Speed Safety System

What is the Speed Safety System program?

The Speed Safety System program, authorized under California AB 645, allows six designated jurisdictions to use automated radar or laser devices to detect speeding violations. Devices photograph the rear license plate of vehicles traveling 11 mph over the posted speed limit. The program is a pilot that expires December 31, 2031.

Which cities are participating?

Only six jurisdictions are authorized: the Cities of Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and Long Beach, and the City and County of San Francisco. No other California city or county may operate this program under AB 645.

Where can devices be placed?

Devices may only be placed in three types of locations:

• Streets designated as safety corridors with high traffic inujry rates

• Streets with documented history of street racing or speed exhibitions at least 4 incidents in the past 2 years

• School zones with restricted enforcement hour tied to school schedules. 

How many devices are allowed in the City of Long Beach?

The number of systems is capped by population; the City of Long Beach is allowed up to 18 devices.

How will I know where the Speed Safety System devices are located?

Each Speed Safety System location will be clearly marked. By law, “Photo Enforced” signs and the posted speed limit must be displayed no more than 500 feet before each device. The City will take an additional step and install Speed Feedback Signs ahead of the devices to inform drivers of their speeds. The City will maintain a publicly accessible website listing all active device locations and enforcement hours.

How far over the speed limit results in a violation? 

A violation is triggered when a vehicle is traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit. For a vehicle’s first violation at 11 to 15 mph over the limit, the registered owner will receive a warning notice instead of a penalty.

Is a Speed Safety System violation considered a criminal violation?

No. An automated speed violation is a civil penalty. 

What public notice is required before the Speed Safety System launches?

The City conducted a public comment period for the System Use Policy and the System Impact Report. The City will run a public information campaign for at least 30 days before launching the program. This includes press releases, social media, and other public announcments. 

Are emergency vehicles exempt? 

Yes. Civil penalties cannot be assessed against authorized emergency vehicles.

Who did the City select to implement the Speed Safety System?

The City selected Verra Mobility to provide, install, operate and maintain the technology needed for the Speed Safety System. Verra Mobility will work under the City’s oversight and must follow state law, the City’s approved policies and all program privacy requirements. The Department of Public Works will administer the program, and citation information will not be shared with the Long Beach Police Department or other law enforcement agencies. 

What data does the system collect?

The Speed Safety System captures a clear photograph of the rear license plate and rear of the vehicle. The law explicitly requires that images of the rear window area of the vehicle be excluded from notices of violation. The system does not photograph the driver's face.

Is facial recognition used?

No. The use of facial recognition technology in conjunction with any speed safety system is strictly prohibited under AB 645.

Who can access my vehicle's photo and data?

Access is tightly restricted. Records are confidential and may only be used to administer the program or to assess the program's impacts. The registered owner or a driver identified by the owner is permitted to view and obtain a copy of the photographic evidence.

How long does the City keep Speed Safety System data?

• Photographic evidence that does not result in the issuance of a citation must be destroyed within five business days after the photo was taken.

• If a citation is issued, confidential records may be kept up to 60 days after the final resolution of the case.

• The City of Long Beach may keep a record that a vehicle was cited and fined for up to 3 years.

• Administrative records may be retained up to 120 days after final disposition.

Can the City share my data with other agencies?

No. Information collected to administer the program may only be used for program administration. It cannot be disclosed to any other state or federal agency for any other purpose, except as required by law, a court order, or a subpoena in an individual case. The program is run solely by the Department of Public Works.

Can the device vendor sell or share my data?

No. Contracts with device manufacturers or suppliers explicitly prohibit the vendor from sharing, repurposing, or monetizing the collected data. Public Works must maintain control over all enforcement activities.

Is photographic evidence considered a court statement?

No. Under AB 645, photographic or administrative records made by the program are not considered out-of-court hearsay statements. However, a copy of the notice of violation is admissible as prima facie (presumptive) evidence of the facts stated in it.

