LA Bus Lanes Get Camera Tickets Starting January

Drivers in Los Angeles who park in bus lanes or block bus stops will receive their first official warnings on Monday. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) is launching an automated enforcement program using cameras mounted on DASH buses.

For the first 60 days of the program, LADOT will mail warning notices to registered vehicle owners. No money changes hands during this period. Paid citations will begin on Jan. 2, 2027. Officials say this gives drivers time to adjust before fines are issued.

The system uses two forward-facing cameras behind the windshields of DASH buses. These cameras detect and record vehicles obstructing designated transit zones. LADOT personnel review all potential violations before sending a citation to ensure accuracy.

Laura Rubio-Cornejo, the LADOT General Manager, explained the operational need for the cameras. Vehicles parked at stops can prevent bus operators from safely deploying wheelchair ramps. They also force buses into general traffic, causing delays. Rubio-Cornejo stated that keeping these areas clear is essential for on-time service and accessibility.

Mayor Karen Bass supported the initiative last week. She said the technology helps ensure buses arrive on time and connect communities. The mayor described the move as part of building a transit system that residents deserve.

Payment plans are available for drivers with low incomes. This option helps those who rely on public transit manage the cost of occasional violations. The program aims to balance enforcement with financial flexibility for working families.

DASH is not the first local operator to use this technology. Metro, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus, and Culver City Bus already employ similar systems. Data from Santa Monica shows the approach can work. In March 2026, that city recorded a 52% drop in bus-lane violations and a 40% drop in bus-stop violations compared to August 2025. That month was the first full month with unpaid warnings in effect.