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<ns0:Id>20250SB__129299INT</ns0:Id>
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<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-02-20</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
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<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Senator Richardson</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Richardson</ns0:Name>
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<ns0:Title> An act to add Article 5 (commencing with Section 40275) to Chapter 1 of Division 17 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.</ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>vehicles</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>Enhanced curb management system.</ns0:Subject>
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<ns0:DigestText>
<html:p>Existing law authorizes, until January 1, 2030, a local agency, as defined, to install automated forward facing parking control devices on city-owned or district-owned parking enforcement vehicles for the purpose of taking photographs of parking violations occurring in bicycle lanes. Existing law requires a designated employee of a city, county, city and county, or a contracted law enforcement agency for a special transit district, who is qualified by the city and county or the district to issue parking citations, to review photographs for the purpose of determining whether a parking violation occurred in a bicycle lane and to issue a notice of violation to the registered owner of a vehicle within 15 calendar days, as specified. Existing law requires these photographic records to be confidential and makes these records available only to public agencies to enforce parking violations.
Existing law requires any local agency that implements this pilot program to report to specified committees of the Legislature on the system’s effectiveness and impact on traffic outcomes, among other things, by December 31, 2028.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would authorize a local agency, as defined, to establish an enhanced curb management system (system) that records images of vehicles for the purpose of enforcing parking violations or automating parking payments if certain requirements are met. The bill would require the governing body of the local agency to adopt a public ordinance or resolution that would authorize the use of a system in specified locations, including, among others, passenger loading zones and commercial loading zones. The bill would require a local agency that automates parking payments by charging vehicles a fee for access to outline the fee, and any adjusted rates, in an ordinance or resolution.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would
require the system to record images of the vehicle and license plate at the time of the violation, and requires, before mailing a notice of parking violation, that the image data be reviewed and approved by a peace officer or person authorized to enforce parking laws. The bill would require the notice of violation to be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 15 calendar days, as specified. The bill would require the image data collected by the system and any identifying information to be confidential, and would require the image data to only be used for the purpose of processing parking violations and charging vehicles a fee for access.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would require a local agency to observe a public information campaign for at least 60 days before issuing citations, as specified. The bill would require a local agency to report periodically to the Legislature on the system’s impact, as specified.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing
constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.</html:p>
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<ns0:VoteRequired>MAJORITY</ns0:VoteRequired>
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<ns0:Bill id="bill">
<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_FA3ED0C7-5AC6-4A77-8D50-11A1915FBFF4">
<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:</html:p>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Illegally parked vehicles, such as those blocking transit stops, bicycle lanes, or crosswalks, or double-parked in travel lanes, create safety hazards and contribute to traffic congestion. Pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and transit riders are put at risk when forced into vehicle lanes by blocked sidewalks, bicycle paths, or bus zones. Poor compliance in loading zones also leaves delivery drivers with few options, often leading to double-parked vehicles. Clearing these obstructions will improve overall road safety and traffic because these violations are very short in nature, and they go uncited the vast majority of the time.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Due to limited parking enforcement personnel, many curb parking violations go unchecked, especially in busy urban areas. Traditional enforcement, such as writing a ticket and placing it on a windshield, is resource intensive and often impossible when violations are transient or after hours. Automated enforcement systems can supplement scarce personnel by reliably detecting violations, thereby promoting better compliance with existing parking laws.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
California and other jurisdictions have seen positive results from automated traffic enforcement and automatically paid loading zones. For example, the City and County of San Francisco’s pilot program using cameras to enforce transit-only lanes significantly reduced transit delays by up to 20 percent and improved traffic flow. The City of New York City’s deployment of bus lane and bus stop cameras improved bus speeds by 5 percent and
reduced collisions by 20 percent on those corridors. The Cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia’s programs to automate curbside enforcement and payment for loading zones and other safety hazard violations have led to 70 to 97 percent reductions in double parking, improved traffic flow, and greater economic activity in urban cores. These outcomes demonstrate that automated enforcement and paid loading zones can increase safety and efficiency without overburdening drivers.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Effective curb management through consistent enforcement and charging vehicles a fee for access of loading zones has economic benefits, ensuring parking turnover for businesses and reliable loading zones for deliveries. It also reduces circling for parking and idling in traffic, which in turn lowers emissions. The Legislature notes that cities like the Cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach view robust parking enforcement as vital to supporting local businesses and events and
to meet climate and air quality goals. By deterring illegal parking, automated enforcement can enhance commerce in downtowns and reduce pollution from congestion.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The Legislature is mindful that automated license plate recognition and camera systems must include safeguards for privacy and accuracy. Successful programs have implemented strict data retention limits and oversight, for instance, requiring that any recorded images be destroyed within a defined short period after citation processing. It is the intent of the Legislature that any authorization of automated curb enforcement shall incorporate robust privacy protections and transparency measures. Public awareness efforts, including warning periods for drivers, are also critical to ensure the program’s fairness and acceptance.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Under existing law, local agencies must provide installment payment plans for “indigent,” or
low-income, individuals with unpaid parking citations. Local agencies are required to place a link to information describing payment programs in a prominent, readily accessible location on the parking citation section of their internet websites.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
It is the intent of the Legislature that local agencies that choose to adopt enhanced curb management systems comply with provisions of current law that require installment payment plans for the indigent.
