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California Construction Zone Speed Cameras: AB 289 and What It Means for Drivers

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed

1 min readSpeed Cameras

AB 289 (Chapter 684, Statutes of 2025) was approved on October 13, 2025 and added the State Highway Work Zone Speed Safety Program to the Vehicle Code (sections 22445 to 22445.6). It took effect on January 1, 2026 and is repealed on January 1, 2032.

What AB 289 Allows

  • Caltrans (the state Department of Transportation), not cities, may use up to 35 speed safety systems.
  • Cameras are only for state highway construction or maintenance areas.
  • Systems record violations and issue citations only when Caltrans workers or contractors are present.

Program Status

As of August 6, 2026, Caltrans was still asking for input on how to put AB 289 into effect (California Traffic Control Devices Committee item 26-13). Before enforcement starts, the law requires a public information campaign of at least 30 calendar days, and Caltrans must list the approved work zones and enforcement hours on its website.

Fines and Points

AB 289 uses the same civil penalty amounts as AB 645: $50 for 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit, $100 for 16 to 25 mph over, $200 for 26 mph or more over, and $500 for 100 mph or more, with no DMV points. Caltrans must cut penalties by 80% for indigent people and 50% for people with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level, and offer indigent people payment plans of no more than $25 a month. Violations during the first 60 calendar days of enforcement get warning notices instead of notices of violation, and a vehicle's first violation for 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit is a warning notice.

If you receive a work zone notice, it will say how to request a review and by when. Follow the deadline printed on the notice.

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This article provides general educational information about California traffic law. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney. TicketClear is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Results vary. Every citation is unique.

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