California's New Traffic Light Legislation Aims To Improve Safety (And Penalizes Offenders with $100s Fine)

California has enacted a new traffic regulation aimed at lowering accidents caused by drivers running red lights. Senate Bill 720, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025, updates a previous traffic law, AB 645, by revising penalties for offenders.

Walk San Francisco, an organization promoting pedestrian safety, emphasized that this legislation does not replace existing red light camera programs but provides an option for cities that choose to participate. Previously, citations required clear images of the drivers face, which sometimes prevented fines from being enforced if the driver could not be identified. Fines under the old law could reach up to $500, and revenue from violations was not required to fund safety improvements.

SB 720 introduces several key changes. First-time violations are now capped at $100, and tickets target the vehicle rather than the driver, classifying the offense as civil. Additionally, revenue from these fines must go directly to pedestrian and street safety projects. These measures aim to simplify enforcement, respect driver privacy, and maintain manageable penalties for lower-income individuals, while also enhancing overall street safety.

The law will initially apply to selected intersections in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and San Francisco, as most intersections are still not equipped with cameras.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Supporters, including Walk San Francisco, highlighted the urgent need for SB 720 due to the dangers of red light running. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 2022 saw 1,149 deaths and 107,000 injuries caused by red light violations. Walk San Francisco noted that these incidents often involve severe right-angle collisions and frequently coincide with speeding.

Research shows that red light cameras reduce fatal crashes in major cities by 21%. Despite these benefits, the use of automated cameras remains a point of debate. In New York City, efforts to expand AI-powered traffic cameras have resulted in thousands of contested tickets, raising concerns about accuracy.

SB 720 allows cities to employ automated traffic enforcement systems to monitor and ticket violators. Even with potential challenges, many U.S. cities are exploring technology-driven solutions to curb dangerous driving behaviors and improve road safety.

Analysis: California's SB 720 and the Future of Traffic Safety

California's new Senate Bill 720 marks a significant shift in how the state addresses red light violations. By capping first-time fines at $100 and assigning responsibility to the vehicle rather than the driver, lawmakers aim to streamline enforcement while balancing fairness and privacy concerns.

The allocation of fine revenue directly to pedestrian and street safety projects ensures that the law not only penalizes risky behavior but also actively funds improvements in urban traffic safety. This approach contrasts with previous legislation, where fines could reach $500 and were not tied to safety initiatives.

While the law initially applies only to selected intersections in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and San Francisco, it establishes a framework for broader adoption of automated traffic enforcement. Early data and studies, such as those from the IIHS, suggest that such measures can meaningfully reduce fatal collisions and serious injuries.

However, implementation challenges remain. Experiences in cities like New York highlight potential disputes over automated ticketing accuracy. SB 720’s design, which prioritizes civil fines and vehicle-based accountability, may mitigate some controversies while maintaining an incentive to improve intersection safety.

Overall, SB 720 represents a targeted, data-driven approach to traffic safety that balances enforcement efficiency, public acceptance, and funding for preventive measures.

Sources:

• California's New Traffic Light Bill Aims To Save Lives (And Charges Violators $100s)