LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Los Angeles on Monday launched a new automated speed-safety system that officials say is designed to curb speeding on some of the city’s most dangerous streets.
The program uses cameras to track speeding vehicles. Officials say speeding accounts for most crashes on city streets.
Under the new system, cameras are triggered when drivers are traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit. The cameras are designed to capture images of rear license plates and not the faces of drivers or passengers.
The city plans to install 125 cameras by year’s end, with the systems initially issuing warnings by mail during a 60-day period before fines take effect.
After the warning period, motorists traveling 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit will face $50 fines, with penalties increasing for higher speeds. Fines could go as high as $500.
Violations will result in civil penalties rather than traditional traffic tickets, meaning no points will be added to a driver’s DMV record.
As of Monday, cameras were operating in four areas: La Brea Avenue and First Street; Fairfax Avenue and Clinton Street; Melrose Avenue and Hayworth Avenue; and La Cienega Boulevard and Pico Boulevard.
LaKayla Keenan, who owns a beauty salon near one of the camera locations, said she regularly sees speeding drivers and traffic collisions.
“Hopefully, it does slow them down,” Keenan said.
While supportive of the effort, Keenan said she is uncertain whether the cameras will have an immediate impact.
“Maybe when people start to catch on to it, they might start slowing down,” she said.
The cameras are being deployed near schools and along streets with histories of serious traffic crashes as part of a five-year pilot program intended to reduce speeding and improve roadway safety.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.