DMVZoneBlogA state pilot law, AB 645, lets six California cities use speed cameras. San Francisco started ticketing in August 2025. Fines run $50 to $500, mailed to the car's owner, with no points.
Under AB 645, six California cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale and Long Beach, can run speed cameras in a pilot through about 2031. Cameras ticket cars going 11 mph or more over the limit. Fines are $50 for 11 to 15 mph over, $100 for 16 to 25, $200 for 26 or more and $500 for 100 mph or faster.
For years California did not allow automated speed enforcement. AB 645 changed that with a test run in a handful of cities. Each city starts with warnings, and then real notices go out by mail.
| Speed over the limit | Fine |
|---|---|
| 11 to 15 mph | $50 (first time is often a warning) |
| 16 to 25 mph | $100 |
| 26 mph or more | $200 |
| 100 mph or faster | $500 |
Cameras sit where crashes and speeding are worst, often near schools and parks. Slow down in those areas even if you have never seen a camera there.
How fast over the limit must you go for a California speed camera ticket?
Answer: C. Cameras ticket at 11 mph or more over the limit.
What is the fine for 20 mph over on a pilot camera?
Answer: B. 16 to 25 mph over is $100.
Which city was first to issue speed camera fines in California?
Answer: C. San Francisco started fines on August 5, 2025.
No. Camera notices are civil penalties sent to the owner, not driving convictions.
Long Beach lets owners submit an affidavit of non-liability to have the notice waived.
No. Red-light cameras are a separate program. A 2026 law, SB 720, lets cities run red-light camera programs that issue civil violations.
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official California DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
California drivers cannot hold a phone at all while driving. A mounted phone can be touched once with one finger. A first ticket is a $20 base fine; a second within 36 months adds a point.
Passing a California school bus with flashing red lights is $150 to $250 the first time, up to $1,000 the second, and a one-year suspension for a third within three years. Since 2026, move over applies to any car with hazards on.
Most California tickets are 1 point, and DUI or hit-and-run is 2. Reach 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 or 8 in 36 and the DMV puts you on a year of probation with a six-month suspension.