How to Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in California (2026)
California's AB645 (Cal. Stats. 2023 Ch. 765) authorizes a pilot automated speed enforcement program in 7 cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Glendale, Long Beach, and Malibu. These are civil owner-liable citations — no DMV points, no insurance channel. Fines range from $50 to $500 with mandatory income-based reductions available. CVC §21455.5 and the AB645 statute govern the program.
Key facts — California AB645 speed camera tickets:
- Nature: Civil administrative — owner liable
- Points on license: No — not reported to DMV
- Insurance impact: None
- Fine range: $50–$500 (income-based reduction available)
- Pilot cities: SF, LA, Oakland, San Jose, Glendale, Long Beach, Malibu
- Deadlines: Respond within the deadline stated on the notice. Income-reduction requests must be submitted with or before the contest deadline.
Free Camera Ticket Assessment
Can you fight your camera ticket?
Answer 3–4 quick questions. No payment required.
California AB645 Deadline Alert
Respond within the deadline stated on the notice. Income-reduction requests must be submitted with or before the contest deadline.
Contest process: Administrative appeal to the local program administrator. No DMV points. Income-based fine reduction (50% at ≤200% FPL; 80% at ≤100% FPL) and payment plans available.
Your Defenses — California AB645 Speed Camera
Defenses are ranked by strength: high, medium, conditional, info. Statutory hooks traceable to AB645 and CVC primary sources, verified 2026-06-05.
Plate or Vehicle in Image Does Not Match
mediumIf the plate number or vehicle description in the notice is inconsistent with the enforcement photograph, the citation lacks an evidentiary foundation.
AB645 (Cal. Stats. 2023 Ch. 765); CVC §21455.5 (citation must correctly identify the vehicle)
Vehicle Stolen at Time of Violation
highAB645 provides an affidavit of non-liability when the vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation, supported by a police report.
AB645 (Cal. Stats. 2023 Ch. 765) (stolen-vehicle non-liability exception)
Speed Measurement or Calibration Challenge
conditionalAutomated speed cameras must be properly calibrated and their measurements accurate. Gaps or deficiencies in calibration records may undermine the evidentiary basis for the speed reading.
AB645 (Cal. Stats. 2023 Ch. 765) (speed measurement accuracy requirements); CVC §21455.5 (system compliance standards)
Income-Based Fine Reduction and Payment Plan Rights
infoAB645 mandates a 50% fine reduction for individuals whose income is at or below 200% FPL, and an 80% reduction for those at or below 100% FPL. Payment plans are also available.
AB645 (Cal. Stats. 2023 Ch. 765) (income-based fine reduction: 50% at ≤200% FPL; 80% at ≤100% FPL; payment plan rights)
California Speed Camera Ticket FAQ
Do California AB645 speed camera tickets add points to my license?
No. AB645 automated speed enforcement citations are civil penalties — no DMV points are assessed and there is no insurance channel. The citation does not appear on your driving record.
Which California cities have AB645 speed cameras?
AB645 (Cal. Stats. 2023 Ch. 765) authorizes a pilot program in 7 cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Glendale, Long Beach, and Malibu. Cameras are limited to streets with high injury rates or school zones. The pilot runs through January 1, 2032.
Can I get a reduced fine for a California AB645 speed camera ticket?
Yes. AB645 mandates a 50% fine reduction for individuals whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and an 80% reduction for those at or below 100% FPL. Payment plans are also available regardless of income. Request the reduction from the administering agency at the time you contest or pay.
How do I contest a California AB645 speed camera ticket?
Contest through the local program administrator identified on your notice (not a court — AB645 citations are administrative). Submit an administrative appeal within the deadline stated on your notice, typically 30 days. No DMV points, no court appearance required.
What is a snitch ticket and could my California speed camera notice be one?
A snitch ticket (courtesy notice) is a vendor mailing that was never filed with a court. It looks like a ticket but has no case number and uses language like 'Courtesy Notice: This Is Not A Ticket.' AB645 speed camera notices are civil administrative citations — verify on the local program's portal or the county court portal to confirm filing status before responding.
Ready to Contest Your California AB645 Speed Camera Ticket?
ParkingFight generates a professional admin appeal letter citing the exact AB645 statutes and defenses above. Takes 5 minutes. One-time $29.
Get Your Appeal LetterRelated Camera Ticket Guides
ParkingFight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available state statutes and case law as of 2026-06-05. Verify current rules with your court or a licensed attorney.