LA approves sprawling speed camera network — here’s where they’re going

Los Angeles drivers, get ready — Big Brother is about to clock your speed.

After nearly two years, the Los Angeles City Council has finally signed off on a sweeping speed camera program, clearing the way for a citywide crackdown.

In a 14-0 vote, officials gave the green light for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation to roll out up to 125 speed cameras across nearly every corner of the city — making LA the last major California city to jump into the program.

For drivers, the message is simple: slow down — or pay up.

The $8.5 million initiative will scatter cameras across most council districts, meaning your daily commute — whether it’s a long boulevard, a school zone, or a busy cut-through — could soon double as a speed trap. Some districts will even get extra cameras, tightening the net even further.

Tuesday’s vote clears the way for LADOT to launch a 60-day public information campaign to inform residents and drivers about where these cameras will be installed

These systems detect speed violations and take pictures of the rear vehicle license plate. Speeders will face civil fines ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the speed of the vehicle

City officials insist the goal is safety, not cash. Backers point to a grim stat: more people died in traffic crashes than homicides in LA last year, with 290 lives lost.

“This gives us a tool to prevent those deaths,” said Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who also noted that ticket revenue will be funneled into street improvements

But not everyone’s buying the safety-first pitch.

Critics warn the program could turn into a rolling ticket machine, disproportionately hitting low-income communities. In response, the city is offering an alternative: some drivers who can’t pay may be allowed to work off fines through community service.

The cameras stem from a 2023 law signed by Gavin Newsom, allowing LA and other cities to test automated enforcement through 2032.

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