Rio Rancho’s speed cameras have generated more than $2 million for the city in 2026 and tens of thousands of citations, according to city leaders.
RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Rio Rancho’s speed cameras have generated more than $2 million for the city in 2026 and tens of thousands of citations, according to city leaders.
There are now 13 total cameras with 10 becoming operational back in January in various spots in Rio Rancho and three more added in June along NM 528.
At a work meeting for city officials on Tuesday, leaders said more than 45,000 citations have been issued via those cameras so far. While only about 51% have been paid, at $100 per ticket, that is around $2.3 million generated by citations. Unpaid citations are eventually sent to a collections agency.
If all tickets had been paid, however, the total would be around $4.5 million.
“I hear regularly that it’s a money grab, that the city’s just out to pull money out of the pockets of the citizens,” said Mayor Paul Wymer in a phone interview Thursday. “It’s important to remember that citizens are only fined if they’re going 11 miles an hour or more over the speed limit.”
The speed cameras replaced the speed “vans” that were previously in use.
While the cameras are efficient at churning out citations, Mayor Wymer says that’s not the reason they were installed.
“You know, it’s not intended to be necessarily a punishment. It’s more of a ‘Please start paying attention. Be more cognizant of how fast you are going as you drive throughout the city,’” he said.
One issue addressed at Tuesday’s meeting is the fact state law requires money generated by the cameras to be used for certain improvements, including new police cars.
But Deputy City Manager Peter Wells brought up one small problem at the meeting.
“I dare to say, lightning’s probably gonna strike me. We may have too much money for police car replacement,” said Wells.
KOB 4 asked Mayor Wymer about that concern Thursday, and he stated the City of Rio Rancho will find a way to put the money to good use making the mandated improvements.
He said that’s not his big concern. It’s speeding itself that bothers him the most.
“I guess if there’s a concern that I have it’s that there are these many violations,” he said.
KOB 4 also talked to Rio Rancho residents who had different opinions on the cameras, including a man identified as Anthony who believes a $100 fine is not enough.
“You know, more of, I say, more of a fine. Not necessarily jail, but gosh!” he said when asked about the issue of speeding in Rio Rancho.
But others, including Robert Gonazles, said there are simply too many cameras around town already, and he’s hoping more aren’t installed in the future.
“I’ve gotten one of them. Just paid my ticket. I mean, was I happy about it? No. Did I curse a lot? Of course I did,” he said.
Others say they’ve managed to avoid a ticket so far by remaining extra careful on the roads.
“No, I have not gotten a ticket. That’s the good news,” said Quinlan Byrne. “I have not gotten a ticket, and I would like to keep it that way.”
