San Francisco Speed Cameras Cut Excessive Speeding

An 18-month city report shows significant safety gains at 33 locations following the rollout of automated enforcement.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Law Enforcement

San Francisco Speed Cameras Cut Excessive Speeding

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Do you support the use of automated speed cameras to improve safety in your community?

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency released a report showing that excessive speeding dropped by up to 94% at 33 camera-equipped sites near schools and senior centers. The pilot program, which began issuing fines in 2025, is now a target for expansion by safety advocates.

Why it matters

The program aims to deter reckless driving and improve pedestrian safety across San Francisco. Advocates are now pushing for state legislation to make the pilot program permanent and expand its reach.

Data shows 63% of drivers receiving one notice do not receive a second, while 80% of citation recipients get two or fewer notices. The study tracked these results across 33 camera locations over an 18-month period.

The players

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

This agency oversees the city's transit systems, including buses, light rail, and traffic enforcement programs.

Andrew Zieman

He was a pedestrian who was killed in a vehicle collision in 2021.

The details

Enabled by 2023's Assembly Bill 645, the pilot program uses automated technology to identify speeding vehicles and issue notices to owners. The findings mirror success in Oakland, which recorded a 70% reduction in vehicle speeds at its own camera-monitored locations.

2016: Portland implemented speed cameras.
2021: Andrew Zieman was killed in a vehicle collision.
2023: Assembly Bill 645 enabled the speed camera pilot.
2025: San Francisco began issuing speed camera fines.
October 2026: SFMTA released the 18-month study.

Legal Context

The SFMTA program operates under the framework established by Assembly Bill 645 in 2023. This legislation serves as a precedent for California cities seeking to implement automated enforcement to curb traffic-related fatalities.

Residents should note that the high rate of non-repeat offenders suggests the cameras effectively change driver behavior after initial notices. Local streets near schools and senior centers have seen significant reductions in top speeds, improving pedestrian safety.

The takeaway

Automated enforcement appears to be a highly effective deterrent for repeat speeding offenses in urban environments. Drivers can avoid citations by maintaining compliance with posted speed limits, as most individuals stop violating the rules after receiving one notice.