San Francisco speed camera pilot shows significant reduction in speeding

An 18-month report from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) indicates that the city’s Speed Safety Camera Program has substantially reduced excessive speeding. Data shows that instances of speeding by 10 mph or more above the posted limit have decreased by 84% at camera locations, representing over 42,000 fewer daily violations. An independent study by UC Berkeley corroborated these findings.

The program, which began in March 2025, also appears to be successfully changing driver behavior. Approximately 63% of drivers who received an initial violation notice did not receive a second one, and 80% received two or fewer.

Regarding privacy, advocates note that the program operates under California Assembly Bill 645. Unlike automated license plate readers, these speed cameras are only triggered when a vehicle exceeds the limit by at least 11 mph. The technology is prohibited from photographing windshields, drivers, or occupants, and the use of facial recognition is explicitly banned.