San Jose drivers, it’s official: speed cameras are coming. As part of a statewide initiative to curb speeding and improve street safety, San Jose is rolling out its own pilot program.
What is the Speed Safety Camera Program?
Authorized by California’s Assembly Bill 645, this program allows San Jose to install 33 speed cameras in locations with a history of speed-related collisions. The goal isn’t to punish drivers, but to change behavior and make streets safer for everyone.
The City of San José Department of Transportation (DOT) is managing the project, focusing on community engagement and a data-driven approach to selecting camera locations.
When Will the Program Start?
San Jose is taking a measured approach to its rollout. The city is currently in the planning and community outreach phase.
- Current Status: Planning & Development. The city is actively working with vendors and community members to finalize the details of the program.
- Expected Launch: The San José DOT anticipates the cameras will be installed and begin a 60-day warning period sometime in 2025. A specific date has not been announced yet.
- Fines Begin: Fine-carrying tickets will be mailed to violators only after the 60-day warning period is complete, likely in late 2025 or early 2026.
This timeline means you have time to prepare. The city’s goal is to give drivers ample notice before any fines are issued.
Where Will the Cameras Be Located?
The city has not finalized the exact camera locations yet, but they have a clear strategy for selecting them. The 33 cameras will be placed in three key areas:
- High-Injury Network Streets: These are streets with the highest rates of severe and fatal traffic crashes.
- School Zones: To protect children and pedestrians in areas with high foot traffic.
- Areas with a History of Street Racing: To deter this dangerous activity.
The city is currently analyzing crash data and gathering community feedback to determine the most effective placements
For the most current information and to participate in community feedback, you can visit the official City of San José Speed Safety Cameras Project webpage.
How the Program Will Work for Drivers
Once the program is live, here’s what you can expect:
- Trigger Speed: The cameras will only be triggered when a vehicle is traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
- Civil Penalties: A ticket will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner. Importantly, these are civil fines, not criminal infractions. This means no points will be added to your driving record.
- Fine Structure: The fines are set by state law and will be identical to those in other participating cities like San Francisco and Oakland.
San Jose is the last of the three major Bay Area cities to launch its program. Its neighbors are much further along in the process.
To understand how San Jose’s plan fits into the bigger picture, see our complete Bay Area Speed Cameras: A 2025 Guide for SF, Oakland & San Jose Drivers.
While you don’t need to worry about a camera ticket in San Jose tomorrow, the regional trend is clear. Proactive awareness is the key to safe, ticket-free driving. The Ticketguard app provides real-time alerts for all types of traffic enforcement, ensuring you’re always aware of what’s on the road ahead.
Download Ticketguard today and drive with peace of mind.
