To maximize the flexibility and impact of its speeding reduction program, the Metropolitan Police Department uses both mobile photo radar units and stationary, fixed-location cameras (the Department currently has five stationary cameras). Photo radar enforcement zones are selected by the MPDC based on incidents of recent speeding-related fatalities, proximity to schools and other places where children or potentially vulnerable populations are present, and known sites of chronic speeding. The deployment of the mobile photo radar units is at the sole discretion of MPDC traffic safety experts.

Currently, there are more than 70 photo radar enforcement zones located throughout the District of Columbia. Mobile photo radar vehicles rotate among a selection of these enforcement zones at any one time. The zones include a combination of residential streets, arteries and highways. Residents are encouraged to contact the MPDC to recommend locations for photo radar enforcement in their neighborhoods.