San Francisco’s New Strategy for Safer Roads and Fewer Traffic Incidents

San Francisco deploys California’s first speed cameras with income-based fines, potentially issuing up to 42,000 citations daily once the grace period ends.

Quick Takes

San Francisco has installed 33 speed cameras at high-risk locations including school zones, becoming the first California city to implement fixed-speed cameras.
Violators face tiered penalties: $50 for 11-15 mph over the limit, up to $500 for driving 100+ mph, with low-income drivers eligible for up to 80% discounts.
The program includes a two-month grace period before actual fines begin, with warning signs placed at camera locations.
Citations are civil penalties with no points on driver’s licenses, but could generate substantial revenue for the city.
Los Angeles plans to implement a similar program in 2026, signaling a statewide expansion of automated speed enforcement.

New Surveillance Technology Expands Government Reach

San Francisco officially launched California’s first fixed-speed camera program, installing 33 cameras across the city’s most dangerous roadways. The cameras, primarily positioned in school zones and high-injury corridors, can automatically detect and photograph vehicles exceeding speed limits. The program, made possible by the passage of AB 645 signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, represents a significant shift in traffic enforcement for California cities. Each camera location will be marked with warning signs, though many residents remain unaware of exactly where cameras have been installed.

🚨 INSANE: California is officially launching its Speed Safety System Pilot Program, which will issue speeding tickets based on your income bracket.
pic.twitter.com/8dXXn3jxkA

— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) April 1, 2025

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has implemented a two-month grace period during which violators will receive only warnings. After this period, however, the city’s enforcement capability becomes substantial. According to reports, these automated systems could potentially issue up to 42,000 citations daily. This massive ticket volume has raised questions about whether the program’s true purpose is public safety or revenue generation for the financially-struggling city.

“Equity-Based” Fine Structure Divides Citizens

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of San Francisco’s speed camera program is its tiered, income-based fine structure. Standard violations start at $50 for driving 11-15 mph over the posted limit and increase dramatically: $100 for 16-25 mph over, $200 for 26+ mph over, and $500 for driving 100 mph or more. However, low-income drivers can receive discounts of up to 80% on these fines, with eligibility based on participation in government assistance programs like SNAP, CalWORKS, Medi-Cal, and others.

This “equity-based” approach means two drivers committing identical speeding violations could pay dramatically different fines based solely on their income level. Critics argue this creates an unfair two-tiered justice system, while supporters contend it prevents low-income residents from being disproportionately burdened by traffic fines. Unlike traditional speeding tickets, these automated citations are civil penalties that won’t add points to driver’s licenses, potentially reducing insurance impacts.

Spreading Across California

San Francisco’s program appears to be just the beginning of a broader expansion of automated traffic enforcement throughout California. Los Angeles has already announced plans to implement a similar system by 2026. Advocacy groups like Walk SF have championed these cameras, pointing to data from other cities with established programs. The city has created an interactive map showing camera locations and even plans to launch an online payment portal for the expected flood of violations.

While safety advocates tout the program’s potential benefits, many residents express concerns about privacy, government overreach, and the potential for such systems to expand beyond their stated purpose. New York City’s similar program is frequently cited as evidence of effectiveness. “New York City has just seen dramatic results in behavior change and very few people getting second tickets, so people learn quickly,” claims Marta Lindsey, Walk SF communications director. The true impact on San Francisco’s traffic safety, city finances, and driver behavior will become clearer once the grace period ends and actual enforcement begins.