Key Takeaways
- The "Big Six": AB 645 authorizes speed cameras in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach, and San Francisco.
- No Points, Just Cash: These tickets are civil violations. They generally do not add points to your DMV record or affect your insurance rates.
- The Price Tag: Fines start at $50 for 11 mph over and cap at $500 for doing 100+ mph. The first violation for 11-15 mph over is just a warning.
- San Francisco is First: SF is already rolling out cameras. Other cities like LA and Oakland are aiming for 2026 implementation.
- Facial Recognition is Banned: The cameras photograph your rear license plate, not your face. They are looking for the car, not the driver.
The Rise of the Machines
If you thought you only had to watch out for the black-and-white Explorer hiding under the overpass, think again. California has officially entered the era of automated enforcement.
With the passage of Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645), the state of California has greenlit a massive 5-year pilot program that puts speed cameras on the streets of six major California cities.
The goal? To slow people down in "high-injury networks" and school zones.
The reality for drivers? You might get a ticket in the mail before you even realize you were speeding.
Here is everything you need to know about AB 645, how much it will cost you, and where these cameras are popping up.
What is California AB 645?
Passed in October 2023, AB 645 allows six cities to install Speed Safety Systems to automatically ticket drivers. Unlike red-light cameras, which catch you running a signal, these are radar-equipped cameras specifically looking for speeders.
This isn't a statewide free-for-all. It is a controlled pilot program limited to specific streets with high crash rates or known street racing activity.
The Golden Rule: The cameras only trigger if you are going 11 MPH or more over the posted limit.
The Fine Structure (How Much Will It Hurt?)
The good news is that these fines are generally lower than a traditional speeding ticket handed to you by an officer. The bad news is that a robot doesn't accept "I was just flowing with traffic" as an excuse.
SPeed over limit | Penalty |
|---|---|
11 - 15 MPH | Warning (1st offense), then $50 |
16 - 25 MPH | $100 |
26+ MPH | $200 |
100+ MPH | $500 |
Speed Camera Locations: City by City Guide
Currently, only San Francisco has fully active cameras issuing citations. The other five cities are in various stages of planning and installation. Here is the intel on where they are (or where they will be).
1. San Francisco (Active)
San Francisco is the guinea pig. They have 33 locations already live or issuing warnings. If you drive in the city, keep your head on a swivel on these streets:
- Fulton Street: specifically near Golden Gate Park (Arguello to 2nd Ave; 42nd to 43rd Ave).
- Geary Blvd: multiple locations (Webster to Buchanan; 7th to 8th Ave).
- Mission Street: 8th to 9th St; Ottawa to Allison St.
- 3rd Street: Key Ave to Jamestown Ave.
- Embarcadero: Green to Battery St.
- Lincoln Way: 27th to 28th Ave.
- Harrison Street: 4th to 5th St.
- Sloat Blvd: 41st Ave to Skyline Blvd.
Resource: View the full list of SF Speed Camera Locations here (SFMTA)
2. Oakland (Coming Spring 2026)
Oakland is permitted 18 camera systems. The city has already identified the locations based on its "High Injury Network." Warnings are expected to start in early 2026.
Locations to Watch:
- International Blvd (almost certainly a target due to high crash rates).
- Foothill Blvd
- Bancroft Ave
Resource: Oakland DOT Speed Safety Program
3. Los Angeles (Coming in 2026)
LA is allowed the most cameras: up to 125 systems. Because the city is so massive, the rollout is slower. Operations are projected to begin in mid-2026. The cameras must be spread geographically, so expect them in the Valley, South LA, and the Westside equally.
Potential Hotspots:
- Streets with known street racing history (the bill specifically targets these areas).
- School zones.
Resource: LADOT Speed Safety System Page
4. Long Beach (Planning Phase)
Long Beach has identified "Priority Locations" but has not set a go-live date. They are focusing on corridors with high injury rates.
Priority Streets:
- Artesia Blvd (Harbor to Butler).
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) (Willow St area).
- Ocean Blvd (Pacific to Atlantic).
- Willow Street.
- 7th Street.
Resource: Long Beach Speed Safety System Map
5. Glendale (Rolling Out)
Glendale is planning to install cameras at 9 specific locations. They are known for strict traffic enforcement, so expect these to go live on schedule.
Status: A recommended list of locations became available in early 2025, following community meetings.
Resource: Glendale Speed Safety Program
6. San Jose (Rolling Out)
San Jose is targeted for a Fall 2025 roll out period. Like the others, they are selecting locations based on crash data.
Resource: San Jose Vision Zero Projects
The "Good" News: Your Record is Safe(r)
One of the biggest wins for drivers in AB 645 is how these tickets are classified.
- Civil, Not Criminal: These are treated like parking tickets, not moving violations.
- No DMV Points: Paying an AB 645 ticket does not add a point to your license.
- Invisible to Insurance: Because there are no points, insurance companies generally cannot use these violations to hike your premiums.
So, Should You Just Pay It?
Not necessarily. While it won't wreck your record, $100-$500 is still real money.
How to Fight It:
Since the ticket goes to the registered owner, not the driver, you have valid defenses:
- "It Wasn't Me": If you were not driving, you can fill out an affidavit of non-liability. Since the cameras do not capture faces, they can't prove who was behind the wheel, only who owns the car.
- Stolen Plates/Vehicle: If your car or plates were stolen, the ticket is dismissed.
However, unlike a regular traffic ticket, these appeals usually go through an administrative hearing with the city or a vendor, not a courtroom with a judge. It’s a different game.
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Informed
The robots are here, but they aren't invincible. The best defense against AB 645 is knowing where the cameras are and keeping your speed in check in those specific zones.
If you get hit with a traditional speeding ticket from an actual officer, that will carry points and will affect your insurance. That is where we step in.
[Got a traffic ticket that carries points? Click here for a FREE consultation with FYourTicket.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view the photo of my violation?
Yes. If you receive a citation, you (the registered owner) have the right to review the photographic evidence.
Do these cameras use facial recognition?
No. AB 645 explicitly bans the use of facial recognition software. The cameras are angled to capture the rear license plate only.
What if I was renting a car?
The ticket goes to the registered owner (the rental agency). They will likely pay it and then charge your credit card, often with a hefty administrative fee on top. You can try to fight the rental agency fee, but the ticket itself is usually valid.
Do I get a warning first?
Yes. For the first 60 days after a new system is installed, cities must issue warning notices instead of fines. Additionally, your first violation for going 11-15 mph over is always a warning.