Speed Camera Locations in San Francisco: What Drivers Need to Know

Overview of the San Francisco CVC 22350 Speed Camera Program

San Francisco is one of the cities authorized to operate speed cameras under California’s AB 645 pilot program. Citations issued by these cameras are typically charged under CVC 22350 (Basic Speed Law). The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) oversees the program, which is part of the city’s broader Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.

The city has taken a phased approach to deploying speed cameras, beginning with locations that have historically seen the highest rates of speed-related crashes. The program focuses on areas where vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, are most at risk.

San Francisco’s dense urban environment and complex street network present unique challenges for both drivers and traffic safety officials. The speed camera program is designed to supplement, not replace, traditional law enforcement patrols in the city.

Where Speed Cameras Are Placed

Speed cameras in San Francisco are placed at locations identified as having high rates of speed-related collisions. The SFMTA uses traffic safety data, community input, and engineering analysis to determine where cameras will be most effective at reducing dangerous speeding.

Camera locations are required to be posted with signage notifying drivers that automated speed enforcement is in effect. The law requires adequate notice so that drivers are aware they are entering a camera-enforced zone.

• High-injury corridors identified by the city’s traffic safety data.
• School zones where reduced speed limits are in effect during school hours.
• Streets with a documented history of speed-related collisions.
• Areas identified through community safety requests and public input.

School Zones and Safety Corridors

School zones are a primary focus of San Francisco’s speed camera program. California law already requires drivers to slow down in school zones when children are present, and speed cameras provide an additional layer of enforcement in these sensitive areas.

Safety corridors are stretches of roadway that have been identified as particularly dangerous based on crash data. San Francisco designates certain streets as high-injury corridors, and many speed camera deployments are concentrated along these routes.

If you frequently drive through school zones or along designated safety corridors in San Francisco, being aware of the reduced speed limits and camera enforcement can help you avoid receiving a citation. Many drivers find it useful to familiarize themselves with the city’s high-injury network map.

How to Identify Speed Camera Zones

Under AB 645, cities are required to post signage alerting drivers to speed camera enforcement zones. If you are driving in San Francisco, look for signs indicating that automated speed enforcement is in effect.

In addition to posted signage, you may notice the camera equipment itself. Speed cameras are typically mounted on poles or existing infrastructure along the roadway. They may be accompanied by supplemental lighting equipment used to capture clear images in various conditions.

• Look for posted signs reading "Speed Limit Enforced by Camera" or similar wording.
• Camera equipment is typically mounted on poles along the roadway.
• School zone speed cameras may be active only during school hours.
• Check the SFMTA website or app for a map of camera-enforced locations.

What to Expect If You Are Cited

If a speed camera in San Francisco captures your vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit, a notice of violation will be mailed to the registered owner at the address on file with the DMV. The notice will include photographs, the recorded speed, and the fine amount.

San Francisco’s program initially included a warning period where drivers received courtesy notices without fines. After the warning period, violations carry fines based on the tiered structure established by AB 645. The amount depends on how far over the posted speed limit you were traveling.

You have the right to contest the citation through the administrative review process. If you believe the citation was issued in error, or if you were not the driver, you may submit a contest or an affidavit of nonliability.

Learn how to contest a speed camera ticket in California. How to Contest a Speed Camera Ticket →

Understand the fine amounts for speed camera violations. Speed Camera Fines in California →