Los Angeles Speed Camera Tickets: Locations, Fines, and How to Contest

Quick answer

Los Angeles is one of six California cities approved to operate automated speed safety cameras under AB 645. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has announced plans to install 125 speed safety systems across the city. If you receive a notice, check whether it is a warning or a paid civil penalty, verify the vehicle and location details, and review your response options before the deadline. AB 645 speed camera notices are civil penalties, not criminal traffic tickets, and differ from traditional red-light camera citations.

What this notice means

A Los Angeles speed camera notice is issued under the AB 645 pilot program, which authorizes automated speed enforcement in school zones, high-injury corridors, and other designated safety areas. The notice is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle captured by the camera system. AB 645 requires a 60-calendar-day warning period after a system goes live, during which drivers receive warning notices with no fine. After the warning period ends, the city may issue paid civil penalty notices. The notice you receive will state whether it is a warning or a paid citation. Do not assume paid enforcement is active until LADOT publicly announces the start of the penalty phase.

What to check before you pay

Before you pay or respond to a Los Angeles speed camera notice, review every detail:

• Notice type: Does it say "warning" or "civil penalty"?
• Vehicle and plate: Is the license plate number correct? Is the vehicle yours?
• Registered owner: Is your name and address correct?
• Location: Does the notice identify the street, intersection, or zone where the alleged violation occurred?
• Date and time: When did the alleged violation happen? Were you driving at that time?
• Speed: What was the posted speed limit? What speed does the notice allege?
• Photos and video: Are the images clear? Can you identify the vehicle? Is the plate readable?
• Deadline: What is the response or payment deadline?
• Instructions: Does the notice explain how to pay, contest, or request more information?

Save the envelope, the notice, and any attachments. The postmark and mailing date may matter if you need to verify timing or deadlines.

Points, insurance, and owner responsibility

AB 645 speed safety camera violations are civil penalties, not criminal traffic violations. According to the statute, these citations are exempt from negligent operator point assessment by the DMV. That means a paid AB 645 speed camera citation should not add points to your driving record. Because there are no points, these citations are generally described as having no direct impact on insurance rates. However, insurance companies set their own underwriting rules, and some may still consider paid civil penalties when calculating premiums. Review your notice and consult your insurer if you have questions about how a paid citation might affect your policy.

AB 645 notices are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle because the camera captures the rear license plate, not the driver's face. The registered owner is responsible for the civil penalty unless the owner can show that someone else was driving with permission or that the vehicle was stolen or used without consent. If you were not driving, check the notice for instructions on how to submit a declaration identifying the actual driver or explaining the circumstances.

Can you contest it?

You may have grounds to contest a Los Angeles speed camera notice if:

• The vehicle or license plate information is incorrect.
• You were not the registered owner at the time of the alleged violation.
• The photos or video are unclear, incomplete, or do not show your vehicle.
• The location, speed limit, or alleged speed is wrong.
• The notice was issued during the warning period but demands payment.
• The camera system was not properly posted, calibrated, or maintained.
• You have evidence that the vehicle was stolen, sold, or driven by someone else without your permission.
• The notice does not include required information or instructions.

Read the notice carefully for contest instructions. Some notices include a form or web portal for submitting a response. Others may direct you to contact the city or a third-party vendor. Follow the instructions exactly and meet all deadlines. If the notice does not explain how to contest it, contact LADOT or the issuing agency listed on the notice.

Evidence to gather

If you plan to contest a Los Angeles speed camera notice, gather supporting evidence as soon as possible:

• Photos and video from the notice: Save digital copies and print backups.
• Your own photos: Take pictures of the location, posted speed limit signs, camera equipment, and any obstructions or conditions that may be relevant.
• Vehicle records: Gather registration documents, sale or transfer records, or proof of ownership changes.
• Driver information: If someone else was driving, prepare a declaration with their name, license number, and contact information.
• Maintenance and calibration records: If you believe the camera system was not properly maintained, you may be able to request public records from the city.
• Correspondence: Keep copies of all emails, letters, and notices you send or receive.

Organize your evidence by date and category. Clear, factual documentation improves your ability to present a coherent response.

How ClerkHero can help

ClerkHero is self-help document preparation software for eligible California traffic matters. If you receive a Los Angeles speed camera notice and want to organize your facts, evidence, and response options, ClerkHero can guide you through the process. We help you review your notice, identify potential issues, and prepare documents for submission to the city or court. ClerkHero does not provide legal advice, represent you, or guarantee any outcome. We support drivers who want to handle their own cases with clear instructions and organized paperwork.

Check My Ticket

Helpful ClerkHero resources

• 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
• 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
• Red Light Camera Tickets in California: Cost, Points, and How to Fight
• CVC 22350 Basic Speed Law
• CVC 22349(a) Driving Over 65 MPH
• Trial by Written Declaration Guide
• Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator
• How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in California

FAQ

What is the status of Los Angeles speed cameras in 2026?

Los Angeles is approved under AB 645 and has completed public review and location selection for 125 planned speed safety systems. LADOT has not yet announced the start of paid enforcement. Check the LADOT Speed Safety System page for current status and updates.

How long is the warning period in Los Angeles?

AB 645 requires a 60-calendar-day warning period after each speed safety system goes live. During this period, drivers receive warning notices with no fine. Paid civil penalties may only be issued after the warning period ends and the city publicly announces enforcement.

How much is a Los Angeles speed camera ticket?

AB 645 sets a maximum base fine of $50 for a first violation, $100 for a second violation within one year, and $500 for a third or subsequent violation within one year. The city may set lower amounts. Check your notice for the exact penalty and any additional fees.

Can I ignore a Los Angeles speed camera warning?

Warning notices do not require payment, but you should not ignore them. Warnings confirm that your vehicle was captured by the system and that paid enforcement may begin after the warning period. Review the warning for accuracy and keep it for your records.

Do I need a lawyer to contest a Los Angeles speed camera ticket?

You are not required to hire a lawyer. Many drivers handle AB 645 speed camera responses on their own. ClerkHero can help you organize your evidence and prepare documents if you are eligible. If your case is complex or involves other legal issues, you may want to consult an attorney.

What if I was not driving when the ticket was issued?

AB 645 notices are mailed to the registered owner, but the owner may submit a declaration identifying the actual driver or explaining that the vehicle was used without permission. Check your notice for instructions on how to submit this information.

Are Los Angeles speed cameras the same as red-light cameras?

No. AB 645 speed safety cameras are authorized under a new pilot program and issue civil penalties with no DMV points. Traditional red-light camera tickets in California are issued under different statutes, may add points, and follow different procedures. Learn more about red-light camera tickets.

Where can I find the locations of Los Angeles speed cameras?

LADOT is required to post signs at each speed safety system location. The city has announced plans for 125 systems but has not published a complete public map. Check the LADOT Speed Safety System page for updates and location information.

Sources

• LADOT Speed Safety System
• AB 645 (2021), California Legislative Information
• California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law)
• California Vehicle Code Section 22349(a) (Maximum Speed Limit)

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.