Newsom Signed Law for Long Beach Speed Cameras
The new legislation authorizes two additional speed cameras on the Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1279 into law, allowing Long Beach to install two new speed safety cameras on the Pacific Coast Highway. The law aims to mitigate traffic fatalities on the 8-mile stretch of the highway that passes through the city.
Why it matters
The measure addresses recurring traffic safety concerns after the Pacific Coast Highway accounted for 20% of all traffic fatalities in Long Beach. By expanding the city pilot program, officials seek to reduce high-speed driving and related deadly collisions.
Senate Bill 1279 permits speed camera activation for vehicles traveling at least 11 mph over the speed limit. Violations will result in warnings or fines ranging from $50 to $500, effective January 1.
The players
Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom is the current Governor of California who signed the legislation into law.
Long Beach
Long Beach is the city in Southern California authorized to expand its speed camera pilot program.
The details
The city of Long Beach is authorized to place two new speed cameras along the Pacific Coast Highway in addition to the 18 cameras already in use elsewhere. These systems capture images of rear license plates on vehicles exceeding the speed threshold, and all generated revenue is mandated for traffic safety improvements.
Timeline
Since 2020, there have been 39 traffic fatalities on the Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach.
Long Beach recorded 53 fatal traffic collisions in 2025.
Three traffic fatalities occurred on the highway in 2026.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1279 on September 27, 2026.
The new law takes effect January 1, 2027.
Legal Context
This legislation expands the state speed safety camera pilot program by adding a specific high-risk segment of the Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach to the project. The move follows similar implementations in cities like Oakland and San Francisco that reported significant decreases in speeding.
Drivers on the Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach will be subject to new camera enforcement beginning in January. Local residents should expect updated signage and automated fines for vehicles identified traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit.
The takeaway
Automated traffic enforcement remains a growing strategy for urban road safety in California. Drivers are encouraged to monitor their speeds to avoid automated penalties while the city works to fund further safety upgrades with camera revenue.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement initiatives, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Live Poll
Do you support the use of automated speed cameras to improve traffic safety in your community?
