Detailed Explanation of Speed Tickets

Introduction 

The City of Oakland started using Speed Safety Cameras to automatically send speeding tickets in March 2026 after a 60-day warning period. For a simpler explanation, please visit this webpage. 

Terminology 

Under California law (specifically AB 645), the document sent to a registered vehicle owner when a vehicle is recorded speeding by a Speed Safety Camera is formally referred to as a “Notice of Violation.” 

In this and other City of Oakland materials, the term “speeding ticket” may be used interchangeably with “notice of violation” to help make the process easier to understand for the general public. Both terms refer to the same document: a mailed notice generated by an automated enforcement system indicating a vehicle was observed traveling above the posted speed limit. 

For clarity: 

• “Speeding ticket” is a plain language term commonly understood by the public. 

• “Notice of Violation” is the term used in the legislation and legal proceedings. 

• All rights and responsibilities associated with a “notice of violation” apply equally, whether the document is referred to as a “ticket” or a “violation notice.” 

Civil Penalty 

Speeding Tickets issued by the City of Oakland using Automated Speed Cameras are a Civil Penalty. Speeding Tickets issued by the City of Oakland using Automated Speed Cameras are not criminal.