San Francisco, the thirteenth most prominent city in the United States, is known for some famous (and some infamous) historical events and monuments. Many well-known songs have also been written about the city, such as We Built This City, but soon Californian drivers can boast about the momentous change to speeding tickets. A new pilot program, supported by Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom, was signed in October 2023, and we will discuss how it affects Californian drivers today.
The program that will change how speeding tickets are issued
The pilot program, signed by Gov. Newsom in 2023, is known as the Speed Safety System Pilot Program. It authorizes cities across California to use speed cameras to issue fines. On March 20, San Francisco became one of the cities initiating the new program and installed 33 speed cameras around the city. Don’t forget to smile and say “Cheese!”
Whether good or bad news, San Francisco speedsters should note that only half of the speed cameras work, because the cameras will only be used to warn speedsters for the first 60 days, and will only issue fines thereafter. A good rule of thumb is, if you drive more than 11 miles per hour over the speed limit, you violate the law.
This is how much you will be fined
Nothing can sour a person’s day as much as a speeding ticket can. At least we do have some good news for some of you speeding devils. Tickets will be issued according to your income level. Gov. Newsom’s Pilot Program ensures that lower-income citizens will be eligible for a significant discount on speeding tickets.
According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, fines for speeding vary from $50 to $500, however, if your total household income (before taxes) is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level’s threshold, you will qualify for a 50% discount on your fine. Those who are destitute or homeless qualify for a whopping 80% discount on their fines.
According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, discounts and waivers are currently available for the following programs:
- Adult Monthly Transit Pass for San Francisco residents (Lifeline)
- Adult single-ride discount (Clipper START)
- Citation Payment Plan
- Citation Community Service Program
- Hearing Deposit Waiver
- Towed Vehicle Administrative Fee
Drivers should watch out for cameras on these roads
San Francisco drivers should be on the lookout for cameras in “high injury” regions. These regions include 12% of the San Francisco roads. 68% of severe traffic-related injuries and/or mortalities are reported on those roads. The pilot program’s fact sheet declares that the speed cameras were placed across the city “in an equitable fashion.”
“The program is intended to benefit all communities and not single out any particular neighborhood.” – Pilot Program Fact Sheet
With the program up and running, another city announced it would follow suit. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation declared it will initiate a program akin to San Francisco’s. Planned for 2026, their program will also be aimed at speeding drivers, but will include an additional option for low-income citizens. Citizens who cannot afford to pay their fines will have the option of performing community service instead.
In today’s struggling economy, we know this pilot program will cause many sighs of relief. Whether by accident or intentionally (we see you speed devils), if you find yourself at the receiving end of speeding tickets, have a look at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency‘s website to see whether you qualify for a low-income discount or waiver, as well as which form must be used for the program you are applying for. Hopefully, this program will be successful and lead to safer roads and the relief of many citizens.