What is the Speed Safety System Use Policy?

Before entering any contract or purchasing equipment, the City must adopt a formal Use Policy. This policy specifies: authorized uses of the system, prohibited uses of data, data access rules and retention limits, protections against unauthorized access, third-party data sharing rules, staff training requirements, and audit and oversight procedures. The policy was posted publicly for 30 days before adoption.

What is the Speed Safety System Impact Report?

City must also prepare an Impact Report before implementing any program. It must include: an assessment of impacts on civil liberties and civil rights, a description of how the system works, fiscal costs, deployment locations and traffic data, the system's purpose, and if devices are predominantly in low-income areas, and an explanation of why those locations have high-injury collisions.

Are there data protections for DMV information?

Yes. Any DMV information obtained to administer the program must be held confidential and may not be used for any other purpose.

Are Flock cameras used as part of the Speed Safety System?

No. Flock cameras are not used or connected to the City’s Speed Safety System. During the City’s technology and privacy review, it was confirmed that Verra Mobility’s system does not connect to Flock systems, and program information will not be shared with Flock or law enforcement agencies.

The Speed Safety System has a specific and limited purpose: measuring vehicle speeds. The devices activate only when a vehicle is traveling above the program’s violation threshold. Verra Mobility operates the technology under City oversight and must follow state law, City policies and program privacy requirements.

The City’s contract with Verra Mobility is based on the number of devices provided, not the number of vehicles detected or violations issued.

Does the Speed Safety System use Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras? 

No. The Speed Safety System does not use Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras and does not capture video, as required by AB 645. The devices are specifically programmed to detect vehicles traveling 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit and capture an image of the rear of the vehicle and its license plate when that threshold is exceeded. The device does not photograph drivers' faces or bystanders, and facial recognition technology is prohibited under AB 645. 

Are Speed Safety System cameras surveillance cameras?

No. Speed Safety System devices are not surveillance cameras and do not capture video. Authorized by AB 645, the devices are specifically programmed to detect only vehicles traveling 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit and capture an image of the rear of the vehicle and its license plate when that threshold is exceeded. The device does not photograph drivers' faces or bystanders, and facial recognition technology is prohibited under AB 645. 

What are the civil penalty amounts?

Penalties are tiered by how far above the speed limit the vehicle was traveling. 

Will I get a warning first?

Yes, in two ways.

• During the first 60 days of the Warning Live, all violations result in warning notices only and no fines. 

• If you did not receive any warnings during the initial 60-day warning live period but are observed driving 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit for the first time, you will receive a warning instead of a citation.

How and when will I receive my notice of violation?

The notice of violation must be mailed to you within 15 calendar days of the date of the violation. It will include a photograph of your rear license plate, the specific law violated, your speed and the speed limit, the date, time and location, verification of the device's calibration, and your payment options.

When must I pay?

Payment is due no later than 30 calendar days from the date the notice was mailed, unless you choose to contest the violation.

How can I pay?

Specific payment instructions will be printed on your notice of violation. Payments may be made online through the designated payment portal on the citation notice, or by mail (check) to:

City of Long Beach
Payment Processing Center
PO Box 35131
Seattle, WA 98124-5131

Or in person (cash and check):
Long Beach City Hall
411 W. Ocean Blvd., Lobby
Long Beach, CA 90802

Can I pay in installments?

Payment plans are available only for individuals who qualify as indigent. For indigent recipients, monthly installments are capped at $25.00 with a $5.00 processing fee, or as authorized by the City following an administrative hearing.

Can I do community service instead of paying?

Community service is available only for individuals who qualify as indigent. If approved by the City, an eligible indigent individual may perform community service instead of paying the fine or apply for the Diversion Program.

Can the penalty be reduced?

Penalty reductions are available only for individuals who qualify based on income. Approved indigent individuals receive an 80% reduction in fines and penalties, while individuals earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level receive a 50% reduction. See the Diversion Programs for eligibility details.

