How the speed camera programme works in San Francisco
California’s Speed Safety System, and how SFMTA runs it in San Francisco.
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
AB 645 signed into law
California authorises a speed safety system pilot in six cities. San Francisco is capped at 33 locations.
33 locations approved
SFMTA publishes the approved locations and the methodology behind them: speed surveys, collision history, and proximity to schools, parks and senior services along the High Injury Network.
Programme launches — warnings only
The first cameras go live issuing warnings. San Francisco is the first city in California to operate cameras under AB 645.
All 33 cameras issuing warnings
The full network is live, still in the warning period required by AB 645.
Citations begin
Real fines start, from $50 for 11 mph or more over the posted limit. Reduced amounts apply for low-income drivers and people receiving public benefits.
First-year results published
SFMTA reports a 79% drop in the share of vehicles travelling 10+ mph over the limit at camera locations, against pneumatic-tube surveys taken before the programme began.
18-month evaluation due to the state
SFMTA says it will submit an 18-month evaluation in the second half of 2026, which could lead to cameras being relocated within the 33-location cap.
How It Works
Detection
Cameras detect vehicles travelling 11 mph or more over the posted limit. Below that threshold, nothing is recorded.
Verification
The system captures the rear licence plate. SFMTA reviews it before anything is mailed — no officer, no traffic stop.
Citation
The registered owner receives the notice by mail. A first violation of 11–15 mph over is a warning, not a fine.
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.
- AB 645 — Vehicles: speed safety system pilot program (2023) — California LegislatureThe statute authorising speed cameras in six California cities through Jan 1, 2032.
- Speed Safety Cameras — program page and camera location table — San Francisco Municipal Transportation AgencySFMTA publishes an operation status for each of its 33 cameras, plus the fine schedule and the reduced amounts for low-income drivers.
- Approved Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Locations — SFMTAThe selection methodology and the data behind each of the 33 sites.
- One Year in, Speeding is Down by 79% at Speed Safety Camera Locations — SFMTASFMTA’s own first-year evaluation, published 1 May 2026. The only before/after data from an operating AB 645 program.
- Speed Safety Camera Calibrations — SFMTACalibration certificates. SFMTA states radar is certified annually by a third party and inspected monthly.
Sources last verified August 2, 2026.