LADOT Launches Bus Lane Camera Program: Warnings Start Monday
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation will begin sending 60-day warning notices for violations detected by cameras mounted on DASH buses, with paid citations starting in January.
By Ana Castro ·
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) will begin mailing warning notices on Monday to registered vehicle owners detected illegally parked in bus lanes or at bus stops. The enforcement uses cameras mounted on DASH buses to identify vehicles obstructing transit corridors. This automated program marks the start of a new enforcement phase for the city's bus network.
For the first 60 days, the agency will issue only warnings. Citations that require payment will begin on Jan. 2, 2027. Two forward-facing cameras installed behind the windshields of DASH buses will automatically record potential violations. LADOT officials stated that personnel will review all detections before issuing any citations.
LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo explained that vehicles blocking bus stops can prevent drivers from safely deploying wheelchair ramps. Such obstructions also force buses into general traffic lanes. “Keeping bus lanes and bus stops clear of illegally parked vehicles is essential to ensuring that DASH buses are on-time and accessible for the people who rely on our service,” Rubio-Cornejo said.
Mayor Karen Bass described the initiative as part of a effort to build a transit system that residents deserve. “By leveraging this new technology, we’re ensuring that buses arrive on time, are accessible to everyone, and connect communities to opportunities,” Bass said. The department noted that payment plans are available for individuals with low incomes.
DASH is the fourth local operator in the region to use bus-mounted cameras for this purpose. It joins Metro, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus, and Culver City Bus in adopting the technology. Similar systems operate in New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Sacramento, and the East Bay.
LADOT cited data from Santa Monica to illustrate potential outcomes. In March 2026, bus-lane parking violations dropped by 52% and bus-stop violations fell by 40% compared to August 2025. August 2025 was the first full month where unpaid warnings were issued in Santa Monica.
The department also pointed to statistics from New York City, where the technology has increased bus speeds by up to 36% on certain congested segments. In New York, 91% of violators have not received a second ticket. LADOT will begin sending the initial wave of warning notices on Monday.
