San Francisco Launches Controversial ‘Pay According to Income’ Speeding Fines

San Francisco is launching a new program for speeding tickets that will assess fines according to the income of the driver.

The Speed Safety System Pilot Program was signed into law by Democrat Governor. The Speed Safety System Pilot Program, which will be implemented by Gavin Newsom on October 20, 2023, allows California cities to issue speeding tickets using speed cameras. This program allows lower-income motorists to receive a steeply reduced speeding fine.

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) fines range between $50 and $500 for speeding violations. However, those with household incomes below 200% of federal poverty are eligible for a 50% discount. Indigents or homeless people are eligible for 80% off a speeding fine.

The city will have 33 speed cameras in operation by March 20. According to SFMTA, only 12 cameras are operational at the moment. The first violation occurs when a driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 11mph. A 60-day warning period will not result in any fines.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie stated in a press release that “no matter how you travel around our city, there should not be any reason to fear for your safety.” “That’s why I’m proud that San Francisco has become the first city in California with automated speed cameras. In this city, speeding is the leading cause of traffic accidents and deaths. It is my responsibility as mayor to protect residents and visitors. That is what we did today.”

San Francisco installed speed cameras in all areas deemed by the city as “high injury.” This is the 12% of streets that account for 68% or more of serious injuries and traffic-related deaths.

In a fact sheet for the Pilot Program, it is explained that the speed cameras will be “distributed across San Francisco in a fair fashion — reflecting the diversity of socio-economic makeup” of the city.

The fact sheet says, “The program benefits all communities and does not target any specific neighborhood.”

Oakland, San Jose, and Los Angeles are also California cities that plan to implement the pilot program.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation plans to launch a program to slow down speeding motorists next year. The program will include an option for low-income drivers to perform community service instead of paying a penalty.