Summer 2025 isn’t just hot because of the weather. In California, traffic rules are stricter, and smart cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) are now watching the roads. These cameras can catch you speeding or running a red light — even before you realize it.
Let’s look at what’s new, how much fines cost now, and how these AI cameras work.
Most Common Traffic Violations in California
1. Speeding
2. Running a red light
Fines can be as high as $500. The camera takes a photo and a ticket is mailed to the car owner.
3. Illegal parking near crosswalks
Since January 2025, it’s illegal to park within 20 feet (about 6 meters) of a crosswalk, even if there’s no sign or paint. Fines range from $64 to $77.
4. Driving in bus lanes or bike lanes
Cameras on buses in cities like Los Angeles and Sacramento now catch cars using bus-only lanes. The fine? $293 — and you won’t see a cop.
How AI Cameras Work
AI cameras are more than just video recorders. They analyze what’s happening on the road in real time.
Here’s how it works:
No police officer, no talking, no warnings — just a fine.
Most Common Traffic Violations in California
1. Speeding
- 11–15 mph over the limit: $50
- 16–25 mph over: $100
- More than 25 mph: $200
- Over 100 mph: $500
- Plus extra fees of $200–$400 may be added.
2. Running a red light
Fines can be as high as $500. The camera takes a photo and a ticket is mailed to the car owner.
3. Illegal parking near crosswalks
Since January 2025, it’s illegal to park within 20 feet (about 6 meters) of a crosswalk, even if there’s no sign or paint. Fines range from $64 to $77.
4. Driving in bus lanes or bike lanes
Cameras on buses in cities like Los Angeles and Sacramento now catch cars using bus-only lanes. The fine? $293 — and you won’t see a cop.
How AI Cameras Work
AI cameras are more than just video recorders. They analyze what’s happening on the road in real time.
Here’s how it works:
- The camera records your car breaking a rule.
- It reads your license plate automatically.
- A person usually checks the video to confirm the violation.
- A ticket is sent to your home address by mail.
No police officer, no talking, no warnings — just a fine.
Where Are These Cameras Active?
Not everywhere in California yet, but they’re spreading fast. Cities with AI cameras include:
In San Francisco, 33 speed cameras went live in June 2025. There’s a 60-day grace period — but after August, they’ll start issuing tickets.
How Much Are the Fines?
In some cities like San Francisco, fines are based on your income. Low-income drivers can get up to 80% off.
But in most areas, the base costs look like this:
Can You Fight the Ticket?
Yes. You can challenge the fine if you think it’s a mistake.
What you’ll need:
Most cities allow you to dispute online.
Not everywhere in California yet, but they’re spreading fast. Cities with AI cameras include:
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Glendale
- Oakland
In San Francisco, 33 speed cameras went live in June 2025. There’s a 60-day grace period — but after August, they’ll start issuing tickets.
How Much Are the Fines?
In some cities like San Francisco, fines are based on your income. Low-income drivers can get up to 80% off.
But in most areas, the base costs look like this:
- Speeding: $50 to $500
- Administrative fees: $150–$400
- Parking violations: $60–80
- Bus lane violations: $293
Can You Fight the Ticket?
Yes. You can challenge the fine if you think it’s a mistake.
What you’ll need:
- Your ticket letter
- Any photos or videos you have
- Evidence (for example, the car was sold or wasn’t yours)
Most cities allow you to dispute online.
What Do People Think?
Reactions are mixed.
👍 Some say:
👎 Others worry:
What’s Next?
By 2026, more California cities will use AI traffic cameras. They may also begin “smart ticketing” — adjusting the fine based on your driving history or weather conditions.
Traffic lights may soon use AI to change signals based on how busy the street is.
✅ Tips for Drivers
Reactions are mixed.
👍 Some say:
- Roads are safer
- People drive more carefully
- It’s fair — cameras don’t lie
👎 Others worry:
- It feels like constant surveillance
- You can’t explain your situation
- AI might make mistakes
What’s Next?
By 2026, more California cities will use AI traffic cameras. They may also begin “smart ticketing” — adjusting the fine based on your driving history or weather conditions.
Traffic lights may soon use AI to change signals based on how busy the street is.
✅ Tips for Drivers
- Don’t speed — even just a little.
- Slow down at yellow lights.
- Avoid bus lanes unless you’re allowed.
- Don’t park near crosswalks — even if there’s no sign.
- Check your mail — the ticket might come weeks later.
AI on the roads isn’t science fiction — it’s California’s reality in 2025. Drive safe, and the only robot watching you this summer might be your home vacuum, not a traffic camera on a pole.