City of Oakland unveils new speed safety camera program
Published on January 16, 2026
Drivers will receive warnings for 60 days
Oakland, Calif. — The City of Oakland’s new automated speed safety camera program is now live and issuing warnings to all violators for the next 60 days.
The cameras aim to change driver behavior and slow traffic — ultimately reducing crashes and fatalities, making Oakland streets safer for all road users.
The cameras can be found at 18 locations throughout the City. They 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 warning is mailed to the registered owner.
After the 60-day warning period is complete, violators will face fines. Fines will start at $50 and increase to a maximum of $500 for those traveling more than 100 mph. There is an income-driven payment scale for people with low income. Citations will include details regarding eligibility and how to apply.
“Street safety is public safety,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “With this new program, we are strengthening our commitment in keeping everyone safe whether you walk, bike, take public transit or drive in Oakland."
“The purpose of this program is very simple. It’s to save lives,” said Josh Rowan, Director of the Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT). “Driving speed is one of the most important factors in whether a person survives a crash. We are proud to lead the way in getting drivers to slow down so we can make Oakland a safer place for everyone.”
To ensure security and privacy, the program has implemented the following measures:
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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.
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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.
The City of Oakland contracted with Verra Mobility, a leader in speed safety technology, to administer the program.
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.
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.