Automated traffic enforcement (ATE) utilizes cameras in conjunction with sensors to detect and identify vehicles that potentially violate traffic regulations such as posted speed limits or red lights. ATE is just one of the tools the City of Davenport utilizes in its comprehensive approach to enhance road safety through education, enforcement, and engineering. The use of automated traffic enforcement has resulted in a reduction in both crashes and crashes with injuries.  The system advances public interests in traffic safety and the safety of emergency responders.

First in the state in August of 2004, the Davenport Police Department began an automated traffic enforcement program called Red Means Stop. Five intersections were fitted with cameras that take photographs of vehicles that run red lights. Based on early success, the Davenport Police Department expanded its automated enforcement efforts to include both fixed and mobile speed enforcement in January of 2006. The program was called No Need for Speed. The Davenport Police Department currently deploys both staffed and unstaffed mobile speed enforcement vehicles. These vehicles utilize a laser and camera system that can move to various areas around the City of Davenport that experience speeding problems.

In May of 2024, HF 2681 was signed into law which regulates the use of Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) within the State of Iowa. In September of 2024, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) granted approval for the City to operate ATE speed systems at four fixed locations and twenty-one mobile locations within the city.  Additionally, the city utilizes five fixed red-light cameras. Locations are chosen based on critical traffic safety issues such as traffic collisions, or crashes resulting in serious injury or death.

To align with the state law, the Mayor and Council of the City of Davenport passed the final reading of an updated city ordinance, 10.16.070 - Automated Traffic Enforcement, on January 29, 2025. These amendments incorporate the State of Iowa requirements into the City of Davenport municipal code. On February 4, 2025, the Davenport Police Department resumed issuing speeding citations at approved mobile locations.

To contest a Davenport Automated Traffic Enforcement violation notice, an individual must appear in person at the Traffic Bureau of the Davenport Police Department at 416 Harrison Street, Davenport, Iowa during business hours and request a trial before a judge. If the violation is contested in court, $95.00 in court costs and a $15.00 police service fee will be assessed. If the individual is found responsible or fail to appear, they will be responsible for paying the assessment. If they are found not responsible, the court fee will be waived.

Most questions can be answered with information on this website or by using the instructions on the back of the citation. 

Who is responsible for an Automated Traffic Enforcement system citation?
The owner of the vehicle is responsible for the citation. The owner of the vehicle is defined as the person who holds the legal title to a motor vehicle. If there is a loan on the vehicle and the bank holds the title, the registered owner is responsible. If the motor vehicle is leased, the lessee is responsible for the citation. 

What options are available to submit payment for an ATE citation?
There are two ways to pay a citation:

• Online payments can be made at www.photonotice.com (Enter city code: DVNPRT) or:
• Make Check or Money Order payable to “Davenport Photo Enforcement Program” and mail to "DAVENPORT PHOTO ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM PAYMENT CENTER" at PO BOX 76721 CLEVELAND OH 44101-6500. Ensure the citation number is included on the note line of a check or money order. The Davenport Police Department does not take payment at the station.

What if I was not driving the vehicle when the violation was issued?
The vehicle owner who receives a citation may appeal the violation through the Davenport Police Department. The owner must provide “clear and convincing evidence” that the vehicle owner was not operating the motor vehicle at the time of the violation. As part of the appeal, the owner must also provide the name and address of the person who was operating the motor vehicle at the time of the violation.

Who approves a citation before it is issued?
All violations are reviewed and approved by certified police department employees prior to the issuance of any citation.

Do violations received through the ATE program go on my driving record?
No. ATE citations are considered civil penalties and state law explicitly prohibits citations from being applied to a person’s driving record. They also can’t be used by insurance companies for purposes of automobile insurance rates.

Can I negotiate the amount owed for a citation to a lesser amount?
No. The fine amount is defined by the municipal code and is non-negotiable.

Does the City utilize a collection process for unpaid citations?
Yes, the city uses a debt collection service to collect unpaid citations. The City can also pursue unpaid citations by seeking judgement through issuance of municipal infractions.

I have lost my citation; how can I pay it?
Please contact the Police Department at [email protected] or call 563 888-3675.

What are valid reasons why a violation could be dismissed?
The following lists some reasons that a citation may be dismissed but is not all inclusive:

• The violation occurred after the vehicle was officially reported stolen and not yet recovered.
• The vehicle operator was issued a uniform traffic citation for the violation at issue pursuant to Davenport Municipal Code.
• The violation occurred by an authorized emergency vehicle and/or otherwise was conducting official business.
• The vehicle in question entered the intersection to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
• The vehicle in question was lawfully participating in a funeral procession.
• Violation video is unclear due to weather, obstruction, or poor image quality to such extent that rejection of the detected violation is warranted.

What is a mobile speed cabinet?

These large units are a new addition to the City of Davenport’s Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program. The cabinets contain speed camera technology, much like the police department vans people are used to seeing for speed enforcement in Davenport.

Where are the cabinets located?

There are four speed cabinets in use across the City. They can be used in any of the 21 locations approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Most of the locations are in school zones.

How are the locations selected?

Iowa law requires cities to apply for permits from the Iowa DOT to use speed cameras in specific locations. The application process requires the City to explain why cameras are necessary and appropriate based on traffic counts, accident data, and known safety issues in a location.

The mobile speed van is moved to a different location daily, while the cabinets remain in their set location for two weeks at a time.

How much is a speed camera violation?

The fee is $75 for drivers travelling 11-20 mph over the posted speed limit. The amount increases to $100 for 21-25 mph over and $500 for 30 mph over.

More information about violations, how to pay citations, and how to appeal is posted on davenportiowa.com/ATE.

Why is the Davenport Police Department using cabinets instead of vans?

These cabinets provide a lower-cost alternative to vans. They are owned by the vendor and leased to the City. The cabinets can also stay in the selected location for a longer period, while vans must be moved nightly.

When are the cabinets operational?

The cabinets enforce speed limits 24/7. However, cabinets in school zones are programmed to adjust enforcement based on the time of day. School zone speed limits of 25 mph are enforced only between 7 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on school days.

What other information is captured by the cameras?

The cameras are used for speed enforcement only. There is no facial recognition, vehicle tracking, or other monitoring.  

The only people who have access to data from the photo enforcement program are select members of the Davenport Police Department and highly trained employees of the vendor, Verra Mobility. 

All data is permanently destroyed after a certain period of time. Events that are processed and rejected are destroyed after 60 days. Violation data is destroyed after 1,825 days.