Automated Speed Camera Program begins to issue citations at 33 locations in San Francisco to drivers for speeding violations

SAN FRANCISCO — On August 5, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) began issuing speeding citations at 33 intersections across the city to drivers who were traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit. The data collected during the period issuing warnings instead of citations indicated that Fulton Street between Arguello Boulevard and 2nd Avenue in the Richmond District stood out, having most drivers to be issued with warnings for speeding violations.

In 2023, the California State Legislature passed a legislation, AB 645, to authorize a speed safety camera pilot program for six designated cities, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose in Northern California and Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach in Southern California, to install automated speed cameras and issue citations to drivers who violate speed limit for over 11 mph. San Francisco became the first city to implement AB 645 and began full enforcement on August 5.

Prior to August 5, the SFMTA had tested the program with a warning period starting in March by delaying penalties and collecting data to see how the program would affect the driving behavior of motorists.

The data from March to the end of June released by the SFMTA showed that there were trends for speeding violations among drivers on the city's roads.

- Morning rush is when speeding violations happen the most, with the highest number of violations occurring between 7 to 8 a.m.

- Tuesdays had the highest number of speeding violations.

- 77% of drivers who received warnings were going 11–15 mph over the speed limit.

- 19% of drivers who received warnings were going 16-20 mph over the speed limit.

- 4% of drivers who received warnings were going 21+ mph over the speed limit.

- The highest number of speeding violations were seen at Fulton Street between Arguello Boulevard and 2nd Avenue among all 33 intersections installed with speed safety cameras – 44% of the average daily total violations.

- Geary Blvd. between Webster and Buchanan streets ranked second for average daily violations. It also saw the highest recorded speed (65 mph in a 30 mph zone).

According to the data released by the SFMTA up to June 30, 2025, a total of 28,435 warnings were issued to drivers who violated the speed limit over 11 mph at Fulton Street between Arguello Boulevard and 2nd Avenue, Bryant Street between 2nd and 3rd streets ranked second with 14,158 warnings issued, and Geary Blvd. between Webster and Buchanan streets ranked third with 10,341 warnings issued.

“Speed cameras are proven to help keep people safe on the streets, and we are already seeing positive results from the warning period: Cameras are issuing fewer notices, and drivers are going at safer speeds," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "As our kids go back to school and more people continue to go into the office, we’re using this new technology to make our streets safer for our kids, our seniors, and our entire community.”

Lurie said the Speed Safety Camera Program has shown positive early results:

- More than 70% of vehicles that were issued a warning have not received a second—suggesting driver behavior is changing.

- High-volume corridors are seeing the biggest changes, with speeding down between 40% and 63%.

- Fulton Street between Arguello Boulevard and Second Avenue which ranked top in warnings saw a 63% decrease in speeding events over 13 weeks.

- Geneva Avenue saw a 45% decrease over 8 weeks between Prague Street and Brookdale Avenue.

- Bayshore Boulevard saw a 40% decrease over 7 weeks between the U.S. 101 off-ramp and Tunnel Avenue.

On August 5, the SFMTA started issuing citations with fines ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the severity of the speeding violation, with reduced fines for low-income individuals who qualify.

All revenue collected through the speed cameras will fund programs creating safer streets.