Attention Los Angeles drivers: a new speed surveillance initiative is about to hit the streets.

After nearly two years in the making, the Los Angeles City Council has officially approved a comprehensive speed camera program, paving the way for a citywide enforcement effort.

In a unanimous 14-0 decision, the council authorized the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) to install up to 125 speed cameras throughout the city. This decision places LA in line with other major California cities already utilizing this technology.

The directive to drivers is clear: reduce your speed or face potential fines.

This $8.5 million project will see cameras strategically placed across most council districts. Whether you’re traveling along major thoroughfares, navigating school zones, or using popular shortcuts, be prepared for these areas to effectively become monitored speed zones. Some districts will receive additional cameras, further extending the coverage.

Following Tuesday’s decision, LADOT is set to begin a 60-day public awareness campaign to educate residents and drivers about the locations of these new cameras.

These systems detect speed violations and take pictures of the rear vehicle license plate. Speeders will face civil fines ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the speed of the vehicle

City officials insist the goal is safety, not cash. Backers point to a grim stat: more people died in traffic crashes than homicides in LA last year, with 290 lives lost.

“This gives us a tool to prevent those deaths,” said Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who also noted that ticket revenue will be funneled into street improvements

But not everyone’s buying the safety-first pitch.

Critics warn the program could turn into a rolling ticket machine, disproportionately hitting low-income communities. In response, the city is offering an alternative: some drivers who can’t pay may be allowed to work off fines through community service.

The cameras stem from a 2023 law signed by Gavin Newsom, allowing LA and other cities to test automated enforcement through 2032.

The Department of Transportation proposed installing cameras on streetlight poles throughout the city, with cameras evenly distributed across districts.

LADOT’s map does not reflect Tuesday’s amendment but does show locations being considered.

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