DRIVERS are now facing $293 automatic tickets every time they hit the roads as a new “ABLE” law has taken effect.
A new crackdown system is underway, and cops won’t even need to be around for violators to get an instant punishment.
The ABLE program, short for Automated Bus Lane Enforcement, uses cameras mounted on buses to catch violations in real time.
Each ticket carries a $293 fine, with footage manually reviewed by city staff before citations are mailed out.
The crackdown started on Monday after a 60-day grace period came to a sudden end, CW local affiliate KTLA reported.
Cameras are now active on CityBus vehicles in the Los Angeles suburb of Culver City. The bus company operates seven lines in the city across 33 square miles.
That includes shared bus and bike lanes, designated transit zones and bus stops.
Drivers caught parked illegally in any of those zones will now be ticketed automatically.
“These illegal parking violations impact the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of public transit, particularly for riders with disabilities, by preventing buses from safely pulling to the curb and forcing passengers to board in unsafe areas,” city officials said in a statement.
Authorities say the aim is to speed up buses, improve safety, and make service more reliable.
“Blocked bus lanes don’t just slow transit—they create serious safety hazards,” the city added.
“With ABLE, we’re ensuring faster, more reliable service for bus riders and a safer corridor for everyone.”
First-time offenders will get hit with the full $293 penalty, although low-income payment plans are available.
Culver City joins a growing list of cities using bus-mounted enforcement, including Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento.
The LA Metro system has already been using cameras to enforce bus lane rules.
In New York City, similar tech has been used since 2019 with big results.
Officials there saw bus speeds jump by up to 36% and crashes drop by 34% in high-traffic areas with enforcement.
How to fight a parking ticket
You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made
Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid. Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too. Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid. Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees. When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument: “I didn’t know the law.” “I was on my way to move my car.” “I can’t afford this ticket.” “I’ve been doing this for years.” “I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.” Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.Source: Reader’s Digest
Last year, more than 1,020 buses were installed with AI-powered cameras that are constantly searching for violators.
And 1,000 more buses will be fitted with the new tech throughout 2025.
However, a ticketing flub threw a wrench in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s plans when 3,800 drivers were wrongly given tickets.
MTA was forced to apologize for the flurry of $50 and $250 citations that were inaccurately handed out.
Drivers who were dinged were automatically given their money back.
GettyDrivers can get hit with automatic $293 tickets if they’re in the wrong lane (stock)[/caption] Read More Details
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