LA Bus Agency Will Mail Camera Fines for Illegal Parking Starting Next Week
DASH buses will begin issuing warnings for vehicles blocking lanes and stops, with paid citations starting in early 2027.
By Chiara Saeed ·
Los Angeles drivers who park in bus lanes or at bus stops will receive their first automated traffic warnings next week. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) announced on Thursday that it will begin mailing these notices on Monday to registered vehicle owners. This marks the start of a new enforcement program using cameras mounted on city buses.
For the first two months, these notices will serve as warnings. LADOT will not demand payment during this initial period. Citations that require financial payment will begin on January 2, 2027. The agency stated that individuals with low incomes can apply for payment plans to manage the costs of these fines.
The enforcement mechanism involves two forward-facing cameras installed behind the windshields of DASH buses. These cameras automatically detect and record vehicles that obstruct designated bus lanes or stops. LADOT officials clarified that a human reviewer from the department examines all potential violations before a formal citation is issued.
Laura Rubio-Cornejo, the general manager for LADOT, explained the operational necessity of the program. She noted that vehicles parked at bus stops often prevent drivers from safely deploying wheelchair ramps. Additionally, such obstructions force buses to leave their dedicated lanes and merge into general traffic, causing delays.
Mayor Karen Bass commented on the initiative, stating that the goal is to ensure buses arrive on time and remain accessible to all residents. She described the use of this technology as a way to connect communities to opportunities through a more effective transit system.
DASH is the fourth agency in the Los Angeles area to adopt bus-mounted camera enforcement. It joins Metro, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus, and the Culver City Bus system. LADOT cited data from Santa Monica to illustrate the potential impact. In March 2026, Santa Monica reported a 52% drop in bus-lane parking violations compared to August 2025. During the same period, violations at bus stops decreased by 40%.
Other cities including New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Sacramento, and the East Bay utilize similar technology. LADOT reported that in New York City, this method has increased bus speeds by up to 36% on certain congested segments. Furthermore, 91% of drivers who received a ticket in New York did not receive a second one.
Source: MyNewsLA (City News Service)
