While speed cameras under AB 645 are limited to six pilot cities, red light camera enforcement is about to go statewide. Senate Bill 720, signed by Governor Newsom on October 13, 2025, allows any city or county in California to establish an automated red light camera program.
What SB 720 Does
The law authorizes cities and counties to install automated traffic enforcement systems at intersections to detect red light violations. This is a significant expansion from the previous framework, which required specific legislative authorization for each jurisdiction.
Any city, county, or city and county can now opt in by adopting an impact report and meeting the program requirements outlined in the law.
Fine Structure
Unlike the flat fines under AB 645 for speed cameras, SB 720 uses an escalating penalty structure:
- $100 for a first violation with no prior fine in the last three years.
- $200 for a second violation within three years.
- $350 for a third violation within three years.
- $500 for a fourth or subsequent violation within three years.
No additional processing fees may be added beyond electronic payment processing fees. Late fees are capped at $50 for the first late notice and $100 for subsequent late fees on the same violation.
Received a red light camera citation? See your options.
Check my citationKey Differences From Speed Camera Citations
Red light camera violations under SB 720 are civil penalties. They do not result in points on your driving record and do not trigger a license suspension or revocation. Citations are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle based on a photograph of the rear license plate. The law prohibits facial recognition technology.
Privacy and Equity Protections
SB 720 includes several notable provisions. Cameras must capture only the rear of the vehicle and the license plate. Images inside the rear window must be excluded when practical. Photographic and video records are confidential and can only be used for program administration.
The law requires programs to be placed in geographically and socioeconomically diverse locations. Cities must explain in their impact reports why cameras are placed in lower income neighborhoods if those locations are predominant.
Indigent individuals receive an 80% reduction in fines. Individuals earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level receive a 50% reduction. Payment plans are available with monthly installments capped at $25 and a processing fee of no more than $5.
How the Revenue Is Used
Revenue from red light camera programs must first cover program costs, including construction of traffic calming measures, installation of camera systems, adjudication of violations, and reporting. Excess revenue must be spent on traffic calming measures — such as bike lanes, speed humps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, and road diets — within three years. If not used within that timeframe, excess funds revert to the Active Transportation Program.
Cities must also maintain their existing level of spending on traffic calming and cannot use camera revenue as a replacement for existing investments.
Contesting a Red Light Camera Citation
Recipients can request a free initial review within 30 days. If unsatisfied, they can request an administrative hearing within 21 days of the initial review decision. Hearings can be conducted in writing, by video conference, or in person. An appeal to superior court is available with a $25 filing fee.
The examiner who conducts the hearing must be independent from the citation issuing process. Their compensation cannot be linked to the number or percentage of violations upheld.
What About Right Turns on Red?
SB 720 specifically requires that jurisdictions consider the relative safety risk of a prohibited right turn on red compared to running straight through a red light. This distinction acknowledges that these are different behaviors with different levels of danger, and the law directs cities to take that into account when screening violations.
What to Watch For
As of early 2026, SB 720 is law but most jurisdictions have not yet announced opt in plans. Some cities like Cathedral City previously had red light cameras and removed them, partly due to the cost of collecting fines. The new law's structure — which sends citations to the vehicle rather than the driver and uses escalating penalties — is designed to address some of those collection challenges.
San Francisco's existing red light camera program, operated by SFMTA, currently enforces 19 approaches at 13 intersections, with six additional locations under construction and expected to activate in summer 2026.
TicketClear is a document preparation service, not a law firm. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.