Local schools are installing more speeding cameras. Where are they, and what can you do?

Over the last two years, the Cities of Bellevue, Seattle, and surrounding cities have begun doubling down on student safety by installing speed cameras on streets in school zones. The cameras, which issue tickets for drivers going as slowly as 25 miles per hour when the speed limit is 20, have already caught more than 70,000 drivers in the City of Seattle.

Depending on where you’re driving, your ticket may cost anything from $124 to $186 -- a steep rate for just a few miles over the speed limit. As a result, many drivers are curious about the potential for contesting the tickets or asking for a reduced citation.

What should you do if a camera catches you speeding in a school zone?

If you get one of these citations in the mail, it’s crucial that you respond. Failure to respond to a citation from a school zone camera can result in a suspended license or worse.

Additionally, because tickets from school zone cameras don’t harm your driving record, there’s very little to lose by either paying the fine or contesting the ticket. However, ignoring the ticket can result in serious consequences.

When you receive your citation, you’ll have an opportunity to attend a hearing. If you feel that you were wrongfully awarded the ticket -- that you were not speeding -- request to see the images or tape from the camera. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prove your speed, but even just showing up to your hearing might result in a reduced fee.

If the camera awarded a ticket to another driver while in your vehicle, you should definitely attend the hearing and ask to see the photo, because, under Washington State law, you are not responsible, and the citation may be dismissed altogether.

In the event that you’ve received a ticket but are unable to pay the fine due to financial hardship, it’s a good idea to attend the hearing. The judge may be able to extend the date of payment, or reduce the amount of the citation.

Familiarize yourself with school zone laws to prevent further citations

No one wants to pay a big fine more than once. To ensure that you don’t get ticketed again, learn where the school zones are on your regular routes, and familiarize yourself with the times of that that school zone speed limits are in effect. In the City of Seattle, the map can be found here. In Bellevue, it’s here.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a school zone ticket, rest assured that it’s not the end of the world. The price tag may be high, but these school zone cameras are designed to keep children safe. As long as you respond to the citation promptly, this is one of the least unpleasant run-ins you can have with the law.

Know Your Rights about Traffic Law in Washington State

The expert defense lawyers at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC vigorously defend the rights of individuals facing DUI, theft, and general criminal charges in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form to get more information or to get a free case review!