Updated October 7, 2026: corrected the program dates and clarified that the 122,000 figure counts all San Francisco traffic tickets in 2025, not only speed camera citations.
San Francisco runs speed cameras at 33 locations under AB 645, the state's speed camera pilot. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) says the five-year pilot launched on March 20, 2025, all cameras were issuing warnings by June 6, 2025, and citations began on August 5, 2025.
What the 122,000 Figure Counts
News coverage in February 2026 (Hoodline, citing the San Francisco Chronicle) reported that San Francisco went from about 26,000 traffic tickets in 2024 to roughly 122,000 in 2025. That 122,000 is all traffic tickets citywide, not just speed camera citations. The same reporting put speed camera citations at about 91,000 over the program's first five months of fines. We did not find the 122,000 figure in SFMTA's own reports.
Are the Cameras Working?
In a one-year update published May 1, 2026, SFMTA reported a 79% drop in vehicles going 10 mph or more over the limit at camera locations.
How the Program Works
First-time offenders caught going 11 to 15 mph over the limit receive a warning rather than a citation. After that, fines are $50 for 11 to 15 mph over, $100 for 16 to 25 mph over, $200 for 26 mph or more over, and $500 for 100 mph or more. SFMTA reduces fines by 50% for qualifying low-income drivers and to 20% of the amount for people receiving qualifying public benefits. Speed camera citations carry no DMV points.
Got an SF speed camera notice? Here is how to respond.
See SF optionsCamera Locations
AB 645 allows cameras only in school zones, on streets that meet safety-corridor standards, and on streets with repeated speed contests or sideshows. SFMTA publishes the full list of its 33 locations on its Speed Safety Cameras page.
The Bigger Picture
San Francisco's program is part of the AB 645 pilot that also includes Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Glendale, and Long Beach. The pilot runs through January 1, 2032.
Your Rights
Drivers who receive a speed camera citation can request a free initial review within 30 calendar days of the notice's mailing date, then an administrative hearing within 21 days if the review is denied, and then an appeal to superior court within 30 days with a $25 filing fee. These notices go to SFMTA, not to the court. California law requires cities to offer reduced fines for lower income individuals and community service options.
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