Due to limited resources many states use speed enforcement cameras—also known as photo or video enforcement—to take a digital photograph or video of a vehicle (and its license plate) that violates the speed limit. The use of speed enforcement cameras to issue speeding tickets or citations (mailed to the driver) has been controversial, with claims that it violates Constitutional rights.

Laws vary from state to state and in some states speed enforcement cameras are a permitted enforcement tool; in some states they are prohibited; and in some states they are prohibited unless permitted by a local ordinance (city or town).

To measure the speed of a moving vehicle and issue speeding tickets by photo enforcement, police departments generally use photo or video radar that relies on radio signals and the Doppler Effect or photo and video LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology that relies on lasers rather than radio waves. These devices require training on their proper use and regular calibration to be accurate.

In the state of Nevada, the use of speed enforcement cameras is not widely implemented. Nevada law, specifically NRS 484B.017, prohibits the use of cameras for traffic enforcement on highways, with an exception for temporary use in work zones when workers are present. This means that, generally, automated traffic enforcement systems like speed cameras are not used to issue speeding tickets or citations in Nevada. Enforcement of speed limits is primarily conducted by law enforcement officers who are trained in the use of radar and LIDAR devices. These officers must follow specific procedures for the devices' use and ensure regular calibration for accuracy. Any citations issued for speeding are typically the result of direct observation and measurement by these officers rather than automated systems.