Las Cruces Residents With Unpaid Red Light Camera Tickets Could Have Utilities Cut Off

Las Cruces residents who have unpaid traffic citations from red light cameras risk having their city-owned water, sewage, and gas shut off, according to City of Las Cruces officials.

The City is notifying offenders by mail that they have until the due date stated in the letter to pay the fines or make satisfactory payment arrangements. Failure to comply will result in termination of water, sewage, and gas services.

Authority to do so is contained in the Las Cruces Municipal Code, Section 28-10, which states: The city may decline, fail or cease to furnish utility service to any person who may be in debt to the city for any reason, except ad valorem taxes and special assessments.”

There is approximately $2 million in unpaid and delinquent fines from red light traffic cameras.

In addition to having utilities services terminated, customers will have to pay the $48 fee to re-establish services once the red light traffic camera fines have been reconciled.

The fine for running a red light or speeding through a lighted intersection where a red light camera is located is $100 per violation. A $25 default fee will be added if the fine is not paid within the 35-day period stated on the citation.

Red light cameras are located at the intersection of Lohman Avenue and Telshor Boulevard , Lohman Avenue and Walnut Street and Valley Drive and Avenida de Mesilla – northbound direction.

For questions or payment arrangements contact City Treasurer Robert Scaling at 575/541-2035.

The red light camera program began Feb. 28, 2009.