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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Article 5 (commencing with Section 40275) is added to Chapter 1 of Division 17 of the
<ns0:DocName>Vehicle Code</ns0:DocName>
, to read:
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<ns0:LawHeading type="ARTICLE" id="id_33A8AD27-FAD5-4D76-952C-1025242C2D12">
<ns0:Num>5.</ns0:Num>
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<ns0:LawHeadingText>Enhanced Curb Management System</ns0:LawHeadingText>
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<ns0:Num>40275.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
As used in this article, both of the following definitions apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Enhanced curb management system” or “system” means a system of one or more stationary cameras or sensor devices with designated signage that record images of vehicles for the purpose of enforcing parking violations or automating parking payments.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Local agency” means a local city, county, or city and county parking enforcement authority.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local agency may establish an enhanced curb management system if it meets all of the requirements of this article.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An enhanced
curb management system shall be operated by, or under the oversight of, a local agency or by a contracted vendor on behalf of a local agency.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Before the governing body of the local agency establishes an enhanced curb management system, the governing body of the local agency shall adopt a public ordinance or resolution that authorizes the use of an enhanced curb management system in any of the following locations:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Passenger loading zones.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Commercial loading zones.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Smart loading zones.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Zero-emissions delivery zones.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Bicycle lanes.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(6)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No
stopping zones.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(7)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Crosswalks.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local agency may automate parking payments by charging vehicles a fee for access to passenger loading zones, commercial loading zones, and smart loading zones.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local agency that charges vehicles a fee for access pursuant to paragraph (1) shall outline the fee, and any adjusted rates, in an ordinance or resolution.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local agency shall post signage giving notice of the enhanced curb management system, and the signage shall be posted clearly and positioned to provide reasonable notice to motorists in the affected area before the commencement of enforcement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local agency may install a system pursuant to this
article only if the examiner or issuing agency, as described in Section 40215, includes options to reduce or waive the payment of a parking penalty when the person is determined to be indigent, as defined in Section 40220.
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_1A0E5D85-42E9-42CA-B15B-96706867276B">
<ns0:Num>40276.</ns0:Num>
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<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The image data collected by the system shall be used only for both of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
To enforce parking violation laws.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
To charge vehicles a fee for access to designated passenger loading zones, commercial loading zones, and smart loading zones.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The image data collected by the system shall not be retained longer than 60 days after final disposition of a citation, six months after a paid session in a passenger loading zone, commercial loading zone, or smart loading zone, or 30 days after the image was recorded if a citation is not issued or a fee is charged.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The local agency shall ensure a contracted vendor operating the system follows the data retention and privacy guidelines pursuant to this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The image data and personal identifying information obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles for enforcement shall be confidential, shall only be used for purposes of processing the parking violation or to charge vehicles a fee for access, and shall not be disclosed except as required by law.
</html:p>
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_A27319D6-ADB1-4A1B-9514-B87617F22DF6">
<ns0:Num>40277.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_8FFFF0B8-692B-4D76-A5EC-1DD3E77CFCDC">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 40202, a notice of parking violation may be served by mail without physical attachment to the vehicle if the violation is detected by an enhanced curb management system operated by a local agency in accordance with this article.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An enhanced curb management system shall meet all of the following procedures:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The enhanced curb management system shall record images of the vehicle and license plate at the time of the alleged violation, along with the date, time, and location. The recorded data shall be of sufficient clarity to identify the vehicle involved.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Before mailing a notice of parking violation under this section, the image data shall be reviewed and approved by a peace officer or person authorized to enforce parking laws. The reviewing person shall verify that the vehicle was in violation of the applicable parking regulation based on the image data. A certification of this review shall be included in the case file.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The processing agency shall mail the notice of parking violation to the registered owner of the vehicle no later than 15 calendar days after the date of the violation. The notice shall include copies of the image data and information on how to view any image data, the violation details, and the procedure to pay or contest the citation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A notice of parking violation issued under this section has the same force and effect as a notice placed on a vehicle windshield. All rights and obligations
applicable to the recipient of a parking citation under this chapter, including the right to contest under Section 40215, shall apply to notices served by mail pursuant to this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice of parking violation mailed under this section shall include a statement of the vehicle owner’s privacy rights regarding the image data.
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_BBD77D60-164E-4E27-A1E2-EB2F35D3785F">
<ns0:Num>40278.</ns0:Num>
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<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Before a local agency issues notices of parking violation under Section 40277, a local agency shall observe a public information campaign in accordance with this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The local agency shall conduct a public information campaign for at least 60 days before issuing citations. This campaign may include public service announcements, press releases, community meetings, social media notifications, and other outreach to inform motorists of the new enforcement method, the locations involved, and the date on which citations will begin.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For the first 60 days of active enforcement using a system at a given location, the local agency shall issue only
warning notices, with no monetary penalty, to violators caught by the system. The warning notices shall clearly explain the violation and state that no fine is assessed for this warning, but that future violations will result in citations with fines.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The requirements of this section shall apply each time a new automated parking enforcement camera or location is activated by a local agency. The local agency shall maintain records of its public outreach efforts and the issuance of warning notices. The records shall be available for public inspection.
</html:p>
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_A5A91A23-483E-458B-8337-D7ABD38390BA">
<ns0:Num>40279.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_983110D1-DD66-47A4-8738-D988A81249BF">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local agency using an enhanced curb management system shall report periodically to the Legislature on the system’s impact, including the number of citations issued, accident or safety data in the enforced areas, and any public concerns received, in order to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and any need for changes.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
</html:p>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_B57BBB72-978D-46DB-B41F-B7B298C8B116">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>The Legislature finds and declares that Section 2 of this act, which adds Section 40276 to the Vehicle Code, imposes a limitation on the public’s right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies within the meaning of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution. Pursuant to that constitutional provision, the Legislature makes the following findings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and the need for protecting that interest:</html:p>
<html:p>To protect the privacy interests of persons who are issued notices of violation under an enhanced curb management system, the Legislature finds and declares that the image data or administrative records generated by the system shall be
confidential, and shall be made available only to alleged violators and to governmental agencies solely for the purpose of enforcing these violations, charging vehicles a fee for access, and assessing the impact of the use of enhanced curb management systems.</html:p>
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