You might have heard the rumors. You might have seen the flashes at intersections. For years, many Californians thought automated traffic cameras were a thing of the past: a failed experiment from a decade ago. But things are changing fast. If you’ve noticed new, sleek devices popping up on poles in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Jose, you’re not imagining things.
California is rolling out a massive new pilot program for automated traffic enforcement. But these aren’t just the old-school red light cameras you remember. This new wave is focused on something even more common: speeding.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we see the devastating results of high-speed crashes every single day. We know that a split second of recklessness can turn your life upside down. While these cameras are designed to make streets safer, they also change the landscape of how we prove liability in car accident cases. We’re here to explain exactly what’s happening, where these cameras are, and how they might impact you.
The Big Shift: Red Light Cameras vs. Speed Cameras
It is important to understand the difference. Red light cameras have been legal in California for a long time. Many cities used them, then ditched them because they were expensive or controversial. However, they never actually went away legally. Any city in California can choose to use them.
What’s new is AB 645. This law, signed recently, created the "Speed Safety System" pilot program. This is a game-changer because, for the first time, California is allowing automated cameras to ticket you specifically for speeding, not just for running a red light.
We believe you should know exactly what you’re up against. These new speed cameras use sophisticated sensors to track your vehicle's speed as you pass. If you are going significantly over the limit, the camera captures your rear license plate, and a ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Where Are the New Cameras Located?
The state isn't putting these everywhere just yet. They are starting with a five-year pilot program in specific cities known for high rates of traffic injuries and deaths. If you live in or drive through these areas, you need to be on high alert.
The seven cities authorized for the new speed camera pilot program are:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco (Already fully operational and issuing citations)
- San Jose
- Oakland
- Glendale
- Long Beach
- Malibu
These cameras aren't just hidden randomly. The law requires cities to place them in specific high-risk zones, such as school zones, street-racing corridors, and "high-injury" streets where accidents happen most frequently.
How the Speed Camera System Works (The 11 MPH Rule)
You might be worried about getting a ticket for going 36 in a 35 mph zone. Fortunately, the law includes a buffer. These cameras are only triggered when a vehicle is traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
When the system catches a speeder, it doesn't take a picture of your face. To protect privacy, the cameras are angled to focus specifically on the rear license plate. This means the ticket is issued to the owner of the car, regardless of who was behind the wheel.
The Fine Structure
Unlike traditional speeding tickets issued by a police officer, these are civil penalties. This is a crucial distinction. Because they are civil fines:
- No points are added to your driver’s license.
- Your insurance company shouldn't see these as moving violations.
- The fines are fixed based on how fast you were going.
Here is the breakdown of the fines you can expect:
- $50 for going 11–15 mph over the limit.
- $100 for going 16–25 mph over the limit.
- $200 for going 26–99 mph over the limit.
- $500 for going 100+ mph or more over the limit.
There are also protections for those who can't afford these steep costs. People earning less than 250% of the poverty level can get their fines reduced by 50%, and indigent individuals may qualify for an 80% reduction.
Privacy and Your Rights: What the Cameras Can and Can't Do
We know many of you are concerned about "Big Brother" watching your every move. The legislators behind AB 645 included several privacy protections to help ease these fears.
Option 1: Facial Recognition Ban
The law strictly prohibits the use of facial recognition technology. The cameras are not allowed to identify you or any passengers. They are only there to read license plates.
Option 2: Limited Data Retention
The data isn't kept forever. If the camera doesn't detect a violation, the images are typically deleted within five days. If a violation is caught, the data is kept for about 60 days or until the ticket is processed.
Option 3: Confidentiality
The records created by these systems are confidential and cannot be used for other purposes by public agencies, with very limited exceptions.
How Camera Evidence Helps Your Car Accident Case
As a personal injury lawyer in California, I see these cameras as more than just a way for the city to collect revenue. They are powerful tools for justice.
