Speed Cam Alert

How the speed camera programme works in San José

California’s Speed Safety System, and how SJDOT runs it in San José.

The Speed Safety System

California's Speed Safety System uses fixed automated speed enforcement cameras to reduce dangerous speeding in high-collision areas. In San José the cameras are authorised by California AB 645, a five-year pilot limited to the cities it names, running 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

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. SJDOT 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. Speed Safety Cameras (City of San José GIS feature layer) — City of San José Department of Transportation
    Coordinates, travel direction and council district for all 33 speed cameras. The same layer also holds San José’s red-light cameras, which are excluded here.
  2. Speed Safety Cameras Pilot Program — locations, fines and FAQ — City of San José
    SJDOT’s official programme page, including the fine schedule and how locations were chosen.
  3. AB 645 — Vehicles: speed safety system pilot program (2023) — California Legislature
    The statute authorising the speed camera pilot in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San José, Oakland, Glendale and Long Beach through Jan 1, 2032.
  4. Speed Limit Reductions Planned to Fight Top Cause of Traffic Deaths (August 2025) — City of San José
    Council resolution lowering limits on 23 street segments, effective September 2025. San José does not publish a posted limit per camera, so no threshold is derived from this.

Sources last verified August 3, 2026.