of the vehicle but were not driving when the photo was taken, you have four options.
Note: The following information summarizes procedures available under City and State law and is provided for general informational purposes. Municipal Court staff cannot provide legal advice or determine the best option for your specific situation.
1. Pay for the Driver
If you want to pay the violation for the driver, you may send in the Option #1 slip. The citation will remain in the original person's name and no correction will be made. Zero-point citations are not reported to the State of Colorado and will not show on your Driver License History.
2. Transfer Responsibility
If you know who the driver is and you want them to take responsibility, and you don’t want to pay for that person, please file a motion(PDF, 209KB). The motion must include the driver’s full name and current address as well as a color copy of the named driver’s identification card or driver’s license. Once the motion and requested information are returned, it will be reviewed. If the motion is approved, the ticket will be transferred to the new driver.
3. File a Motion
If you don't know who the driver is or don't want to identify the driver, you can file a motion on your case.
Include with all motions a clear copy of your driver's license. The Prosecutor will review the case. If they agree with your motion, a judge will decide your case. If the prosecutor disagrees, you may go to trial. You must file a completed paper motion or complete the online process. You can request a motion by emailing Municipal Court, completing the generic motion form(PDF, 209KB) or appearing in-person at Municipal Court to complete and file your motion.
This document is provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading this document, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.
4. Contest the Violation
If you wish to contest your violation, you may request that it be set for trial at Municipal Court during normal business hours. The trial date will be scheduled within 91 days of the date you plead "not guilty."
Consequences of Non-Appearance
Except for 25+ miles per hour over the speed limit violations, if you do not appear for arraignment or trial, you will be found guilty by default. The Court will enter a default judgment against you and mail you a letter explaining what you owe and your options. If you still do not address the citation, your case will be turned over for collection and may appear on your credit report.
25+ miles per hour over the speed limit violations are misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are criminal in nature. Therefore, the Court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest if you fail to appear.
AVIS Camera Radar-Red Light Report: View 2024 Report(PDF, 150KB)