Driving in California and exceeding the speed limit can lead to fines ranging from $50 to $500. Although many people are unaware, there is a law regulating speed limits when children are present. Repeat offenses can result in higher fines. Some cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and Long Beach, incorporate cameras to record speeding in school zones and automatically issue tickets.
The cameras can generate tickets of up to US$500 and do not require an officer to stop the driver
Speed limits are set as follows: 11 to 15 mph over the limit: $50 fine; 16 to 25 mph over the limit: $100 fine; 26 mph or more over the limit: $200 fine; over 100 mph: $500 fine, and repeat offenders will incur a higher fine.
According to official data and those established by law AB 645, the cameras can generate tickets of up to US$500 and do not require an officer to stop the driver. This technology was introduced as a strategy to reduce accidents in front of schools. These cameras, in fact, have been in a trial period since March, but will issue tickets starting this week.
According to the DMV, drivers must reduce their speed to 40 kilometers per hour when traveling within 150 meters of a school
In total, there are 33 speed cameras spread across different streets. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which is responsible for the system, has published a map with the exact locations of these cameras on its website. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), drivers must reduce their speed to 40 kilometers per hour when traveling within 150 meters of a school. Some school zones even lower the limit to 24 km/h.
It’s important to remember that in the event of a violation, a reduced-fare option is available for those who qualify for a low-income exemption. It’s essential to check the metrics to determine whether this is an option in each particular case. For example, as we’ve mentioned, repeat offenses will obviously make it more difficult to obtain a fee reduction.
In California, the use of mobile devices while driving is prohibited, and this law is enforced more strictly in areas near schools
There are several recommendations you can follow to avoid a ticket. One of them is to avoid distractions while driving as much as possible. In California, the use of mobile devices while driving is prohibited, and this law is enforced more strictly in areas near schools. Fully concentrating on the road is vital. Driving is not something you can take for granted; it involves many actions at once, and all your senses must be focused on proper driving to avoid personal injury and harm to others—in other words, the lives of anyone traveling on public roads.
Drivers must stop when approaching a pedestrian crossing or intersection
Yielding the right-of-way is also recommended, especially in school zones. This means that drivers must stop when approaching a pedestrian crossing or intersection, especially during school start and end times. Most importantly, to avoid fines and scares, stay below the speed limit in all areas with active cameras. Furthermore, while traveling below the safety limit, correcting a mistake can take a matter of seconds. In other words, if you have to brake suddenly, the consequences can be very different if you’re traveling at a slow speed than if you’re traveling at a slow speed.
Finally, use apps that direct us to locations. Thanks to the integration of camera locations into apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps, drivers can receive alerts about speed cameras before reaching them. You can also check the SFMTA’s camera map on its website to find specific locations and avoid surprises.
