Speed safety cameras are now active across Oakland. The city is one of six jurisdictions in California participating in a five-year pilot program authorized under Assembly Bill 645, allowing select cities to install and operate automated speed enforcement cameras.
Cameras began issuing warnings on January 14, and will transition to issuing citations in mid-March, following a 60-day warning period. Fines will begin at $50 for drivers traveling 11–15 mph over the speed limit and increase incrementally, up to $500 for speeds of 100 mph or more.
Eighteen Camera Locations Citywide
Oakland’s new program includes 18 camera locations across the city. One of the cameras is located in Rockridge at Claremont Avenue at Hillegass, where the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour.
The cameras are programmed to detect vehicles traveling 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit. When a violation occurs, the system captures an image of the vehicle’s rear license plate, and a warning — or later, a citation — is mailed to the registered owner.
Importantly, citations issued through this program are non-moving violations, meaning they do not add points to a driver’s license or impact insurance rates.
Different from Flock Cameras
City officials emphasize that this speed safety camera program is entirely separate from Oakland’s controversial Flock license plate reader system. The Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) has contracted with Verra Mobility, not Flock Safety, to implement the speed enforcement program.
Privacy and Data Protection
The program includes strict privacy and data-use limitations as required by state law.
Under Assembly Bill 645:
- Cameras capture photographs only — no video
- Images show only the rear license plate, not the windshield or driver’s face
- The use of facial recognition software is prohibited
- Images are reviewed and verified by OakDOT before any citation is issued
- Images are retained for five days if no violation is issued, and 60 days if a violation is issued
- Data is confidential under California Vehicle Code section 22425(l)(1) and cannot be shared unless required by law
OakDOT may share only anonymized, speed-related data with departments participating in Safe Oakland Streets, a citywide initiative focused on preventing severe and fatal traffic crashes. Otherwise, footage may not be shared or used for other purposes.
Equity and Accessibility Measures
The program also includes several equity-focused provisions:
- Income-based fine reductions of 50–80% for eligible low-income residents
- Opportunities to complete community service in lieu of paying fines
- Fines that are significantly lower than traditional speeding citations, which can cost hundreds of dollars
- Elimination of in-person traffic stops for these violations, reducing the potential for escalated interactions between police and community members
- Community involvement in drafting the program’s “Use Policy & Equity Analysis,” including criteria for camera placement
Funded Through Local Transportation Sources
The project is funded in part by Measure BB and Vehicle Registration Fees distributed through the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
City officials say the goal of the program is straightforward: reduce speeding, prevent serious crashes, and save lives.
For more information about camera locations and program details, residents can visit oaklandca.gov/speedcameras or contact speedcameras@oaklandca.gov.
