AB 645 Speed Cameras in California: Cities, Fines, and Driver Rights

Quick answer

AB 645 authorizes a speed safety camera pilot program in six California cities: Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach, and San Francisco. The program runs through January 1, 2032. These automated speed enforcement systems issue civil penalties, not criminal citations. The law requires warning periods, public information campaigns, and specific procedural protections before cities can issue paid notices. Not every pilot city has begun issuing paid citations yet, and the rules vary by location.

What this notice means

An AB 645 speed camera notice is a civil penalty mailed to the registered owner of a vehicle photographed exceeding the speed limit in a designated enforcement zone. The notice typically includes the date, time, location, posted speed limit, recorded speed, photographs or video, the registered owner's information, the fine amount, payment instructions, and instructions for contesting the notice.

These notices are different from traditional speeding tickets issued by law enforcement officers. AB 645 violations are processed as civil penalties under local ordinances, not as Vehicle Code infractions. The notice comes from the city or its vendor, not a court. The process for responding, contesting, or paying may differ from the court process used for officer-issued tickets.

What to check before you pay

Before paying, review the notice carefully. Confirm the vehicle in the photo is yours and that the license plate matches your registration. Check the date, time, and location. Verify the posted speed limit and the speed recorded by the camera. Look for clear images that show the vehicle, plate, and speed reading.

Check whether the notice explains your right to contest, the deadline to respond, and the process for requesting review. AB 645 requires cities to provide administrative review procedures. If the notice does not include clear instructions, contact the issuing city or review the city's speed camera program information online.

Confirm the notice is a paid citation, not a warning. AB 645 requires cities to issue only warning notices for an initial period before issuing paid penalties. Some cities may still be in the warning phase or may have paused enforcement.

Review the fine amount. AB 645 sets maximum penalties that increase with speed. The law caps fines at $50 for speeds 11 to 15 mph over the limit, $100 for 16 to 25 mph over, and $500 for speeds more than 26 mph over the limit. If the notice shows a higher amount, verify the calculation and any added fees.

Points, insurance, and owner responsibility

AB 645 speed safety camera violations are civil penalties and are exempt from negligent operator point assessment by the DMV. This means they should not add points to your driving record the way a traditional speeding ticket would. Traditional officer-issued speeding tickets under CVC 22350 or CVC 22349(a) are Vehicle Code violations that carry points.

Because AB 645 violations are described as non-moving civil penalties, they are generally not reported to insurance companies. However, drivers should review the specific notice and city rules before assuming there will be no insurance impact. Insurance practices vary, and some insurers may access local penalty records.

The notice is mailed to the registered owner because the camera captures the rear license plate, not the driver's face. The registered owner is typically responsible for the penalty unless the owner can show the vehicle was stolen, sold, or driven by someone else without permission. Some cities allow owners to submit a declaration identifying the actual driver, but this process varies by city.

Can you contest it?

You may be able to contest an AB 645 speed camera notice depending on the facts, the city's administrative review process, and the deadlines. Common grounds for contesting include incorrect vehicle or owner information, unclear or missing images, speed or location errors, signage issues, or procedural defects in the notice.

AB 645 requires cities to provide an administrative review process before any penalty becomes final. The notice should explain how to request review, the deadline, and whether you can submit evidence or appear in person. The review is typically conducted by the city or a hearing officer, not a court.

If the administrative review is unfavorable, some cities may allow further appeal or judicial review. Check the notice and the city's program rules for details. The process is not the same as contesting a court ticket through trial by written declaration or court trial.

If you were not the driver, you may be able to submit a declaration or affidavit identifying the actual driver or explaining that the vehicle was stolen or no longer in your possession. The city's process will specify what documentation is required.

Evidence to gather

If you plan to contest the notice, gather evidence that supports your position. Save the original notice and any photos or video included. Take your own photos of the location, including speed limit signs, camera placement, and any obstructions or signage issues. Note the date and time of your visit.

