Speeding Cameras Coming to San Jose

I mentioned this a couple months ago but looks like starting this summer, San Jose is launching a traffic safety pilot program that includes both speed cameras and red-light cameras.

The speed cameras are expected to be installed this fall and will be placed in locations around the city where speeding has been a persistent issue. The city has not released a map of the camera locations yet. These cameras will only activate if a car is going at least 11 miles per hour over the speed limit. The first time you’re caught (if you’re going less than 16 miles per hour over), you’ll just get a warning. After that, fines will start at $50 and increase depending on how fast you’re going. These are administrative tickets handled by the city’s Department of Transportation, so they won’t show up on your driving record, just your wallet.

The red-light cameras are scheduled to go up earlier, possibly as soon as July. These will catch drivers running red lights or making rolling right-hand turns at red lights. Unlike the speed camera tickets, these citations WILL go on your DMV record, and the fines are steeper, ranging from $234 to $486. These will be managed through the San Jose Police Department as part of a separate one-year pilot program.

Understandably, not everyone is excited about the new cameras. Some folks worry it’s more about revenue than safety, while others are just hoping it will make our roads a little less stressful. City officials are emphasizing transparency. Cameras will be clearly marked with signs, and there are community town halls happening now to answer questions and gather feedback.

One big concern has been privacy. The city says speed cameras will only capture the back license plate of vehicles, and all images will be deleted within 60 days of the case being resolved. Red-light cameras, which do record both license plates and driver photos, will delete footage two years after the case is closed.

The speed camera program is estimated to cost between $15.4 and $17.9 million over the five-year trial, with a portion funded by an $8.5 million federal grant that’s currently under legal review as a result of recent cuts.

Be safe out there!  Have a fantastic week! 

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