California Speed Camera Tickets: What Drivers Need to Know

Quick answer

California speed camera tickets are civil notices issued under the AB 645 pilot program in six authorized cities: Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach, and San Francisco. These are not traditional traffic tickets. They are mailed to the registered vehicle owner, typically carry no DMV points, and follow city-specific procedures for payment, reduction, or contest. Before you pay, check whether your city is issuing paid citations or warnings, review the notice for errors, and understand your response options.

What this notice means

A speed camera notice under AB 645 is a civil penalty, not a criminal citation. The notice should include the vehicle license plate, date, time, location, alleged speed, posted speed limit, photographic or video evidence, the registered owner's name and address, the fine amount, and instructions for payment or contest.

Unlike a traditional speeding ticket issued by an officer, AB 645 notices are processed by the city, not the court. Each city administers its own program, sets its own fine schedule within statutory limits, and provides its own customer service and dispute process. The notice you receive is the starting point for understanding your options.

What to check before you pay

Do not pay immediately without reviewing the notice. Check the following:

• Vehicle identification: Confirm the license plate, make, and model match your vehicle.
• Location and date: Verify you or someone you authorized was driving in that area at that time.
• Speed and posted limit: Review the alleged speed and the posted limit. AB 645 fines generally apply only when the vehicle exceeds the posted limit by at least 11 mph.
• Photo or video quality: Most notices include a web link or QR code to view images or video. Check whether the plate is clearly visible and the speed reading is legible.
• City program status: Not all AB 645 cities are issuing paid citations yet. Some are still in warning-only phases. Verify your city's current status before assuming the notice is enforceable.
• Notice instructions: Read the payment, reduction, and contest instructions carefully. Deadlines and procedures vary by city.

If any detail looks incorrect, document the error and consider contesting the notice.

Points, insurance, and owner responsibility

AB 645 speed safety system violations are civil penalties designed to be exempt from DMV negligent operator point assessment. This means a paid or upheld AB 645 camera ticket should not add points to your driving record, unlike a traditional CVC 22350 or CVC 22349(a) speeding ticket issued by an officer.

Because AB 645 tickets are generally non-moving violations, they are not expected to affect your insurance rates. However, drivers should review their specific notice and confirm with their city and insurer, as program details and insurance company policies may vary.

AB 645 notices are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, not the driver. The camera captures the rear license plate, not the driver's face. The registered owner is presumed responsible unless they can show the vehicle was stolen, sold, or driven by someone else without permission. Some cities allow the owner to submit a declaration identifying the actual driver, but this process varies by city.

For more detail, see Who Pays a Speed Camera Ticket in California: Owner or Driver?, Do Speed Camera Tickets Add Points in California?, and Can a Speed Camera Ticket Affect Insurance in California?.

Can you contest it?

Yes, you can contest an AB 645 speed camera notice, but the process is different from contesting a traditional traffic ticket in court. AB 645 notices are handled by the city, not the court, so you will follow the city's administrative review process, not a court trial.

Common grounds for contesting a speed camera notice include:

• The vehicle was not yours, was stolen, or was sold before the violation date.
• You were not driving and did not give permission to the driver.
• The posted speed limit or camera location does not comply with AB 645 requirements.
• The speed reading, photo, or video is unclear, incorrect, or missing.
• The notice was not properly mailed or received.
• The city program was not yet issuing paid citations at the time of the alleged violation.

Each city provides its own instructions for requesting an administrative review or hearing. Some cities allow written submissions, while others require a phone call or online form. Deadlines are strict, so act quickly after receiving the notice.

For step-by-step guidance, see How to Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in California.

Evidence to gather

If you decide to contest the notice, gather the following evidence:

• A copy of the notice and all attachments.
• Photos or video from the city's website or portal.
• Your vehicle registration showing ownership dates.
• A police report if the vehicle was stolen.
• A bill of sale or DMV transfer record if you sold the vehicle before the violation date.
• Photos of the camera location, posted speed limit signs, and any obstructions or unusual conditions.
• A declaration from the actual driver, if applicable and allowed by your city.
• Any correspondence with the city program.

Organize your evidence clearly and submit it according to the city's instructions. Keep copies of everything you send.

How ClerkHero can help

ClerkHero is self-help document preparation software that helps California drivers organize ticket details, gather evidence, and prepare response documents for eligible traffic matters. If you received an AB 645 speed camera notice and want to contest it, ClerkHero can guide you through the process and help you prepare a clear, organized submission.

ClerkHero does not provide legal advice or represent you. We provide tools and templates to help you help yourself. Start by checking your eligibility and ticket details.

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Helpful ClerkHero resources

• AB 645 Speed Cameras in California: Cities, Fines, and Driver Rights
• Speed Camera Ticket Cost in California
• Trial by Written Declaration for Camera Tickets in California
• Red Light Camera Tickets in California: Cost, Points, and How to Fight
• How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in California
• CVC 22350 Basic Speed Law
• CVC 22349(a) Driving Over 65 MPH
• Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator

AB 645 city pages

• 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 a speed camera ticket in California?

No. Ignoring an AB 645 speed camera notice can result in late fees, collection activity, or DMV registration holds. The notice is a civil penalty with real consequences. If you believe the notice is incorrect, contest it using the city's process. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the city to ask about payment plans or reductions.

How much does a California speed camera ticket cost?

AB 645 fines are set by each city within statutory limits. Typical tiers are $50 for 11 to 15 mph over, $100 for 16 to 25 mph over, and $500 for 26 mph or more over the posted limit in certain zones. Some cities may offer reduced fines for low-income drivers. See Speed Camera Ticket Cost in California for more detail.

Do I need a lawyer to fight a speed camera ticket?

Not necessarily. AB 645 notices are civil matters handled by the city, not criminal cases in court. Many drivers successfully contest notices on their own using the city's administrative process. ClerkHero can help you organize your evidence and prepare your submission. If your case is complex or involves significant penalties, you may want to consult a traffic attorney.

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

AB 645 speed camera tickets are civil notices issued under the 2024 pilot program in six cities. Red light camera tickets are issued under CVC 21455.5 and are processed through the court system, not city administration. Red light camera tickets typically carry higher fines, one DMV point, and court procedures. See Red Light Camera Tickets in California: Cost, Points, and How to Fight for more detail.

Can I request a trial by written declaration for a speed camera ticket?

AB 645 speed camera notices are not court citations, so the traditional trial by written declaration process under CVC 40902 does not apply. Instead, you follow the city's administrative review process. Some cities allow written submissions, which function similarly to a written declaration. Check your notice for instructions. See Trial by Written Declaration for Camera Tickets in California for more context.

Who gets the ticket if someone else was driving my car?

The registered owner receives the notice and is presumed responsible. Some cities allow the owner to submit a declaration identifying the actual driver, but this process varies. If the vehicle was stolen or used without permission, you may need to provide a police report or other evidence. See Who Pays a Speed Camera Ticket in California: Owner or Driver? for more detail.

Will a speed camera ticket show up on my driving record?

AB 645 violations are civil penalties exempt from DMV negligent operator point assessment, so they should not appear on your driving record as a moving violation. However, unpaid notices may result in DMV registration holds. Confirm with your city and the DMV if you have concerns. See Do Speed Camera Tickets Add Points in California? for more detail.

How long do I have to respond to a speed camera ticket?

Deadlines vary by city, but most AB 645 notices allow 21 to 30 days to pay, request a reduction, or contest the notice. Read your notice carefully and act before the deadline. Missing the deadline may result in late fees or loss of contest rights.

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.