Newsom Signed Bill Extending Bus Camera Enforcement
The new law allows AC Transit to continue using automated cameras to deter parking in bus lanes and stops.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1837 into law, extending authorization for AC Transit to utilize bus-mounted cameras for parking enforcement. This measure ensures the agency can continue identifying vehicles blocking bus lanes and stops without relying on manual reporting by operators.
Why it matters
Vehicles parked in restricted zones hinder buses from reaching the curb, which creates significant safety and accessibility challenges for the district's 3 million monthly riders. By automating the process, the agency can more consistently enforce traffic rules and keep transit corridors clear.
The camera program, authorized under Assembly Bill 1837, saw bus-only lane citations drop by 50% year-over-year. Citations for blocked bus stops also fell by 20% compared to the same period in 2025.
The players
Gavin Newsom
He is the Governor of California who signed Assembly Bill 1837 into law.
AC Transit
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District provides bus service to more than 3 million riders each month.
Mark Gonzalez
He is the Assemblymember who authored Assembly Bill 1837 to extend camera enforcement capabilities.
The details
AC Transit employs forward-facing cameras mounted on bus windshields to automatically detect vehicles obstructing traffic lanes or designated stops. This technology replaces a previous system that required drivers to manually initiate the recording of violations while operating the vehicle.
Timeline
June 2024: AC Transit deployed cameras on the Tempo BRT corridor.
August 2024: Automated enforcement expanded to 100 buses.
Q2 2025: Baseline period for measuring citation volume.
Q2 2026: Comparison period used to track enforcement efficacy.
January 1, 2027: The date the original camera authorization was set to expire.
Political Context
Assembly Bill 1837 continues the state's legislative push to integrate automated enforcement technology into municipal transit operations. Opponents or concerned privacy advocates often argue that such measures increase state surveillance powers and place a disproportionate financial burden on individual motorists.
Drivers in areas served by AC Transit should be aware that automated enforcement will remain a permanent fixture of bus operations under the new law. This means that parking in marked bus stops or bus-only lanes carries a continued risk of receiving a ticket by mail.
The takeaway
Automated enforcement serves as a practical tool for improving transit efficiency and rider accessibility in dense urban areas. Consistent citation reductions suggest that camera-based programs effectively deter drivers from blocking bus routes.
Further reading
For more on the regulatory landscape in the state, visit the Legislative Policy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Metro Magazine.
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