Memphis, TN Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Program
- School-zone & S-curve speed cameras only: no red-light cameras
- Speed threshold
- Over 15 mph in a posted school zone
- Penalty
- $50.00 civil penalty per violation
- Administered by
- City court clerk's office
- Sign spacing
- Posted 500-1,000 feet before camera location
- Legal basis
- T.C.A. § 55-8-198; Ord. No. 5747 (2020)
Summary
Memphis runs no red-light camera program; its only automated photo enforcement targets speeding in active school zones and reverse "S" curves under Sec. 11-21-1. Cameras cite drivers going over 15 mph in a posted school zone or over the curve limit, mailing a $50 civil penalty to the registered owner rather than a criminal charge.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle at a rate of speed greater than 15 miles per hour on that portion of any street which has been designated as a school zone by official signs during any time when school children are present, when school zone flashing signals are in operation or otherwise in violation of sections 21-378 or 21-107 of this code ("School Zone Offense"). ... Any offense hereunder shall be deemed a non-criminal violation for which a civil penalty of $50.00 shall be assessed. Failure to pay the civil penalty or appear in court to contest the citation or warning notice on the designated date shall result in an assessment of court costs.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 11-21 of the Memphis Code of Ordinances, adopted by Ordinance No. § 55-8-198. The city court clerk's office administers the program and must post signs no less than 500 feet and no more than 1,000 feet before each camera location, sized to at least standard MUTCD dimensions. Under subsection C, it is unlawful to drive faster than 15 mph in a posted school zone while children are present or flashers are active ("School Zone Offense"), or to exceed the posted limit through a designated S-curve ("'S' Curve Offense").
A sworn police services officer reviews the recorded images before a citation or warning notice is mailed first-class to the registered owner; personal service is not required. 00 civil penalty directly to the city court clerk or contest the citation in city court. The registered owner is presumed to be the driver, though that presumption can be rebutted with a stolen-vehicle police report or a sworn statement identifying who had custody of the vehicle. Emergency vehicles, vehicles yielding to them, police-escorted vehicles and funeral processions are exempt.
A photo citation is civil, not a moving violation, and cannot appear on a driving record or affect insurance rates. Net revenue after program costs funds the division of engineering's traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety projects. The school-zone leg of the ordinance did not take effect until Shelby County Schools opened for the 2020-2021 school year.
Violations & Fines
Violating either offense draws a $50.00 civil penalty, not a criminal charge: failing to pay or to appear on the citation's return date adds court costs, and the city may pursue collection like any other civil debt. Because it is non-criminal, no points attach to the driver's license and insurers cannot use it to raise rates; only unpaid penalties escalate through the city court's civil enforcement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Memphis use red-light cameras at intersections?
How much is a Memphis speed camera ticket?
Can I fight a Memphis school-zone speed camera ticket?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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