Photo Radar & Speed Camera Tickets in California
Received a photo-based traffic ticket in California? The rules are complicated—and not all photo tickets require you to respond. Here's what you need to know.
Photo Ticket Quick Facts
Types of Photo Enforcement in California
Red Light Cameras
Several California cities operate red light cameras at intersections. These photograph vehicles running red lights and some also capture speed. Cities with red light cameras include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and others.
Speed Cameras (New Pilot Program)
AB 645 (2023) authorized a speed camera pilot program in select cities starting 2024. Cameras can be placed in:
- School zones
- Work zones (highway construction)
- Areas with high pedestrian/cyclist injuries
Participating cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Glendale, Long Beach.
Toll Road Cameras
Not speed cameras—these photograph license plates for toll enforcement. Violations are civil (not criminal) and don't add points.
Real Ticket vs. "Snitch Ticket"
This is the critical distinction. California law requires proper service for photo tickets to be enforceable.
Real Ticket (Must Respond)
- Has a court case number
- Lists a due date and bail amount
- Was served in person OR via certified mail with return receipt
- Filed with the court within 15 days of violation
Snitch Ticket (No Legal Obligation to Respond)
- Mailed via regular first-class mail
- Often says "Do not contact the court"
- Asks you to identify the driver
- No court case number filed yet
- Usually has extended "deadline" (months away)
Important:If you respond to a snitch ticket (identifying yourself as the driver), you've just helped them serve you properly. Consider whether to respond at all.
How to Tell If Your Ticket Is Real
- Check for court case number: Real tickets have one
- Look up the case online:Use the court's website to search
- Check delivery method: Certified mail or personal service = real
- Contact the court: Ask if a case has been filed (without identifying yourself as the defendant)
Fighting Photo Tickets
If you've received a properly served photo ticket, you can still fight it:
Defense Strategies
- You weren't driving: Photo shows the car, not necessarily who was driving
- Photo is unclear:Driver's face not visible
- Yellow light timing: Some jurisdictions have shortened yellow lights illegally
- Camera calibration: Equipment must be properly maintained
- Signage issues: Warning signs may be required
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wasn't driving?
California cannot compel you to identify who was driving. However, if properly served, the registered owner receives the ticket. Your options: identify the actual driver, or fight the ticket arguing the photo doesn't prove you were driving.
Will ignoring a snitch ticket hurt me?
If it's truly a snitch ticket (not filed with court, not properly served), there's no legal obligation to respond. However, the agency may attempt proper service later. Monitor whether a real case gets filed.
Do photo tickets go on my record?
If convicted, yes. Red light camera tickets add 1 point and stay on your record for 3 years. Speed camera tickets (under the new pilot) may have different rules—the program is still being implemented.
Can I see the photo/video evidence?
Yes. You have the right to review evidence before your hearing. Most jurisdictions provide a website where you can view photos and video using your citation number.
AB 645 Speed Camera Tickets in California (2026)
California Assembly Bill 645 established a pilot program for automated speed enforcement cameras in select cities. As of 2026, cameras are actively issuing fines in several Bay Area and Southern California cities.
Important: AB 645 speed camera tickets are civil penalties, not moving violations. They generally do not add DMV points to your record or directly raise insurance rates — unlike traditional speeding tickets.
Cities Currently Enforcing AB 645 (2026)
| City | Status | Fine Range |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | Issuing fines (since Aug 2025) | $50–$500 |
| Oakland | Warning period ending Spring 2026 | $50–$500 |
| San Jose | Warning period ending Spring 2026 | $50–$500 |
| Glendale | Transitioning to fines | $50–$500 |
| Los Angeles | Cameras installing, fines mid-2026 | $50–$500 |
| Long Beach | Fines starting Fall 2026 | $50–$500 |
Fine scale: $50 (11–15 mph over) · $100 (16–25 mph over) · $200 (26–99 mph over) · $500 (100+ mph over). Low-income drivers may qualify for reduced fees or community service.
How AB 645 Speed Camera Tickets Differ from Regular Speeding Tickets
Traditional Speeding Ticket
- Moving violation — adds DMV points
- Can raise insurance rates
- Fight via Trial by Written Declaration (TR-205)
- Officer must respond to declaration
AB 645 Speed Camera Ticket
- Civil penalty — generally no DMV points
- Less direct insurance impact
- Contest via administrative review process
- Affidavit of non-liability available
How to Contest an AB 645 Speed Camera Ticket
- Do not pay immediately. Paying is an admission of liability and waives your right to contest.
- Request an Initial Administrative Review within 30 days of the issue date. Can be done online, by mail, or in person.
- Common defenses: You were not driving (submit Affidavit of Non-Liability), camera signage was missing or obscured, camera was improperly calibrated, or the ticket was issued during a mandatory warning period.
- If denied, request a Formal Administrative Hearing within 21 days.
- If still denied, appeal to Superior Court.
Note: AB 645 cameras only trigger when a vehicle is traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit. If your ticket shows a lower differential, it may have been issued in error.