What Is SB 720? California's New Red Light Camera Law

Overview of SB 720 (CVC 21453(a) Red Light Enforcement)

Senate Bill 720 (SB 720) is California legislation that establishes the legal framework for red light camera enforcement programs across the state. Citations issued under this program typically charge violations of CVC 21453(a) (Red Light — Steady Red) or CVC 21453(c) (Red Light — Circular Red). The law sets out the rules governing how cities may use automated cameras at intersections to capture images of vehicles that run red lights.

Red light camera programs have existed in California in various forms over the years, but SB 720 provides updated guidelines and requirements for how these programs must operate. The law addresses issues such as required signage, notice requirements, fine structures, and the rights of vehicle owners who receive citations.

Understanding SB 720 is important if you drive in a city that operates a red light camera program, because the rules that govern these citations affect your options for responding to and potentially contesting a notice of violation.

Which Cities Have Red Light Camera Programs

Multiple cities across California operate red light camera programs under the framework established by SB 720. The decision to implement a program is made at the local level, so not every city in the state has red light cameras.

Cities that have historically operated red light camera programs include locations throughout Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Central Valley. Some cities have added or removed cameras over the years based on local policy decisions and community feedback.

If you are unsure whether a particular city has red light cameras, check the city’s transportation or police department website. Camera-enforced intersections are required to have posted signage, so you should also be able to identify them while driving.

How Red Light Cameras Work

Red light cameras are installed at intersections and are triggered when a vehicle enters the intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. The camera system captures images of the vehicle, including its license plate, and may also record a short video clip of the violation.

The system uses sensors embedded in the roadway or mounted above the intersection to detect when a vehicle crosses the stop line after the light turns red. The cameras are calibrated to capture violations only after the signal has been red for a specified period, which helps ensure that vehicles legally in the intersection when the light changes are not cited.

1. The traffic signal turns red at a camera-equipped intersection.
2. Sensors detect a vehicle crossing the stop line after the red phase begins.
3. The camera system captures images and/or video of the vehicle.
4. The images are reviewed by a trained technician or officer for accuracy.
5. If the violation is confirmed, a notice is mailed to the registered vehicle owner.

Key Provisions of SB 720

SB 720 includes several important provisions that govern how red light camera programs must operate in California. These provisions are designed to balance effective enforcement with fairness to drivers.

• Intersections with red light cameras must have posted signage visible to approaching drivers.
• The yellow light interval at camera-equipped intersections must meet minimum timing standards established by Caltrans.
• Notices of violation must include photographic evidence and clear instructions for responding.
• Vehicle owners have the right to contest citations through a defined review or hearing process.
• The law establishes fine amounts and limits on additional surcharges.

Differences from Speed Cameras

While both red light cameras and speed cameras use automated technology to enforce traffic laws, they operate under different legal frameworks and have different consequences. Red light camera violations under SB 720 are treated more like traditional traffic tickets, while speed camera violations under AB 645 follow an administrative process.

• Red light camera citations may result in DMV points, whereas AB 645 speed camera citations generally do not.
• Red light camera fines may include standard penalty assessments, while AB 645 speed camera fines generally do not.
• Red light camera cases may be contested through the court system, while AB 645 uses administrative review.
• The legal standards for evidence and review differ between the two programs.

If you have received a camera-based citation, it is important to determine whether it is a red light camera citation under SB 720 or a speed camera citation under AB 645, as the rules and your options for responding differ significantly.

Learn how to contest a red light camera ticket. How to Contest a Red Light Camera Ticket →

Compare with speed cameras under AB 645. What Is AB 645? →