• Los Angeles will launch automated speed cameras in 2026 to reduce speeding and improve traffic safety.
• The cameras will issue fines based on how fast drivers exceed speed limits, with warnings during the first 60 days.
• Low-income drivers can access payment plans or community service options to handle fines fairly.

Los Angeles drivers will soon face new speed cameras on city streets. These cameras will catch speeding drivers automatically. The city plans to install them in 2026 as part of a statewide pilot program. This program aims to reduce dangerous speeding and save lives. The city hopes these cameras will make the roads safer for everyone.

California Law Allows Six Cities to Use Automated Speed Cameras

In 2023, California passed Assembly Bill 645. This law lets six cities use speed cameras to ticket speeding drivers. Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Long Beach, Glendale, and San Francisco can install these cameras. The goal is to cut down on speeding and prevent serious crashes. These cities can place cameras in areas where speeding causes the most harm.

San Francisco Sets the Example by Installing 33 Cameras in Early 2025

San Francisco became the first city in California to use speed cameras. They placed 33 cameras near schools, parks, senior centers, and busy shopping districts. The city wanted to target areas with many pedestrians and children. Viktoriya Wise, the city’s streets director, said speeding causes most serious injuries and deaths. She explained the cameras help reduce speeding and protect lives. This quick action shows how much San Francisco values road safety.

Speeding Causes Many Fatal Crashes in Los Angeles Every Year

Speeding causes a large share of deadly crashes in Los Angeles. From 2017 to 2021, one out of every five fatal collisions involved speeding. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation highlights this problem on their official website. The city faces a big challenge to lower these numbers. By adding speed cameras, they hope to reduce dangerous driving and save lives on city streets.

Studies Show Speed Cameras Reduce Crashes and Dangerous Speeding

Research proves that speed cameras work well. Cities that use these cameras report fewer crashes with deaths or serious injuries. LADOT says speed cameras lower these crashes by about 19%. They also cause a big drop in drivers speeding by 10 mph or more. In some cities, speeding dropped by as much as 62%. These numbers show how effective automated speed enforcement can be.

Camera Locations in Los Angeles Will Focus on High-Risk Areas

San Francisco placed cameras where people walk most, such as near schools and parks. Los Angeles has not yet revealed its exact camera locations. But the city will likely put cameras where speeding causes many accidents. Officials want to protect pedestrians, seniors, and families. They will choose spots with the highest risks to make the biggest safety impact.

Speeding Fines Increase Based on How Fast Drivers Go Over Limits

The city set a clear fine system for speeding caught by cameras. Drivers caught speeding 11 to 15 mph over the limit will pay a $50 fine. Those going 16 to 25 mph over face a $100 fine. Drivers speeding between 26 and 99 mph get a $200 fine. Anyone driving 100 mph or more will pay $500. This tiered system punishes faster speeding with higher fines.

Drivers Will Get Warnings During the First 60 Days of Operation

When the cameras turn on, the city will start with a 60-day warning period. During this time, first-time offenders speeding 11 to 15 mph over the limit will only get a warning. This grace period lets drivers adjust to the new system. The city wants to encourage safer driving habits without punishing too harshly at first.

Low-Income Drivers Can Access Payment Plans and Alternatives to Fines

LADOT will help low-income residents who get speeding tickets from the cameras. They can apply for payment plans or fine reductions. Qualifying drivers might also do community service instead of paying fines. This approach aims to make the program fair for all drivers. The city wants to reduce barriers while keeping roads safe.

Project Timeline Shows Careful Planning and Public Outreach

The law passed in October 2023, starting the project officially. In 2024, officials plan and approve the program’s details. Early 2025 will focus on developing an Impact Report and Use Policy. Later in 2025, the city will reach out to the public with information. Early 2026 will bring system design and construction. By mid-2026, the speed cameras should start working. This timeline shows the city’s careful approach to making the program successful.