Speed Camera Ticket Cost in California

Quick answer

California speed camera tickets issued under AB 645 use civil penalty tiers that start at $50 for 11-15 mph over the posted limit and increase to $500 for speeds of 100 mph or more. These fines are set by state law and apply to participating pilot cities. Unlike traditional speeding tickets, AB 645 violations do not add DMV points and are not reported to insurance in most cases.

What this notice means

If you received a speed camera ticket in California, it likely came from a city participating in the AB 645 pilot program. The notice will include photos or video of your vehicle, the date and time, the location, the posted speed limit, your recorded speed, and the civil penalty amount.

These notices are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, not necessarily the driver. The camera captures the rear license plate, so the system does not identify who was driving. The notice will explain your payment deadline, contest options, and any available discounts or alternatives.

AB 645 speed camera violations are civil penalties, not criminal infractions. They are processed differently from traditional speeding tickets issued by law enforcement officers. Read your notice carefully to understand which city issued it and what process applies.

What to check before you pay

Before you pay a speed camera ticket, review the following details on your notice:

• Photos and video. Check whether the images clearly show your license plate, the posted speed limit sign, and the location. Blurry or incomplete evidence may be grounds for contesting.
• Speed and location. Confirm the recorded speed, the posted limit, and whether the camera was placed in a valid enforcement zone under AB 645 rules.
• Owner information. Verify that you were the registered owner at the time of the violation. If you sold the vehicle or it was stolen, you may need to provide documentation.
• Deadline. Note the payment or contest deadline. Missing the deadline can result in late fees or additional penalties.
• Discount eligibility. Some cities offer income-based reductions, public benefit discounts, payment plans, or community service options. Check your notice for instructions.

If any detail is incorrect or unclear, you may have grounds to contest the ticket. Do not assume the notice is accurate just because it came from an automated system.

Points, insurance, and owner responsibility

AB 645 speed camera tickets are designed to be different from traditional moving violations. Here is what you need to know:

DMV points. AB 645 violations are civil penalties and are exempt from negligent operator point assessment. This means they do not add points to your driving record. Traditional speeding tickets issued by officers are different and typically add one point.

Insurance impact. Because AB 645 tickets are civil penalties and do not add points, they are generally not reported to insurance companies. However, drivers should review the specific notice and city rules before assuming there is no insurance impact. Some insurers may still learn about the violation through other means.

Owner responsibility. The registered owner receives the notice and is responsible for payment unless they contest the ticket or provide evidence that someone else was driving. Some cities allow owners to submit a declaration identifying the actual driver, but this process varies by city.

If you were not driving at the time of the violation, check your notice for instructions on how to submit an affidavit or declaration. You may need to provide the name and contact information of the actual driver.

Can you contest it?

You have the right to contest a speed camera ticket in California. The process depends on the city that issued the notice. Some cities use an administrative review process, while others may allow you to request a hearing or submit written evidence.

Common grounds for contesting a speed camera ticket include:

• Incorrect owner information. You were not the registered owner at the time, or the vehicle was sold or stolen.
• Unclear or incomplete evidence. The photos or video do not clearly show your license plate, the speed, or the location.
• Invalid camera placement. The camera was not placed in a valid enforcement zone under AB 645 rules, such as near a school, park, or high-injury corridor.
• Speed accuracy. The recorded speed is incorrect or the camera was not properly calibrated.
• Signage issues. The speed limit sign was missing, obscured, or not visible to drivers.

Contesting a ticket does not guarantee dismissal, but it gives you the opportunity to present your case and review the evidence. Read your notice carefully to understand the contest process and deadlines.

Evidence to gather

If you decide to contest your speed camera ticket, gather the following evidence:

• Photos of the location. Take pictures of the enforcement zone, including speed limit signs, camera placement, and any obstructions or visibility issues.
• Vehicle records. If you were not the owner at the time, gather proof of sale, transfer documents, or a police report if the vehicle was stolen.
• Maintenance and calibration records. Request records from the city showing when the camera was last calibrated and maintained. AB 645 requires regular testing.
• Witness statements. If someone else was driving, ask them to provide a written statement or affidavit.
• Notice details. Keep a copy of the original notice, including all photos, video, and instructions.

Organize your evidence clearly and submit it according to the city's instructions. Some cities allow you to upload documents online, while others require mailed submissions.

How ClerkHero can help

ClerkHero is self-help document preparation software that helps California drivers organize ticket details, evidence, and contest documents. If you are eligible, ClerkHero can guide you through the process of preparing a written response or administrative review request.

ClerkHero does not provide legal advice or represent you in court. We help you prepare the paperwork so you can submit it yourself. Eligibility depends on the type of ticket, the city process, and your specific situation.

To check whether ClerkHero can help with your speed camera ticket, use our eligibility checker.

Helpful ClerkHero resources

• Check My Ticket
• AB 645 Speed Cameras in California: Cities, Fines, and Driver Rights
• California Speed Camera Tickets: What Drivers Need to Know
• How to Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in California
• Trial by Written Declaration for Camera Tickets in California
• Do Speed Camera Tickets Add Points in California?
• Can a Speed Camera Ticket Affect Insurance in California?
• Who Pays a Speed Camera Ticket in California: Owner or Driver?
• Red Light Camera Tickets in California: Cost, Points, and How to Fight
• CVC 22350 Basic Speed Law
• CVC 22349(a) Maximum Speed Limit

FAQ

What are the AB 645 speed camera fine tiers?

AB 645 sets statewide civil penalty tiers: $50 for 11-15 mph over the limit, $100 for 16-25 mph over, $200 for 26-99 mph over, and $500 for 100 mph or more. These amounts apply to participating pilot cities and are listed in city materials and notices.

Can I get a discount on my speed camera ticket?

Some cities offer income-based reductions, public benefit discounts, payment plans, or community service options. Check your notice for instructions on how to apply. You may need to provide proof of income or enrollment in a qualifying program.

Do I have to pay if someone else was driving?

The registered owner receives the notice and is responsible for payment unless they contest the ticket or provide evidence that someone else was driving. Some cities allow you to submit a declaration identifying the actual driver, but the process varies by city.

How is a speed camera ticket different from a regular speeding ticket?

AB 645 speed camera tickets are civil penalties that do not add DMV points or typically affect insurance. Traditional speeding tickets issued by officers are criminal infractions that add points and can increase insurance rates. Speed camera tickets are also processed through city administrative systems, not traffic court.

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

Trial by written declaration is a process for contesting traditional traffic tickets in California Superior Court. AB 645 speed camera tickets are civil penalties processed by city administrative systems, so the contest process is different. Check your notice for instructions on how to request a review or hearing.

What happens if I ignore a speed camera ticket?

Ignoring a speed camera ticket can result in late fees, additional penalties, or collection actions. Some cities may report unpaid tickets to the DMV or a collections agency. Read your notice carefully to understand the consequences of non-payment.

Are all California cities issuing speed camera tickets?

No. AB 645 is a pilot program that allows certain cities to operate speed safety camera systems. Not every pilot city has started issuing paid citations. Check your notice to confirm which city issued your ticket and review that city's program details.

Can ClerkHero guarantee my ticket will be dismissed?

No. ClerkHero is self-help document preparation software, not a law firm. We help you organize your evidence and prepare contest documents, but we do not guarantee any outcome. Whether your ticket is dismissed depends on the evidence, the city process, and the specific facts of your case.

Sources

• City of Oakland Speed Safety Cameras Pilot Program
• City of Long Beach Automated Speed Enforcement System

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.