Speed Camera Citations and Rideshare Drivers: What AB 645 Means for Your Income

If you drive for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or another platform and receive an AB 645 speed camera citation, the rules are fundamentally different from a regular officer-issued ticket. Here is how they differ and what you need to do.

The Key Difference: No DMV Points

AB 645 speed camera citations issued under California's Speed Safety System Pilot Program are subject only to a civil penalty, not a traffic court conviction. Vehicle Code 22426(a) says they cannot result in a DMV point or a license suspension or revocation.

• No DMV points (Vehicle Code 22426(a))
• No license suspension or revocation
• Contested with the city first — the initial review and hearing are administrative, and only a final appeal goes to superior court
• No criminal record exposure — civil penalty only

You Still Need to Respond

The absence of DMV points does not mean you can ignore the citation. To contest, you must request an initial review within 30 calendar days of the notice's mailing date (Vehicle Code 22427(a)). The notice must also say that payment is due no later than 30 calendar days from its mailing date, or that you may contest it (Vehicle Code 22426(e)(4)). Vehicle Code 22427 gives no later window to request the initial review.

To contest an AB 645 citation, you request an initial review from the issuing city agency by phone, in writing, electronically, or in person, at no charge (Vehicle Code 22427(a)). This is not filed with a court. If it is denied, you can request an administrative hearing within 21 calendar days after the review results are mailed, paying the penalty first unless the city accepts proof that you cannot pay (Vehicle Code 22427(b)). After the hearing, you can appeal to the superior court within 30 days after the final decision is delivered or mailed (Vehicle Code 22428(a)). TicketClear prepares the initial review request based on your answers.

Grounds for an Initial Review

After an initial review, the city cancels the notice if it is satisfied that the violation did not occur or that extenuating circumstances make cancellation appropriate in the interest of justice (Vehicle Code 22427(a)). Grounds to contest can include: you sold or transferred the vehicle before the violation date and completed the transfer paperwork (Vehicle Code 5602); the violation was detected during the first 60 calendar days of enforcement (for the program or for a newly added street), or was the vehicle's first 11 to 15 mph violation in that city, when only a warning notice is allowed (Vehicle Code 22425(f)(2)); the “Photo Enforced” signs required within 500 feet before the camera were missing (Vehicle Code 22425(d)(1)); or the notice was not issued within 15 calendar days of the violation (Vehicle Code 22426(e)).

The notice includes an affidavit of nonliability. If the vehicle was stolen, or was rented or leased to someone else through a rental company or a personal vehicle sharing program, return the affidavit within 30 calendar days of the mailing date with a police report or the rental or lease agreement (Vehicle Code 22426(e)(6)). If someone else was driving your own car, you can say so in your request, but the law sends the notice to the registered owner and does not list that as a reason for nonliability. TicketClear can include these facts in your review request.

Learn more about contesting a speed camera ticket in California. Contest a speed camera ticket →

What About Red-Light Camera Citations?

It depends on the type. A civil SB 720 red-light notice (Vehicle Code 21455.9) from a city or county that opted in carries no DMV point and is contested with the agency, much like AB 645. A traditional red-light camera ticket (Vehicle Code 21455.5) is a court citation: a conviction adds 1 DMV point, and you contest it in court, including by Trial by Written Declaration.