Oakland releases initial speed camera data, citations begin March 15

Published on March 13, 2026

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Oakland, Calif. — The City of Oakland will start issuing citations this Sunday, March 15, for its automated speed safety camera program that’s designed to change driver behavior and slow traffic, ultimately reducing crashes and fatalities. The City also released its first report about the program that includes data based on the first five weeks of operation. 

On Jan. 14, 2026, the City launched the program with a 60-day warning period. The cameras can detect when a vehicle is traveling 11 MPH or more above the posted speed limit. When a vehicle is speeding, the camera captures the license plate and a citation is mailed to the registered owner.    

“Street safety is public safety,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “With this program, we are strengthening our commitment in keeping everyone safe whether you walk, bike, take public transit or drive in Oakland." 

Highlights from the report are below based on the first five weeks of data (with rounded numbers): 

The cameras captured nearly 74,000 unique license plates during this period, resulting in 140,000 warnings.

Of the 74,000 unique license plates, 47,500 plates (or 64%) received only one warning. 26,000 plates (or 34%) received two warnings or more.

The ten cameras with the most warnings are:

  1. 73rd between Fresno & Krause, SB (320 avg. per day)

  2. Broadway between 27th/28th St, NB (296 avg. per day)

  3. Broadway between 27th/28th St, SB (243 avg. per day)

  4. Hegenberger Road between Spencer & Hawley, SB (225 avg. per day)

  5. 98th Avenue from Blake Drive to Gould Street, SB (221 avg. per day)

  6. 7th Street from Adeline to Linden St (WB) (200 avg. per day)

  7. West Grand Avenue from Chestnut to Linden Street (WB) (198 avg. per day)

  8. Hegenberger Road between Spencer & Hawley (NB) (175 avg. per day)

  9. San Pablo from Athens Ave to Sycamore St (SB) (131 avg. per day)

  10. 98th Avenue from Blake Drive to Gould Street (NB) (137 avg. per day) 

“While it's too soon to draw conclusions about the program, speed safety cameras are clearly raising awareness about the need to slow down. All 140,000 warnings that were mailed during the first five weeks of operation included an insert that explains the dangers of speeding,” said Josh Rowan, Director of the Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT). “The high volume of warnings also underscores the dire need for drivers to slow down and go the speed limit.” 

The cameras can be found at 18 locations, which were chosen based on the High-Injury Network (HIN) — the 6% of Oakland’s streets that account for 60% of severe and fatal collisions in Oakland. The locations were also chosen based on observed speeding and proximity to sensitive land uses such as schools, senior centers and commercial districts. 

To ensure security and privacy, the program has implemented the following measures:  

  • The cameras will only monitor vehicles with a speed of 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit, capturing images of only vehicle license plates. These images will be sent securely for review and approval to OakDOT, which will verify the infraction before a fine is issued to the vehicle’s owner. 

  • The program only authorizes the use of photographs (no video) that capture only the rear of the license plate, not the windshield or face of driver. Facial recognition software is prohibited. 

  • Images may only be retained for five days if no violation is issued and 60 days if a violation is issued. Images may not be shared or used for any other purpose. 

  • In accordance with California Vehicle Code section 22425(l)(1), data from the cameras is confidential and will not be shared unless required by law. OakDOT will also not share data with other departments or entities inside the City of Oakland, except for anonymized speed-related data with other departments involved with Safe Oakland Streets, a citywide initiative to prevent serious and fatal traffic crashes. 

Oakland is one of seven pilot cities in California that was granted legislative approval to implement this safety initiative. It is the second city in the state, after San Francisco, to launch the program. 

For more information on the program and camera locations, visit oaklandca.gov/speedcameras.  

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About the Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) 

OakDOT is responsible for envisioning, planning, building, operating and maintaining a transportation system for the City of Oakland and assures safe, equitable, and sustainable access and mobility for residents, businesses and visitors. OakDOT’s Strategic Plan guides the department’s work, and is structured around four pillars: Equity, Safety, Sound Infrastructure, and Responsible Governance. 

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