Heads up, San Diego! If you find yourself speeding often, 2026 is officially the year you’ll want to ease off the gas. Automated speed cameras are rolling out this year. If you’re going just 11+ MPH over the speed limit, you could get a ticket – no officer required.
What’s happening and how do the cameras work
While San Diego itself isn’t part of the initial city-street pilot program (unlike our LA neighbors), a new wave of automated speed cameras is rolling out across California. This will absolutely affect your drives, especially if you commute up the coast or navigate highway construction zones.
Here’s the lowdown on the new system and how to avoid a surprise bill in the mail.
- If you’re heading up to Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Glendale for a weekend getaway, you need to be on high alert. These cities (plus Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco) are launching automated cameras on city streets this year.
- These aren’t the old red-light cameras. They’re looking specifically for speeders. If you’re caught going 11 mph or more over the limit, the camera snaps a picture of your rear license plate and mails the registered owner a ticket. No police officer required.
- Even if you never leave San Diego County, this part hits close to home. The new program allows for speed cameras in construction and work zones statewide. If you’re cruising through those roadwork zones on the I-5 or I-805 and see the orange cones, slow down. The state is cracking down to protect workers, and these cameras can be deployed anywhere there is active construction.
- You generally get a pass for going a few miles over, but once you hit 11+ MPH over the limit, the cameras activate. Fines start at $50 (for 11-15 mph over the limit) and ramp up quickly. If you are blazing at 100+ mph, it’s a $500 ticket.
Is there a silver lining?
Yep! Keep in mind that these are civil penalties only. That means zero points on your DMV record, so your insurance rates shouldn’t spike. It’s also good to know that the cameras only photograph your rear license plate, not your face.
Either way – drive safe, San Diego!