What is SB 720?
SB 720 seeks to modernize and reform the state’s red-light camera laws, originally established in 1995. It introduces a new civil enforcement framework through the “Safer Streets Program,” shifting red-light camera violations from criminal to civil penalties and emphasizing equity, transparency, and traffic safety.
What problem does SB 720 aim to address?
The bill addresses the issue of drivers running red lights daily in California, which is a significant factor in severe injuries and traffic fatalities. Supporters of SB 720 highlight that the previous red-light camera system was outdated and had flaws, particularly regarding privacy, as it required a photo of the driver’s face to issue fines and also affected driving records and insurance rates.
How does SB 720 propose to change red light camera enforcement in California?
SB 720 introduces several key changes:
- Shift in Liability: It shifts liability from drivers to vehicle owners, much like parking tickets are issued.
- No Driver Identification Required: The requirement for photographic evidence to identify the driver of the vehicle would be removed. Instead, capturing the rear license plate would be sufficient for a violation notice to be sent to the vehicle’s registered owner.
- Civil Violations: Violations under the “Safer Streets Program” would be considered civil violations, similar to a parking ticket, rather than moving violations.
- Consistent with other states, California would be among the last states to update its red and yellow light regulations to these new standards.
What are the financial implications of SB 720 violations?
Under SB 720, the fines would be capped at $100 for a first violation, which is significantly lower than the current total of up to $486 (comprising a base fine of $100 plus penalty assessments, fees, and surcharges). The bill also outlines increased fines for repeat offenses within three years: $100, $200, $250, $500 for first to fourth violations. A $50 late fee would also be added for unpaid fines. For low-income drivers, the program has a way to automatically reduce their fines.
Will SB 720 violations result in points on my driving record or affect insurance rates?
No, SB 720 stipulates that a ticket issued as a civil violation would not create points on the driver’s record and would not impact insurance rates. This represents a significant departure from current red light camera tickets, which typically result in one point being added to a driver’s record.
What privacy protections are included in SB 720?
The bill includes stricter privacy protections: a photo of the driver’s face would not be needed, and any information about the location and vehicle owner would not be kept beyond the point when the tickets are resolved. This is similar to AB 645, which also prohibits the use of facial recognition and limits data collection.
Who will administer the "Safer Streets Program" under SB 720?
The program would be administered by the Department of Transportation or the Public Works Department for a city or county, not by law enforcement. This is intended to address concerns about racial bias in traditional traffic stops by reducing the role of police officers in traffic enforcement. Data from this program also cannot be shared with law enforcement agencies without a court order.
How will revenue from SB 720 fines be used?
Any revenue generated by the Safer Streets Program must first be used to cover the program’s costs. Any excess profit must be used solely for safer streets initiatives, including improvements for pedestrian and cyclist safety. The intention is to deter dangerous driving and save lives, rather than generating revenue primarily.
What is the stated effectiveness of red light cameras, according to supporters of SB 720?
Proponents argue that red light camera programs have effectively saved lives by reducing collisions, serious injuries, and fatalities. Studies have found that:
- Cities with red light safety cameras saw a 21% reduction in fatal red light running crash rates and a 14% decrease in other fatal crashes at intersections with traffic signals. Link
- Conversely, cities that removed their red light cameras experienced a 30% increase in deadly crashes. Link
- Research by engineers at the Institute of Transportation Engineers revealed that red light violation rates decreased by 40% after cameras were installed. In states with year-to-year data for comparison, there has been a roughly 20% decrease in fatal crashes at red lights as camera programs have expanded. Link
What is the current status of SB 720 in the California Legislature?
On Monday, October 13, 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 720 into law.
- Clarified the use of multiple systems: It clarified that a local jurisdiction could use either the existing automated traffic enforcement system (based on Vehicle Code Section 21455.5) or the newer system proposed by SB 720 (based on Vehicle Code Section 21455.9).
- Prioritized pedestrian safety for “right on red” turns: For jurisdictions using the new system, it would require officials to consider the risk to traffic and pedestrians when enforcing prohibited right turns on red.
- Added a new appeals fee: It added a $25 filing fee for appealing a notice of violation from an automated traffic enforcement system.
- Made additional changes contingent on another bill (AB 289): Certain changes to Government Code Section 70615 would only become operative if both SB 720 and AB 289 were enacted and SB 720 was passed last.
How does SB 720 compare to existing red light camera laws?
Currently, California’s red light camera laws, in place since 1995, require photographic evidence to identify the driver. Violations result in a $100 fine and one point being added to the driver’s license. If the driver cannot be identified, the violation notice is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner with no legal requirement for the owner to respond, which has made fine collection difficult for cities. SB 720 directly addresses these issues by removing the driver identification requirement, making violations civil, eliminating points on records, and capping fines while dedicating revenue to safety.
