California's Income-Based Speed Camera Fines Explained (AB 645)

One of the most unusual aspects of California's AB 645 speed camera program — which enforces CVC 22350 (Basic Speed Law) and CVC 22348 (Speed Limit) — is its income-based fine structure. Unlike traditional traffic fines that are fixed regardless of the driver's financial situation, AB 645 fines are designed to be proportional — lower-income drivers pay less, higher-income drivers pay more.

How the AB 645 CVC 22350 Fine Scale Works

AB 645 established a tiered fine system based on two variables: how far above the speed limit you were traveling, and your household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) for your area.

• 0–40% of Area Median Income: reduced fine schedule (lowest tier)
• 40–80% of AMI: standard fine schedule
• 80%+ of AMI: standard to elevated fine schedule
• Speed differential also affects fine: faster over limit = higher base fine
• First offense carries lower fines than subsequent offenses within 12 months

Who Qualifies for a Reduced Fine?

Drivers with household incomes below 40% of the Area Median Income for their region qualify for the lowest fine tier under AB 645. This is determined by applying for an income-based review through the issuing city. You must proactively request this — the city will not automatically adjust your fine.

How to Apply for an Income-Based Fine Reduction

1. Request an income review through the city that issued your citation
2. Provide documentation of household income (recent tax return, pay stubs, or public benefits enrollment)
3. The city will recalculate your fine based on your documented income
4. You can combine an income review with a contest of the citation itself

The Policy Rationale Behind Income-Based Fines

AB 645's income-based fine structure was modeled on similar programs in Finland, Sweden, and other European countries where traffic fines are calculated as a percentage of the driver's daily income. The California legislature's intent was to ensure that fines actually deter unsafe driving across all income levels — a flat $100 fine is a minor inconvenience for a high earner but a significant hardship for someone earning minimum wage.

Contesting vs. Applying for Income Reduction

These are two separate processes. Contesting the citation means arguing the violation did not occur or that there was a factual error. Applying for an income-based reduction means accepting that the citation was issued correctly but requesting a lower fine based on your income. You can do both — submit a contest and request an income review simultaneously.

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