SaddleBrooke Patrol Complaint by Food Delivery Driver
SUBMITTED TO SBINSIDER| September 28th, 2025
From: Benjamin Hart
Email: sy***********@***il.com
Story:
Earlier this year, while making a food delivery, I was physically stopped inside SaddleBrooke Two by a member of the citizen patrol. During the stop, my driver’s license was taken back to their patrol vehicle and I was issued what appeared to be a formal traffic citation with a fine.
After carefully checking the law and available guidance, I found that homeowners associations can only issue citations or fines through civil means. They do not have legal authority to conduct physical traffic stops. Only sworn law enforcement officers are empowered to pull drivers over.
I also see no legal basis for stopping non-residents who are simply entering or passing through on lawful business.
This raises important questions for all residents and visitors:
Should HOA patrols be physically pulling drivers over?
Is this consistent with how HOAs are legally allowed to operate?
What risks does this create for the community if patrol members detain visitors or service providers without proper authority?
My concern is not only personal but community-wide. If patrols are physically stopping vehicles and issuing tickets outside their legal authority, it may expose SaddleBrooke and its residents to serious legal and financial consequences.
I would encourage open discussion and welcome clarification from leadership on whether these practices align with the law.
Your letter does not indicate the infraction you were stopped for. If you were stopped and cited within the bounds of HOA1 or HOA2 the streets are private roads within the community. The Patrols are authorized to enforce traffic violations within these private roads. As a non- resident you cannot be forced to pay the fine, however, if you represent a business, that particular business could be notified of repeated violations. The infractions are not reported to the AZ DMV, so there is no negative action against your driving privileges. Your concerns are simply not valid. Simple solution, obery the speed limits and stop signs within Saddlebrooke.
The homeowner is also responsible for paying any fines incurred by their guests (including vendors). That would not make your customer very happy.
Yes Duff I did fail to mention that fact. Thankyou