Home / Crime and Justice / Oakland Speed Cams Ticketed 82,000 in Month One
Oakland Speed Cams Ticketed 82,000 in Month One
28 May
Summary
- Oakland's new speed cameras issued 82,000 citations in their first month.
- Fines range from $50 to $500 based on how fast drivers exceed the limit.
- The cameras are part of a pilot program in six California cities.
In its first month of operation, Oakland, California's newly installed speed safety cameras generated nearly 82,000 citations. The preliminary data, spanning March 15 to April 25, indicates an average of 60 tickets issued per camera daily. While cameras were activated on January 14, a mandatory 60-day warning period preceded the enforcement of fines.
Fines are structured on a tiered system, with penalties starting at $50 for exceeding the speed limit by 11-15 mph. Fines escalate to $100 for speeds 16-25 mph over the limit, $200 for speeds 26 mph over, and a substantial $500 for any speed reaching 100 mph or more.
These cameras are part of Assembly Bill 645, a statewide pilot program allowing six California cities to establish automated speed camera networks. Oakland is among the first to launch, with other participating cities like San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles set to follow suit in phases. This program is legislated to run until January 2032.
Oakland's system photographs rear license plates for vehicles exceeding the limit by 11 mph or more. These are civil penalties, meaning they do not impact driver's licenses or driving records. Notably, the program mandates discounts and diversion options for low-income residents, reducing fines significantly and offering alternatives like community service.
