Speed Cam Alert

How the speed camera programme works in Los Angeles

California’s Speed Safety System, and how LADOT runs it in Los Angeles.

The Speed Safety System

California's Speed Safety System uses fixed automated speed enforcement cameras to reduce dangerous speeding in high-collision areas. These cameras are authorised by Assembly Bill 645 (2023), which permits a five-year pilot in six California cities through January 1, 2032.

The system focuses on camera placement in areas with:

  • High rates of speeding-related crashes
  • Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists)
  • Community safety concerns
  • School zones and residential areas

Program Timeline

2023

AB 645 signed into law

California authorises a speed safety system pilot in six cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale and Long Beach. Los Angeles is allotted 125 systems, the largest share.

Feb 2026

Locations proposed for public review

LADOT publishes proposed camera locations and opens a 30-day public review period.

Spring 2026

125 locations approved

City Council approves the final locations, selected using crash data, speed data, and proximity to schools, senior centres and unmarked crosswalks.

Apr–Jul 2026

Installation

Equipment installed across all 15 council districts.

Late summer / fall 2026

Launch and 60-day warning period

AB 645 requires a 60-day warning period at launch, and again whenever cameras are activated on new streets. Warnings only — no fines.

After the warning period

Citations begin

Civil penalties start at $50 for driving 11 mph or more over the posted limit. Civil violations do not add points to your licence.

Through Jan 1, 2032

Five-year pilot

At the end of the pilot LADOT must report to the state legislature on the programme’s safety and economic impact.

How It Works

1

Detection

Cameras detect vehicles travelling 11 mph or more over the posted limit. Below that threshold, nothing is recorded.

2

Verification

The system captures the rear licence plate. LADOT reviews it before anything is mailed — no officer, no traffic stop.

3

Citation

The registered owner receives the notice by mail. A first violation of 11–15 mph over is a warning, not a fine.

4

Response Options

Pay it, apply to reduce the amount, or protest it. AB 645 requires income-based reductions and payment plans.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the primary sources below. If you find something that disagrees with an official source, the official source is right and we want to know — tell us.

  1. AB 645 — Vehicles: speed safety system pilot program (2023) — California Legislature
    The statute authorising speed cameras in six California cities through Jan 1, 2032.
  2. Speed Safety System Program — Los Angeles Department of Transportation
    LADOT’s official program page: locations, fines, timeline and FAQ.
  3. Automated Speed Safety Pilot — Report to Council (PDF) — LADOT
  4. Attachment A — Impact Report (PDF) — LADOT
  5. Attachment B — Use Policy (PDF) — LADOT
    How images and plate data are handled, retained and shared.
  6. Council File 23-1168 — Automated Speed Enforcement — Los Angeles City Clerk
    The legislative record. LADOT directs the public here for program updates.
  7. Approved camera locations (ArcGIS feature layer) — LADOT
    The enforcement-zone polygons this map is built from, refreshed daily.

Sources last verified August 2, 2026.