Can a vendor be paid per citation issued?

No. The system manufacturer or supplier cannot be paid per citation or as a percentage of revenue. Their contract must be based on services rendered on a monthly or agreed schedule.

Where does the fine revenue go?

Revenue will first be used to recover program costs (system installation, adjudication). The City must maintain their historic level of spending on traffic-calming measures. Any surplus revenue must be spent on traffic-calming measures within 3 years; if not, it reverts to the state's Active Transportation Program.

Revenue from the Speed Safety System will be used in the following order:

1. Cover program costs, including system installation and the processing and review of violations.

2. Maintain existing traffic-safety funding. The City must continue spending at least the same amount it historically spent on traffic-calming measures.

3. Use any remaining revenue for traffic calming. Surplus revenue must be spent on eligible traffic-calming improvements within three years.

4. Return unused funds to the State. Any surplus revenue not spent within three years will be transferred to California’s Active Transportation Program

Can I contest a notice of violation?

Yes. You have 30 calendar days from the date the notice was mailed to request an initial review by the City of Long Beach Department of Public Works. The request can be made by phone, in writing, electronically, or in person at no charge.

What happens at an initial review?

After you submit a request for review:

1. The City will review the violation to determine whether it occurred and whether any extenuating circumstances support cancellation.

2. You will receive the decision by mail within 60 days of your request.

3. If the notice is not cancelled, the response will explain why the request was denied and provide information about requesting an administrative hearing.

What if I'm not satisfied with the initial review?

To request an administrative hearing:

1. Submit request for administrative hearing within 21 calendar days after the initial review results are mailed.

2. Choose how to submit your request. Requests may be made by phone, in writing, electronically, or in person.

3. The hearing will be scheduled within 90 days of the request.

4. You may request one continuance of up to 21 days.

Do I have to pay before the administrative hearing?

Yes, but there is a hardship exception. If you cannot afford to prepay, the City will accept the hearing without payment upon satisfactory proof of inability to pay.

What format can the hearing take?

You may choose one from the following hearing formats:

• Written declaration (submitting your case in writing)

• Video conference

• In-person hearing with Public Works at Long Beach City Hall

Who conducts the hearing?

An independent examiner appointed or contracted by the City, separate from the citation issuing and processing functions. Examiners must have at least 20 hours of training and must not have their compensation tied to the number or rate of violations they uphold.

What does the City need to prove at the hearing?

The City establishes a violation by presenting the notice of violation (or a copy) including the license plate photograph and DMV registration information. This is prima facie evidence. You may then present any evidence and argument in your defense.

Can I appeal the examiner's decision?

Yes. Within 30 calendar days of the examiner's final decision, you may file an appeal with the Los Angeles Superior Court. The case will be heard de novo (a fresh review). The filing fee is set by Government Code Section 70615. If you win, both the filing fee and any penalties paid will be refunded in full by the City.

Who qualifies as 'indigent' for reduced penalties or diversion?

You are considered indigent if you meet the following criteria:

1. Your income meets the criteria in Government Code Section 68632(b), or

2. You receive public benefits under a program listed in Government Code Section 68632(a) (such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, or similar programs).

How do I show that I qualify as indigent or low-income?

You may submit either of the following:

• Proof of income: Such as a recent pay stub, bank statement, or other documentation showing your earnings.

• Proof of Qualifying Public Benefits: Such as an EBT card or benefits letter.

The City will not unreasonably withhold approval of the documentation you provide.

What is the diversion program?

The City must offer an indigent diversion program allowing qualifying individuals to perform community service in lieu of paying the penalty. Separately, indigent individuals may also participate in a payment plan capped at $25.00/month, with a processing fee of $5.00.

What penalty reductions are available?

Indigent individuals (as defined above): 80% reduction. Individuals earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level: 50% reduction. These reductions apply to the civil penalties they are not subject to the full fine schedule.