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San Francisco Speed Camera Tickets: Locations, Fines, and How to Contest

Updated March 1, 20262 min readSpeed Cameras

San Francisco is one of the first California cities to deploy automated speed cameras under AB 645. These cameras enforce CVC 22350 (Basic Speed Law) in school zones and high-injury corridors. If you received a Notice of Violation in the mail from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) with a photo of your vehicle, this guide explains exactly what you're dealing with and how to respond.

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San Francisco AB 645 CVC 22350 Camera Locations

San Francisco's AB 645 cameras are primarily deployed in school zones and Vision Zero high-injury corridors. The SFMTA selected these locations based on crash history and pedestrian safety data. Active or planned camera corridors include:

  • Tenderloin and SOMA school zone corridors
  • Cesar Chavez Street
  • Mission Street
  • Potrero Avenue
  • Folsom Street
  • Additional locations phased in on a rolling basis

Warning Period

California law requires a 60-day warning period before fines are assessed at any new AB 645 camera location. During this period, drivers receive warnings rather than citations.

San Francisco Speed Camera Fine Amounts

San Francisco's AB 645 fines follow the state's income-based sliding scale. The base fine depends on how far above the posted speed limit you were traveling, and the final amount is adjusted based on your household income if you apply for income-based review.

  • 1–15 mph over: approximately $50–$100 base fine
  • 16–25 mph over: approximately $100–$250 base fine
  • 26+ mph over: approximately $250–$500 base fine
  • Low-income drivers (below 40% of Area Median Income): reduced fine schedule
  • Ability-to-pay applications available through SFMTA

How to Respond to a San Francisco Camera Citation

The San Francisco AB 645 citation process goes through the SFMTA, not through the courts. This is different from fighting a traditional speeding ticket. Your response options are:

  1. Request an Initial Review: Submit a written request to SFMTA within 30 days of the Notice of Violation date
  2. Request a Secondary Review: If the initial review is denied, request a supervisory review
  3. Apply for income-based fine reduction: Submit documentation of household income
  4. Request a court hearing: Final option after administrative reviews are exhausted

30-Day Response Window

Your Notice of Violation will have a date printed on it. You have 30 days from that date to request an administrative review. This deadline is strict β€” do not wait.

Grounds for Contesting a San Francisco Camera Citation

  • The license plate in the photo does not match your vehicle
  • You were not the driver (another person was operating the vehicle)
  • The camera was newly deployed and within the 60-day warning-only period
  • Speed limit signage was inadequate or missing at the location
  • You had a medical emergency or other compelling circumstance
  • Camera calibration documentation is unavailable or inaccurate

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Frequently Asked Questions

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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