New CA Speed Camera Law and What Travelers Should Know
California has enacted a new pilot program allowing automated speed enforcement cameras in several major cities, and these CA speed cameras could change how travelers navigate roadways during visits. Assembly Bill 645, passed by the state legislature and effective as a speed safety system initiative, permits cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and Long Beach to install cameras that detect and record speeding vehicles in designated zones such as school areas and high-injury streets.
Cities must adopt use policies, publish impact reports, and run public information campaigns before the systems begin issuing notices. Early in the rollout, only warning notices are required for the first 60 days to give drivers time to adjust to the new enforcement.
What Travelers Should Watch for on the Road
For visitors renting cars or driving through California, these changes mean you need to pay closer attention to posted speed limits, especially in dense urban areas. The pilot program places cameras where speeding has historically contributed to collisions, so areas you might otherwise treat like open city streets — near schools or busy commercial corridors — could now trigger automated notices. Exceeding the speed limit by as little as 11 miles per hour over the posted limit can lead to a notification or fine, issued by mail to the registered vehicle owner.
While these automated tickets are intended to be less punitive than traditional citations and may not add points to your driving record, they still carry civil penalties. They must be taken seriously if you want to avoid unexpected fines after your trip.
Most participating cities are required to clearly notify drivers when and where the systems are operational, but travelers should not assume that all camera locations will be prominent. Keeping your speed at or below posted limits, primarily through school zones and on streets with known safety issues, will help you avoid these notices. Because the pilot program runs through several years and cities implement systems at different times, staying updated via local traffic agency websites and rental car advisories is a good habit for anyone planning to drive in California.
Avoiding Tickets: Practical Tips for Visitors
To prevent automated citations and make your California road trip smoother, consider these simple steps:
• Monitor your speed closely, especially when entering neighborhoods, downtown areas, and school zones.
• Use navigation apps with speed alerts; these can help you adjust before you trigger a camera.
• Check city and transportation agency notices for where speed enforcement systems have gone live.
• Review your rental car agreement for guidance on how notices are forwarded — some agencies charge processing fees for handling tickets.
By adapting your driving habits and planning, you can reduce the risk of fines and focus on enjoying scenic routes, coastal highways, and urban attractions across the state.
Why This Law Matters for Road Safety
The push for automated speed enforcement is rooted in efforts to curb dangerous driving behaviors and reduce traffic fatalities. Speed has long been identified as a key factor in collisions resulting in serious injuries or death, and cities that have adopted similar speed safety technologies have seen measurable decreases in speeding incidents and crashes. As travelers return to popular destinations like San Francisco or Los Angeles, where traffic density is high and pedestrian activity is significant, these measures aim to make streets safer for everyone.
California recorded an elevated number of road fatalities in recent years, and initiatives like AB 645 form part of a broader strategy to improve safety outcomes for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. While no legislative solution can eliminate all risk, heightened awareness, compliance with speed limits, and thoughtful enforcement are steps toward safer travel experiences for both residents and visitors.
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