Gavin Newsom mulls bringing in more speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway

Gavin Newsom is weighing whether to approve a new crackdown on speeding along one of the state’s most iconic roadway, with Long Beach poised to install speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway.

State lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1279, which would allow Long Beach to put two traps along an eight-mile stretch that officials say has become a deadly hotspot.

The stretch accounts for about 20% of all traffic deaths in Long Beach since 2020, with 39 of the city’s 192 traffic fatalities occurring there.

At least three people have also been killed in speed-related crashes along the corridor during the first eight months of 2026, according to Damian Kevitt, executive director of Streets Are For Everyone.

“Everyone should be able to travel along PCH safely, whether they are driving to work, walking to school, biking to the park or simply crossing the street in their neighborhood,” state Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D) said, according to NCBLA.

“By adding this corridor to California’s speed safety camera pilot program, SB 1279 will give Long Beach another proven tool to reduce dangerous speeding, make our streets safer and save lives,” Gonzalez said.

The cameras would automatically photograph the rear license plates of vehicles caught speeding, while the records would be kept confidential. Drivers would also be warned through signs that the cameras are operating.

The system would include a grace period for first-time offenders. A driver caught going 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit would receive a warning rather than a ticket the first time.

Repeat offenders could face fines ranging from $50 to $200 depending on how far over the limit they are traveling. Drivers caught going more than 100 mph could receive a $500 ticket.

Drivers with low incomes would be eligible for reduced fines, payment plans or, in some cases, community service instead of paying the full penalty.

Kevitt said the cameras are needed quickly given the number of deaths already recorded this year.

“We applaud Senator Gonzalez for her work to get SB 1279 to the Governor’s desk. It’s imperative that these speed safety systems be implemented as soon as possible to help prevent further loss of life,” Kevitt told the outlet.

Long Beach already has authorization to deploy speed cameras in other locations, but PCH was specifically excluded under existing state law.

SB 1279 would remove that roadblock — but the cameras are not a done deal yet.

Newsom must decide whether to sign or veto the bill by Sept. 30. If he signs it, Long Beach could move forward with the two-camera pilot program on the scenic coastal highway.

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