Vision Zero Program: SB 720

The City of Sacramento is moving forward with an Automated Red Light Camera Enforcement Program to make our streets safer for everyone who walks, bicycles, and drives. Authorized under Senate Bill 720, the Safer Streets Act, the program is run by Public Works, not the Police Department.

Why Red Light Cameras?

Red light cameras are one of 35 actions in the City's Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. Red-light running is an intersection safety problem, and cameras are an important tool for reducing serious crashes.

How the Program Works

Before any fines are issued, there is a 60-day warning period. After that:

• A camera photographs the rear license plate of a vehicle that runs a red light, not the driver. No facial recognition is used. 
• A notice is mailed to the registered owner. This is a civil penalty, like a parking ticket, with no points on a driving record and no insurance impact.
• The fine is $100 for a first violation. Reductions and payment plans are available for income-qualified drivers.
• Citations can be contested through an administrative review, with no court visit.

Where the Money Goes

The goal is safety, not revenue. Fines first cover program costs, and any remaining funds must go to traffic calming like bike lanes, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions. Final costs are still being worked out as the City evaluates vendors.

Your Privacy

Cameras capture only what is needed to document a violation, with no continuous recording. Images that do not lead to a citation are deleted within 5 business days, and program data cannot be shared with other law enforcement agencies without a court order or subpoena.

Choosing Camera Locations

Locations are chosen using collision history, not revenue. The City reviewed collision records from 2015 through 2024, scored signalized intersections for red-light-running patterns, and selected a list spread across Sacramento to balance risk and equity. Community input will be gathered before any final decisions.

What We've Heard

Between September and October 2026, the project team presented to nine neighborhood and community groups, and more than 2,000 people responded to the City's online survey.

• 76% agree red-light running is a major safety issue in Sacramento.
• 62% have seen red-light running often or very often in the past year.
• 52% want cameras considered at additional intersections.

The top concerns were enforcement accuracy (49%), data privacy (48%), and surveillance (46%). The City will consider these concerns as it moves into vendor procurement.

Learn More

Residents can read more in these documents:

• Workshop summary: Recap of the October 7 community workshop. (coming soon)
• Survey data: Full results from the online survey. (coming soon)
• Road show memo: Notes from the neighborhood presentations. (coming soon)

What Happens Next

Vendor procurement begins in October, followed by impact report adoption in fall and winter, including City Council review. The program is planned to launch in spring 2027, subject to completing these steps.

How to Get Involved

• Sign up for updates. [Subscribe link]
• Send questions or comments. Email visionzero@cityofsacramento.org. 
• Join us at an event. Upcoming events will be posted here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from surveillance cameras?

Surveillance camera systems are designed for continuous monitoring and ongoing vehicle or person tracking across multiple locations. This program is different: cameras activate only at the moment of a specific red-light violation and capture only a rear license plate image. No continuous recording takes place. The program is administered by Public Works, not the Police Department, and does not connect to any law enforcement database.

Where does revenue from fines go?

Any revenue collected goes directly into street safety improvements — it does not go to the City’s general fund. State law requires that funds be used for traffic-calming infrastructure that benefits pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, such as bicycle lanes, raised crosswalks, speed tables, and curb extensions. Revenue generated will support the Vision Zero program, creating a direct feedback loop: fines fund the safety improvements that help prevent future collisions.

Does this add points to my license?

No. This is a civil infraction, not a moving violation. There are no points and no insurance impact.

Will cameras photograph my face?

No. Only the rear license plate is captured. No facial recognition is used.

How much is the fine?

The maximum is $100, for the first violation. Repeated violations will result in escalating fines up to $500. Reductions are available for low-income residents.

How long is my data kept?

Only until the citation is resolved. Records are deleted after that point.

Can program data be shared with other local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies?

No. Data cannot be shared with state or federal law enforcement agencies without a valid court order or subpoena.

How do I contest a citation?

You can request an administrative review through the City. Appeal details will be published when the program launches.

How do I get involved?

Attend a community workshop or pop-up event or submit written comments online. See the Get Involved section above.

Contact

Chris Dougherty (He/Him)

Mobility and Sustainability Division

City of Sacramento | Department of Public Works

visionzero@cityofsacramento.org