Zac’s Corner: Oakland Unveils New Speed Safety Cameras
by Zac Unger, City Council District 1
The City of Oakland’s new automated speed safety camera program is now live and issuing warnings to all violators for the next 30 days. The cameras can be found at 18 locations throughout the City. They can detect when a vehicle is traveling 11 MPH or more above the posted speed limit. When a vehicle is speeding, the camera captures the license plate and a warning is mailed to the registered owner.
After the warning period is complete, violators will face fines. Fines will start at $50 and increase to a maximum of $500 for those traveling more than 100 mph. There is an income-driven payment scale for people with low income. Citations will include details regarding eligibility and how to apply.
To ensure security and privacy, the program has implemented the following measures:
The cameras will only monitor vehicles with a speed of 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit, capturing images of only vehicle license plates. These images will be sent securely for review and approval to OakDOT, which will verify the infraction before a fine is issued to the vehicle’s owner.
The program only authorizes the use of photographs (no video) that capture only the rear of the license plate, not the windshield or face of driver. Facial recognition software is prohibited.
Images may only be retained for five days if no violation is issued and 60 days if a violation is issued. Images may not be shared or used for any other purpose.
In accordance with California Vehicle Code section 22425(l)(1), data from the cameras is confidential and will not be shared unless required by law. OakDOT will also not share data with other departments or entities inside the City of Oakland, except for anonymized speed-related data with other departments involved with Safe Oakland Streets, a citywide initiative to prevent serious and fatal traffic crashes.
For more information on the program and camera locations, visit oaklandca.gov/speedcameras.
