Malibu to implement speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu officials have announced the upcoming activation of the PCH Speed Safety System, a network of automated cameras designed to reduce speeding along a 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. Using lidar technology, the system will identify vehicles traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit by photographing rear license plates to generate citations.

The city is currently entering a public education and outreach phase to inform motorists of camera locations and the implementation schedule. A 60-day warning period is scheduled to begin when the system is activated in late September, during which motorists will receive warnings instead of citations. Civil penalties are expected to commence in late November. Violations issued through this system will not result in insurance penalties or driver’s license points.

The initiative follows a history of fatal accidents on the highway; city officials reported more than 60 deaths due to traffic collisions along this stretch of PCH since 2010. In 2023, the highway saw 220 reported crashes, resulting in 93 injuries and seven deaths. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has identified speeding as a primary factor in these incidents.