LOS ANGELES, CA – A new parking enforcement rule is set to take effect on February 17, targeting drivers who park in bus lanes or at bus stops in Los Angeles. The penalty? A hefty $293 ticket.
The Los Angeles Metro and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) have partnered on the Bus Lane Enforcement Program, a new initiative designed to ease traffic congestion and enhance public transit safety.
What the New Rule Means for Drivers
Starting Monday, February 17, cameras mounted on select Metro buses will automatically capture images of vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes or at bus stops. Violators will receive citations in the mail, following verification by a Los Angeles traffic officer.
This AI-powered system is part of a larger effort to keep lanes clear for the 700,000 daily Metro riders who depend on public transportation. Metro officials say the goal is to prevent violations, not just issue fines.
“Ideally, we wouldn’t issue any tickets,” said Anthony Crump, Metro’s executive officer for community relations. “If people follow the rules, the program will have done its job.”
Pilot Program and Future Expansion
The enforcement program was initially rolled out in November 2024 with a grace period, during which drivers received warnings instead of fines. The first phase focused on Metro routes 212 and 720, where cameras were installed on 50 buses to identify violations.
As part of Phase Two, beginning next month, Metro and LADOT will expand enforcement to routes 910 and 950, adding even more AI-equipped cameras to capture violations.
Also Read – SUV Ends Up in North Hills Wash, Cause Still Unclear
How the Technology Works
- Cameras on Metro buses scan bus lanes and bus stops for illegally parked vehicles.
- If a violation is detected, the system records the license plate, time, and location.
- A traffic officer reviews the images before finalizing the citation.
Officials say this technology-driven approach is part of a broader trend of AI integration in transportation systems across major U.S. cities.
“West Coast cities are increasingly adopting AI for traffic management,” Crump noted. “This is just the beginning of a nationwide and global shift.”
Parking Rules on Public Streets
In general, parking on a public street is legal, even in front of someone’s home, unless:
- The area is part of a homeowners association (HOA) with specific rules.
- The spot is assigned parking for an apartment complex.
- There are posted restrictions for certain days or hours.
- The vehicle has been parked in the same spot for over 72 hours.
However, blocking fire hydrants, driveways, or sidewalks is illegal and could result in a ticket or towing.
What’s Next?
With more cameras set to be deployed in March, Metro officials are hopeful that the enforcement program will improve bus efficiency and traffic flow across the city. The goal is to keep buses running on time and ensure passengers reach their destinations without delays caused by obstructed lanes.
As the use of AI enforcement expands, drivers in Los Angeles—and across the country—may need to rethink how and where they park.
- California Bill to Criminalize Self-Defense Pulled from Consideration - March 14, 2025
- Food Recall Alert: 15,000 Cases of Oyster Crackers Recalled in U.S. - March 14, 2025
- Hip-Hop Star Jay Rock Arrested in Los Angeles by LAPD - March 14, 2025