In a typical car accident, it often turns into a "he said, she said" situation. The other driver might claim they were going the speed limit, while you know they were flying down the street. In the past, we had to rely on witness statements or expensive accident reconstruction experts to prove speed.
Now, if an accident happens near one of these "Speed Safety Systems," we may have objective, digital proof. If the camera triggered and recorded the other driver speeding at the exact moment of the crash, that evidence is gold. It can help us hold the reckless driver accountable and secure the compensation you deserve for your medical bills and trauma.
Whether you need a car accident lawyer near me in Los Angeles or a pedestrian accident attorney in San Francisco, this new technology provides a layer of evidence that didn't exist before. We use every tool available to fight for our clients, and these cameras are now part of our arsenal.
What to Do if You Receive a Camera Ticket
If you receive a notice in the mail, don't panic, but don't ignore it either. The process for these civil violations is different from a criminal traffic ticket.
Step 1: Verify the Notice
During the first 60 days of a new camera's installation in a city, they are only allowed to issue warning notices. If you get a warning, you don't owe any money, but consider it a wake-up call to slow down in that area.
Step 2: Review the Evidence
The notice should include the time, date, location, and a photo of your license plate. Check it carefully. Was it actually your car? Was the speed accurate?
Step 3: Decide on an Appeal
If you believe the ticket was issued in error: for example, if your car was stolen or the speed limit was incorrectly marked: you have the right to an administrative hearing and a subsequent appeal. There is usually a $25 filing fee to start the appeal process.
Step 4: Pay or Resolve
If the ticket is valid, paying it promptly is usually the best way to avoid late fees. Remember, this won't put points on your license, so it won't affect your insurance rates like a standard ticket would.
Why Fairmont Law Firm is Your Best Advocate
Navigating the legal system after an accident is exhausting. Between medical appointments, insurance adjusters, and the stress of lost wages, the last thing you should worry about is the complex rules of California evidence.
We focus exclusively on injury cases across all 58 counties in California. Whether you were hit by a speeding car, a negligent truck driver, or an Uber while you were walking, we have the experience to handle it.
Our promise to you is simple: ZERO Fee Until We Win. We take all the financial risk. You don't pay us a dime out of pocket. We only get paid if we recover money for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we focus on the fight.
We are available 24/7 to answer your questions. We know that accidents don't just happen during business hours. When you call us, you get fast and aggressive representation from a team that has already recovered millions for our clients. Plus, we offer bilingual support because we believe everyone deserves a strong voice in court.
Your Post-Accident Action Checklist
If you’ve been involved in a collision, especially one where you suspect speeding was involved, follow these steps to protect your rights:
☑ Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible and check everyone for injuries.
☑ Call 911: Always get a police report. This is a critical piece of evidence.
☑ Document the Scene: Take photos of both vehicles, the surrounding street, and any visible traffic cameras or signs.
☑ Gather Witness Info: Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
☑ Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel "fine" right after the crash, adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash or internal trauma.
☑ Contact Fairmont Law Firm: Before you talk to the other driver's insurance company, call us for a Free Case Evaluation.
The Future of Traffic Safety in California
The AB 645 pilot program is set to run until at least 2032. If the data shows that these cameras actually reduce crashes and save lives, expect them to become a permanent fixture in every major California city.
The law is performance-based. If a camera location doesn't show a reduction in speeding or accidents after 18 months, the city is actually required to remove the camera or change the street's design to slow people down. This ensures that the cameras are used for safety, not just as a "money grab."
We support anything that makes California roads safer for our families. However, we also know that technology isn't perfect. If you’ve been injured and believe traffic camera data could help your case, or if you feel you’ve been unfairly targeted by a system error, we are here to help.
Don't wait until it's too late to secure the evidence you need. Evidence can disappear, and camera footage is often overwritten quickly. Contact us today to start your journey toward justice.
Call Fairmont Law Firm at any time, 24/7. Your recovery is our priority.