If the vehicle information is incorrect, gather your registration, title, or bill of sale showing the correct owner or sale date. If the vehicle was stolen, obtain a copy of the police report. If someone else was driving, prepare a declaration with the driver's information and your explanation of how they had access to the vehicle.

Review the city's speed camera program information, including the locations of enforcement zones, the warning period dates, and the administrative review procedures. This information is often available on the city's website or through public records. Compare the notice details to the city's published rules.

If you believe the camera was not properly calibrated, maintained, or operated, request maintenance and calibration records through a public records request. AB 645 requires cities to maintain records and conduct regular accuracy checks.

How ClerkHero can help

ClerkHero is self-help document preparation software that helps eligible California drivers organize ticket details, evidence, and response documents. If you received an AB 645 speed camera notice and want to contest it, ClerkHero can guide you through the information-gathering process and help you prepare a written response or request for administrative review.

ClerkHero does not provide legal advice or represent you in any proceeding. We help you organize the facts and prepare documents based on the information you provide. Eligibility depends on the type of notice, the city's process, and the deadlines.

Start by using our ticket eligibility checker to see if ClerkHero can assist with your notice. You will answer questions about the notice, the issuing city, and the response deadline. If your notice is eligible, ClerkHero will guide you through preparing your response step by step.

Helpful ClerkHero resources

• Check My Ticket
• California Speed Camera Tickets: What Drivers Need to Know
• How to Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in California
• Can a Speed Camera Ticket Affect Insurance in California?
• Do Speed Camera Tickets Add Points in California?
• Who Pays a Speed Camera Ticket in California: Owner or Driver?
• Speed Camera Ticket Cost in California
• Trial by Written Declaration for Camera Tickets in California
• Red Light Camera Tickets in California
• Los Angeles speed cameras
• San Francisco speed cameras
• Oakland speed cameras
• San Jose speed cameras
• Long Beach speed cameras
• Glendale speed cameras

FAQ

Can I ignore an AB 645 speed camera notice?

Ignoring the notice is not recommended. AB 645 allows cities to impose late fees, send the penalty to collections, or place a hold on vehicle registration renewal if the penalty is not paid or contested within the deadline. Review the notice and respond by the deadline, even if you plan to contest it.

How do I know if my city is issuing paid citations or just warnings?

Check the notice itself. It should state whether it is a warning or a paid citation. You can also review the city's speed camera program website or contact the city's traffic or parking enforcement department. Not every pilot city has begun issuing paid citations yet.

What is the difference between an AB 645 speed camera ticket and a red light camera ticket?

AB 645 speed camera notices are civil penalties issued under the pilot program authorized by AB 645. Red light camera tickets are typically issued under CVC 21453(a) and processed through the court system as Vehicle Code violations. Red light tickets can add points to your record and are handled differently.

Can I request a trial by written declaration for an AB 645 notice?

AB 645 notices are not court citations, so the traditional trial by written declaration process does not apply. Instead, you must follow the city's administrative review process described in the notice. The procedures vary by city.

Will paying the fine be considered an admission of guilt?

AB 645 violations are civil penalties, not criminal charges, so the concept of guilt does not apply in the same way. Paying the fine resolves the penalty, but it is not a criminal conviction. However, paying may limit your ability to contest the notice later.

Can I get a refund if I pay and then find out the notice was issued in error?

Refund procedures vary by city. If you believe the notice was issued in error, contest it before paying. If you have already paid and later discover an error, contact the issuing city to ask about their refund or correction process.

Do I need a lawyer to contest an AB 645 speed camera notice?

You are not required to hire a lawyer. Many drivers handle administrative reviews on their own or use self-help tools like ClerkHero to organize their response. If your case is complex or involves significant penalties, you may choose to consult a traffic attorney.

How long does the AB 645 pilot program last?

The pilot program is authorized through January 1, 2032. After that date, the program will end unless the legislature extends or modifies it.

Sources

• California Legislative Information: AB 645
• California DMV AB 645 summary

Self-help disclaimer

ClerkHero is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help tools and document preparation support for eligible California traffic matters.