A proposed legislation, AB 645, is currently making its way to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office for potential approval. This bill aims to establish a pilot initiative in six California cities, which include Los Angeles and Long Beach. The primary objective of this program is to address the issue of speeding motorists using speed cameras as an alternative to traditional law enforcement intervention.

The bill would grant authorization to the designated pilot cities, namely Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, to deploy speed cameras for the purpose of automatically issuing tickets to drivers who exceed the speed limit by at least 11 mph. These cameras would primarily focus on locations near schools, high-risk intersections, and areas known for street racing, with the ultimate goal of reducing instances of speeding and traffic-related fatalities.

Under this legislation, civil penalties for speed violations would range from $50 to $500, depending on the severity of the speeding offense. The first notice of violation would serve as a warning to the offender. The pilot program is slated to span a duration of five years, after which its effectiveness would be subject to evaluation.

There are many reasons why Governor Newsom should not sign this bill. First, AB 645 has the potential to perpetuate and even exacerbate racial bias within our law enforcement system. Studies have consistently shown that automated traffic enforcement, such as speed cameras, disproportionately affects minority communities. This could lead to further mistrust between law enforcement and minority populations, undermining community relationships and public safety.

Furthermore, the widespread implementation of speed cameras would entrench and expand surveillance across our state. The right to privacy is a fundamental principle, and the deployment of these devices on our roads raises legitimate concerns about government intrusion into the lives of law-abiding citizens. We must carefully consider the implications of such a widespread surveillance network on our civil liberties.

Another critical issue to address is the due process concerns raised by AB 645. Speed cameras are often associated with challenges related to ticket accuracy, technical malfunctions, and the difficulty of contesting citations. This could lead to innocent individuals being wrongly penalized, burdened with costly fines, and subjected to an onerous appeals process. Our justice system must prioritize fairness and accountability, and speed cameras present significant challenges to achieving these goals.

Moreover, the resources required to implement and maintain a statewide speed camera system could be more effectively and equitably spent elsewhere. California faces numerous pressing issues, from infrastructure improvement to education and healthcare. Redirecting resources toward these areas, which benefit all Californians, would be a more judicious use of taxpayer funds.

If you feel strongly about this issue too, we urge you to make your opinion known to Governor Newsom. Contact the Governor using the link below. 
https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/

You can also use this template letter we created to submit via email or use as talking points.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

Governor Gavin Newsom
Office of the Governor
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Opposition to AB645 – Speed Camera Bill

Dear Governor Newsom,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my strong opposition to Assembly Bill 645 (AB645), which proposes the implementation of speed cameras in California. While I understand the intention behind this bill is to improve road safety, I believe it presents significant concerns that cannot be ignored.

First and foremost, AB645 has the potential to perpetuate and even exacerbate racial bias within our law enforcement system. Studies have consistently shown that automated traffic enforcement, such as speed cameras, disproportionately affects minority communities. This could lead to further mistrust between law enforcement and minority populations, undermining community relationships and public safety.

Furthermore, the widespread implementation of speed cameras would entrench and expand surveillance across our state. The right to privacy is a fundamental principle, and the deployment of these devices on our roads raises legitimate concerns about government intrusion into the lives of law-abiding citizens. We must carefully consider the implications of such a widespread surveillance network on our civil liberties.

Another critical issue to address is the due process concerns raised by AB645. Speed cameras are often associated with challenges related to ticket accuracy, technical malfunctions, and the difficulty of contesting citations. This could lead to innocent individuals being wrongly penalized, burdened with costly fines, and subjected to an onerous appeals process. Our justice system must prioritize fairness and accountability, and speed cameras present significant challenges to achieving these goals.

Moreover, the resources required to implement and maintain a statewide speed camera system could be more effectively and equitably spent elsewhere. California faces numerous pressing issues, from infrastructure improvement to education and healthcare. Redirecting resources toward these areas, which benefit all Californians, would be a more judicious use of taxpayer funds.

In conclusion, I urge you to consider the implications of AB645 carefully and to reject this proposal. While road safety is of utmost importance, we must find alternative methods that do not perpetuate bias, erode privacy, compromise due process, and allocate resources inefficiently. I believe that California can find more equitable and effective ways to address these concerns while ensuring the safety of our roads.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I trust that you will carefully consider the concerns raised by AB645 and make a decision that prioritizes the well-being and rights of all Californians.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Ticket Crushers is California’s Top-Rated DUI & Traffic Defense Firm with Thousands of Cases Dismissed – Se Habla Español  – Call us now at 1-866-842-5384 for more information on Speed Cameras in California.

Updated: 10/11/2023