NEWS RELEASE: City of San José Launches Red-Light Camera Safety Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Colin Heyne, Public Information Manager, Transportation Department 408-975-3705; [email protected] City of San José Launches Red-Light Camera Safety Program Cameras set to curb reckless driving, prevent crashes SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2025) - In the latest move to support its Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities, the City of San José has launched a new automated red-light safety camera program to encourage safer driving and keep the community safe. Four red-light cameras will be installed at the following locations. The locations were selected using crash and red-light running data: Leigh Avenue and Parkmoor Avenue, on the southbound approach Monterey Road and Branham Lane, on the southbound approach Keyes Street and S. Third Street, on the westbound approach S. Bascom Avenue and Camden Avenue, on the northbound approach Red-light cameras have been allowed in California since the late 1990s. They are used across the country as an effective safety measure that deters reckless driving. For example, in Chicago, from 2005 to 2023, there were 39% fewer injury crashes at intersections with cameras, 56% fewer "T-bone" crashes, and 52% fewer crashes overall. "These cameras have been proven effective in reducing crashes and serious injuries across the country," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "Red-light running is a dangerous problem in San José, contributing to fatalities and other serious crashes. This new technology supports our City Council focus area of Increasing Community Safety, and it does so in an innovative and cost-effective way." After a 60-day warning period, the program will begin issuing citations for all red-light violations. Any vehicle captured failing to stop at a red light or turning right without coming to a complete stop will receive a citation in the mail. Warnings will begin on October 13 and citations will start no sooner than December 12. This pilot program will run for one year before the City Council evaluates its effectiveness. The cameras will capture images of vehicle license plates and send them, through a secure video link, to the vendor to process. San José Police Department staff will then verify the infraction before a fine or warning is issued. "We're installing red-light cameras to change behavior - because the real goal is safer streets, not more tickets," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "This technology helps us get there by serving as a force multiplier, expanding law enforcement's reach and keeping problem intersections monitored around the clock." For more information on San José's red-light camera program, visit https://bit.ly/sj-rl-cameras. About the City of San José With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California's largest city and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world. About the Transportation Department The City of San José Transportation Department equitably serves our diverse community and enhances quality of life by planning and operating safe transportation systems, promoting sustainable transportation choices, and maintaining resilient infrastructure. ###