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.

Author: Sophia Brooks