California drivers are beginning to encounter a new form of traffic enforcement: automated speed cameras. Instead of relying exclusively on police officers to identify speeding violations, certain California cities can now use camera systems to detect vehicles traveling above posted speed limits and issue civil citations.
The program is part of California's effort to reduce speeding-related collisions, especially in areas where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers often face increased risks. However, the introduction of automated enforcement has also raised questions about privacy, ticket accuracy, financial penalties, and drivers' legal rights. Under Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645), California authorized a limited speed camera pilot program. While the law took effect in 2024, implementation has continued through 2025 and 2026.
Understanding the Importance of these Systems
Understanding how these systems may work can help drivers in California recognize the importance of these citations, understand their responsibilities, and determine what options may be available when they disagree with a violation.
What Is California's Automated Speed Enforcement Program?
California's automated speed enforcement program was established through Assembly Bill 645, signed into law in October 2023. The legislation allows designated local jurisdictions to install speed safety systems that use automated technology to identify vehicles traveling significantly above posted speed limits.
Unlike traditional traffic enforcement, which usually involves an officer observing a violation and stopping a driver, automated systems can document speeding without a roadside traffic stop. The program operates under California Vehicle Code Sections 22425 and 22426. The law also establishes requirements governing camera placement, public notification, privacy protections, financial penalties, and administrative review.
In addition, California's automated speed camera program is separate from conventional speeding tickets issued by law enforcement officers.
Which California Cities Are Authorized to Use Speed Cameras?
Assembly Bill 645 originally authorized six California jurisdictions to participate in the automated speed enforcement pilot. These may include the following locations.
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Oakland
- San Jose
- Glendale
- Long Beach
These jurisdictions may place cameras in the areas listed above, including streets with documented serious traffic injuries, school zones, and locations associated with qualifying street racing or speeding incidents.
How Do Automated Speed Cameras Detect Violations?
Automated speed cameras use radar, laser, or related speed-measuring technology to identify vehicles traveling above a designated threshold. Under Vehicle Code Section 22426, the AB 645 systems are designed to capture the rear license plate of a vehicle traveling 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit. The technology usually follows the steps listed below.
- A speed-measuring device identifies a vehicle exceeding the enforcement threshold.
- The camera captures an image of the vehicle's rear license plate.
- The system records relevant information, including the location, date, time, and detected speed.
- The evidence is analyzed through the jurisdiction's required procedures.
- If the violation meets the applicable requirements, a notice may be mailed to the registered owner.
California law includes certain protections intended to limit unnecessary surveillance and protect personal information. The law also requires appropriate public signage. Drivers should usually encounter notices identifying photo-enforced speed zones before reaching an operating camera.
Who Receives the Citation: The Driver or Registered Owner?
One important distinction between California's automated speed camera program and conventional traffic enforcement is how responsibility is assigned. Under Vehicle Code Section 22426, speed camera notices are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, rather than automatically identifying the person driving.
This is because the camera system relies on rear license plate information rather than photographing the driver's face. It is important to note that if a vehicle is registered to one person but driven by a family member, the registered owner may receive the notice.
The law contains procedures and exceptions addressing certain circumstances, including vehicles that were stolen. Vehicle owners who receive a citation should review the information carefully rather than assuming the notice is necessarily correct. If the registered owner believes the citation was issued incorrectly, the applicable administrative review process may provide an opportunity to challenge it.
What Are the Fines, Warnings, and Penalties?
California Vehicle Code Section 22426 establishes a graduated civil penalty structure based on how far a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit. Individuals may be fined the following amounts after their specific driving behaviors are examined.
- 11-15 mph above the legal limit: $50
- 16-25 mph above the legal limit: $100
- 26 mph or more above the legal limit: $200
- 100 mph or more above the legal limit: $500
Warning Periods
Before financial enforcement begins, participating jurisdictions must provide a 60-day warning period for newly activated camera systems. During this period, eligible speeding events result in warnings rather than monetary penalties.
Financial Hardship and Reduced Penalties
California's program includes financial hardship protections. Payment plans and community service alternatives may also be available under applicable statutory and local procedures. Drivers experiencing financial hardship should review the instructions accompanying their citation and the jurisdiction's published eligibility requirements.
Can a Speed Camera Ticket Affect Your Driving Record?
For many drivers, one of the most important questions is whether receiving a speed camera citation will add points to their California driving record. Under Vehicle Code Section 22426, an automated speed camera violation is treated as a civil penalty. The statute specifically provides that these violations do not result in DMV violation points or suspension or cancellation of driving privileges based on the camera violation.
Since the citation is not treated as a traditional moving violation, it usually does not create the same insurance effects associated with other types of traffic offenses.
However, drivers should not assume that every traffic camera citation in California follows these rules. Red-light camera citations, conventional officer-issued speeding tickets, and violations given under other enforcement systems may be controlled by different laws.
How Can You Contest a Citation?
Receiving an automated speed camera citation does not mean that a driver must accept every allegation without review. California law provides administrative procedures through which registered vehicle owners can contest these violations. The process may involve, but is not limited to, the following steps.
- An initial review
- An administrative hearing
- Additional judicial review when permitted or necessary
Depending on the circumstances, possible issues to examine may include but are not limited to the following.
- Incorrect vehicle identification: The license plate or vehicle shown in the evidence may not match the registered owner's vehicle.
- Inaccurate information: The notice may contain an incorrect date, location, registration detail, or other material information.
- Equipment compliance: Questions may arise concerning whether the camera system was properly maintained, calibrated, or operated according to legal requirements.
- Ownership circumstances: A registered owner may have documentation showing that the vehicle was stolen, transferred, or otherwise falls within an applicable statutory exception.
Drivers considering contesting a citation should consider the following.
- Carefully reviewing the citation
- Preserving relevant documents
- Following the stated deadlines
Ignoring a notice may create additional challenges and complications. An individual who disputes a citation should use the official review process rather than simply declining to respond.
How Could Speed Enforcement Affect Traffic Safety?
Individuals who support automated speed enforcement often argue that camera systems can encourage drivers to slow down, especially on roads with prior histories of serious collisions. It is important to understand that vehicle speed plays an important role in the overall severity of a crash. Higher speeds can increase stopping distances, reduce the time available to react to hazards, and increase the forces involved in an accident.
These risks are especially significant when crashes involve the following individuals.
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Children
- Other vulnerable individuals on the road
By encouraging individuals to follow the posted speed limits, automated enforcement may help reduce dangerous driving behavior. However, cameras are not a replacement for the following.
- Safe roadway design
- Appropriate traffic signals
- Pedestrian infrastructure
- Responsible driving
The Importance of Seeking Legal Guidance and Support
Speaking to a legal professional may be important when difficult legal and insurance questions arise throughout the personal injury process. Oftentimes, individuals and their loved one’s are unaware of the necessary steps to take when dealing with a vehicle collision, especially one that involves serious injuries that can last a lifetime. Seeking legal guidance and support may help reduce the risk of further complications and help victims move through the claims process as smoothly as possible and discover whether traffic cameras can help after a hit-and-run collision.
The Legal Team at KAASS LAW: How We Can Help
The qualified personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW are determined to help individuals understand the legal questions surrounding speed-related collisions. Injuries that occur from car accidents, especially when the driver is speeding, can be serious and sometimes lead to life-threatening circumstances. The legal team at KAASS LAW may review the specific facts of your case, speak to insurance companies on your behalf, preserve important pieces of evidence, and determine potentially liable parties moving forward. Call KAASS LAW today to learn more about privacy and due process protections for California motorists. For a broader overview of camera technologies throughout the state, see our California Traffic Camera Guide.