Mexico City Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of traffic camera fines

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has ruled that the traffic camera fine system, known as ‘fotomultas’, in Mexico City is constitutional. In a 6-to-2 vote, the justices rejected a proposal by Minister Giovanni Figueroa Mejía that would have exempted vehicle owners from fines if they were not the ones driving at the time of the infraction.

Instead, the Court upheld a project by Minister Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra. The ruling establishes that while the driver is the primary offender, the vehicle owner holds joint liability for the payment of the fine. The majority argued that camera images serve as valid evidence that can be refuted, and that the system is an effective tool for reducing traffic accidents and curbing police corruption.

The legal debate originated from a case involving a vehicle owner who challenged 13 speeding fines. The Court's decision confirms the validity of the local laws regulating these technological security and traffic enforcement measures.