Speed Camera Pilot Program Is Coming To LA

The Los Angeles City Council’s Transportation Committee unanimously approved a motion on Wednesday that authorizes the city to create a Speed Safety Pilot Program under a new law that goes into effect next year.

In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 645, which allows six cities to test speed safety camera systems over five years. That law will go into effect Jan. 1 and the six cities, including L.A., Long Beach, and Glendale, have until 2032 to sort out contractors and complete the pilot.

How will it work?

The L.A. Department of Transportation (LADOT) will need to identify 125 different locations for new speed safety cameras throughout the city. LADOT officials told the committee they will focus on school zones, areas that see a high number of injuries, and those with known street-racing problems.

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez requested that LADOT work with each city council members’ office to identify the camera locations, which department officials agreed could be done over the next few months.

“Just to ensure that we meet one of the main goals of this program, which is that it doesn't disproportionately affect communities of color,” Hernandez said.

LADOT will also have to come up with a community engagement strategy and public information campaign. Before the program officially launches, the city must include a 60-day warning period for all speed violations.

LADOT will be required to post the locations on its website and put up signs in the streets. Makenzi Rasey, an acting assistant general manager with LADOT, said it’s not supposed to be a “gotcha” program.

“We want people to know that these cameras exist,” Rasey told the committee. “What we want is for people to slow down because they know they’re there.”

What it means for drivers

Tickets issued under the Speed Safety Pilot Program are civil, not criminal. That means they won’t add a point to your license, and they will not affect insurance rates.

Tickets can be issued to drivers going 11 mph or more above the speed limit. The tickets will only exceed $100 for drivers that are going more than 26 mph above the speed limit.

Drivers will receive a warning the first time they are ticketed for going between 11 to 16 mph over the speed limit.

Why now?

In 2022, 312 people were killed in car crashes in L.A., and most of the victims were either biking or walking, according to the motion introduced by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. Car crashes are now the leading cause of death for people under 30 in L.A. County, according to LADOT officials.

Last year marked the highest rate of these deadly incidents in more than 20 years, and 2023 is on track to exceed it. Speed is the primary factor causing serious injury and death in traffic crashes.

Councilmember Traci Park asked if the program would apply to Pacific Coast Highway. Park said the stretch of road is notorious for fatalities and speeding, and the four Pepperdine students who were recently killed on PCH could have been anyone’s daughters.

However, the pilot program will not apply to the popular scenic route because it’s a state highway and outside of the city’s jurisdiction.