Speed demons, take note: California’s getting serious about slowing you down. Thanks to Assembly Bill 645, signed into law last fall but revving into action this year, select cities across the state will soon start issuing speeding tickets using automated speed cameras.
The pilot program gives Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Long Beach and Glendale the green light to install speed safety systems in problem zones—think school areas, streets notorious for drag races and “safety corridors” where crashes are common.
San Francisco was first out of the gate, activating 33 cameras earlier this spring. The rest will follow, with Los Angeles expected to roll out its own cameras in 2026. You won’t see flashing lights in your rearview, though; these cameras work silently, snapping license plates and automatically sending out tickets.
If you’re caught driving more than 11 miles per hour over the limit, get ready to pay. Penalties start at $50 and scale up to $500 for those clocked at 100 mph or more. The good news is that the first 60 days after any camera goes live are a grace period, where violators will only receive warning notices. And if you’re struggling financially, the law requires cities to offer reduced fines, payment plans or even community service options.
To prevent sneaky enforcement, the law also mandates a public info blitz at least 30 days before any camera is switched on, including signage, media alerts and an online map of camera locations. Unlike red-light cameras, these cameras will only capture rear license plates—no mug shots here.
Officials hope the program improves safety while sidestepping the equity concerns tied to traditional traffic stops. The state’s betting on technology to slow down traffic without bias, though each city must file a report analyzing how the cameras impact public safety and neighborhood economics.
One more thing: if you’re pulled over on a California freeway, don’t expect to blame a speed cam. The law only applies to local streets, not highways or state routes.
So, check your speed before you hit the gas. In these six California cities, your next ticket could come by mail.