New law takes effect February 18—Beware or pay the price of $100!
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Attention, GrayViners! A new law that took effect on February 18 could leave you with a $100 fine, and you might not even know you've been ticketed until the “proof” arrives in your mailbox.
This isn't a drill—it's the reality of advanced technology meeting traffic enforcement, and it's happening now.
In a groundbreaking move, the city of Sacramento, California has teamed up with the Sacramento Regional Transit District to deploy Hayden AI-powered cameras on buses to keep drivers safe and protect bus stops.
These high-tech eyes in the sky are designed to catch vehicles unlawfully cruising in bus lanes. “Keeping bus stops clear is critical to ensuring the safety and accessibility of our transit system,” SacRT General Manager and CEO Henry Li emphasized to the Sacramento Bee.
“This program is a significant step forward in creating a safer, more reliable experience for our riders and bus operators while promoting sustainable and efficient public transit.”
The new fine isn't just about keeping lanes clear, it's also about ensuring that disabled passengers can access the bus services they need.
SacRT spokesperson Jessica Gonzales explained to KTXL that bus drivers often face obstacles when trying to pick up passengers who require the use of a ramp.
“Bus drivers report back to dispatch if they can’t pick up a passenger because they couldn’t pull up to the bus stop, and maybe that passenger was in a mobility device meaning the ramp had to be deployed.”
If a vehicle is blocking the bus stop, the ramp can't be deployed, resulting in what's known as a “pass-up”—a situation where a passenger is left behind because the bus can't properly accommodate them.
Recommended for you: Avoid a $293 fine—park right or pay up when this new rule hits on February 17th
Since the implementation of AI-powered cameras in December 2024, approximately 2,800 warnings have been issued. These cameras were put into full effect on February 18, 2025.
These cameras collect videos, photos, and location data as evidence before a citation is sent to the driver. And while currently focused on bus lanes, they will soon expand to monitor bike lanes as well.
Sacramento isn't the first city to adopt this technology. New York City's MTA experienced a significant hiccup when over 4,000 tickets were mistakenly issued due to a programming error with similar AI-powered cameras.
The MTA also shared that the cameras “had not been programmed to know they shouldn’t issue violations to vehicles parked in the legal alternate side zones that periodically interrupt the M79 lane.”
Source: FOX40 News / Youtube.
The issue, which involved vehicles parked in legal alternate side zones, was a costly lesson—an $83 million contract with the AI company was at stake. Thankfully, the MTA confirmed that the errors were corrected and refunds were issued.
With the introduction of these AI cameras, it's crucial to understand the legalities of parking on public streets. Generally, parking on a public street is legal, including in front of someone's house, unless specific laws or signs indicate otherwise.
Public street spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and no individual has exclusive rights to them, as explained by Nolo Legal.
However, there are restrictions. Most states prohibit vehicles from being parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours and from blocking fire hydrants, driveways, and sidewalks. These rules are in place to ensure public safety and access.
As we navigate the roads, it's essential to stay informed about the latest traffic laws and technological advancements in enforcement.
The new AI-powered camera system is a reminder that our actions on the road have consequences, and sometimes those consequences come in the form of fines we didn't see coming.
Source: FOX 5 New York / Youtube.
To avoid unexpected fines and contribute to a smoother transit system, be mindful of bus and bike lanes, and always park legally. And remember, if you're unsure about the rules, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Also read: Buckle Up Drivers: The ‘Daylight law’ and other road rule changes coming in 2025 that could cost you big!
What do you think about receiving a ticket from an AI-powered camera? Do you think this technology will improve road safety? Join the conversation below!
This isn't a drill—it's the reality of advanced technology meeting traffic enforcement, and it's happening now.
In a groundbreaking move, the city of Sacramento, California has teamed up with the Sacramento Regional Transit District to deploy Hayden AI-powered cameras on buses to keep drivers safe and protect bus stops.
These high-tech eyes in the sky are designed to catch vehicles unlawfully cruising in bus lanes. “Keeping bus stops clear is critical to ensuring the safety and accessibility of our transit system,” SacRT General Manager and CEO Henry Li emphasized to the Sacramento Bee.
“This program is a significant step forward in creating a safer, more reliable experience for our riders and bus operators while promoting sustainable and efficient public transit.”
Drivers in Sacramento risk being fined $100 if AI-powered cameras on buses catch them in bus lanes. Image source: FOX40 News / Youtube.
The new fine isn't just about keeping lanes clear, it's also about ensuring that disabled passengers can access the bus services they need.
SacRT spokesperson Jessica Gonzales explained to KTXL that bus drivers often face obstacles when trying to pick up passengers who require the use of a ramp.
“Bus drivers report back to dispatch if they can’t pick up a passenger because they couldn’t pull up to the bus stop, and maybe that passenger was in a mobility device meaning the ramp had to be deployed.”
If a vehicle is blocking the bus stop, the ramp can't be deployed, resulting in what's known as a “pass-up”—a situation where a passenger is left behind because the bus can't properly accommodate them.
Recommended for you: Avoid a $293 fine—park right or pay up when this new rule hits on February 17th
Since the implementation of AI-powered cameras in December 2024, approximately 2,800 warnings have been issued. These cameras were put into full effect on February 18, 2025.
These cameras collect videos, photos, and location data as evidence before a citation is sent to the driver. And while currently focused on bus lanes, they will soon expand to monitor bike lanes as well.
Sacramento isn't the first city to adopt this technology. New York City's MTA experienced a significant hiccup when over 4,000 tickets were mistakenly issued due to a programming error with similar AI-powered cameras.
The MTA also shared that the cameras “had not been programmed to know they shouldn’t issue violations to vehicles parked in the legal alternate side zones that periodically interrupt the M79 lane.”
Source: FOX40 News / Youtube.
The issue, which involved vehicles parked in legal alternate side zones, was a costly lesson—an $83 million contract with the AI company was at stake. Thankfully, the MTA confirmed that the errors were corrected and refunds were issued.
With the introduction of these AI cameras, it's crucial to understand the legalities of parking on public streets. Generally, parking on a public street is legal, including in front of someone's house, unless specific laws or signs indicate otherwise.
Public street spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and no individual has exclusive rights to them, as explained by Nolo Legal.
However, there are restrictions. Most states prohibit vehicles from being parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours and from blocking fire hydrants, driveways, and sidewalks. These rules are in place to ensure public safety and access.
As we navigate the roads, it's essential to stay informed about the latest traffic laws and technological advancements in enforcement.
The new AI-powered camera system is a reminder that our actions on the road have consequences, and sometimes those consequences come in the form of fines we didn't see coming.
Source: FOX 5 New York / Youtube.
To avoid unexpected fines and contribute to a smoother transit system, be mindful of bus and bike lanes, and always park legally. And remember, if you're unsure about the rules, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Also read: Buckle Up Drivers: The ‘Daylight law’ and other road rule changes coming in 2025 that could cost you big!
What do you think about receiving a ticket from an AI-powered camera? Do you think this technology will improve road safety? Join the conversation below!
