Traffic Safety Camera Program

Traffic safety cameras are a proven, effective way to get people to follow traffic laws. This includes stopping at red lights, driving at safe speeds, and following the law in bus lanes. Traffic safety cameras support the goal of our Vision Zero program to end traffic deaths and serious injuries. 

What's Happening Now

  • We plan to double the number of school safety cameras in 2025. Read more on this blog post.
  • In May 2025, Seattle City Council updated local safety camera laws to align with new state laws and expand the traffic safety camera program to allow new types of cameras. Learn more about the changes on this blog post.  
  • With the exception of school speed zones, we do not yet have specific recommendations for how many of each of the new types of safety cameras to add, or where to locate them. We are currently working to update our traffic safety camera implementation guidelines to provide more detailed criteria for how to choose new safety cameras locations based on safety and equity needs. We will provide more updates on our progress in the coming months. 

Program Background and Results

Seattle has used traffic safety cameras since 2006. Today, safety cameras catch red-light runners, speeders, bus lane violators, and people blocking intersections and crosswalks.   

Seattle’s traffic safety cameras have been proven to decrease crashes and illegal behavior over time:  

  • 71% reduction in crashes in areas where Seattle’s school speed zone cameras are active.
  • 50% reduction in fatal collisions at intersections with red light cameras.  
  • 64% reduction in daily traffic violations per school speed zone camera location.  
  • 95% of people who receive and pay a ticket never receive another citation at the same camera location.

New School Speed Zone Cameras Coming Soon 

We plan to double the number of school speed zone cameras by adding cameras in 19 new school zones in 2025.  

We will be installing many of these cameras this summer so that they will be ready for the start of school in September 2025. Read this blog post for a list and map of new safety camera locations.   

 

Traffic Safety Camera Expansion Process

In May 2025, Seattle City Council updated local safety camera laws to align with new state laws and expand the traffic safety camera program to allow new types of cameras.  

Other than the school speed zones, we do not yet have specific recommendations for how many of each of the new types of safety cameras to add, or where to locate them. We are currently working to update our traffic safety camera implementation guidelines to provide more detailed criteria for how to choose new safety cameras locations.  
 
Here’s the process we would use to expand the traffic safety camera program: 
 

Step 1 - Select Camera Locations

  • We would choose camera locations based on a transparent analysis of safety, equity, and input from the community and our program partners within the City.  
  • The goal is to find the places where cameras can have the biggest safety benefit as we work on other kinds of safety investments which take longer to build.   

Step 2 - Education & Engagement

  • We are committed to equitable enforcement, including conducting educational outreach about new camera locations as plans are confirmed.  
  • We will also inform local communities where new cameras are planned in a variety of ways like online information and direct outreach. 

Step 3 - Safety Cameras Turned On

  • We would install street signs at least 30 days before the cameras are turned on so people are aware. 

Step 4 - Break the Law, a Ticket's Mailed

  • Payments are due to the Seattle Municipal Court. You can find more detailed guidance on the Municipal Court’s website.
  • There are several options for support if you can’t pay your ticket. People with limited incomes who receive government assistance may be eligible for reduced fines on their first safety camera infraction. 

Step 5 - Safety Investments Made

  • Most traffic ticket revenue will be used to fund safety improvement projects like new sidewalks, flashing beacons, crosswalks, and more.  
  • This could potentially include safety upgrades which reduce the need for safety cameras in certain locations, allowing us to relocate them to other places or remove them eventually.  
  • A portion of red-light camera revenue will continue to go to the City’s general fund. 

Step 6 - Evaluation

  • We will continuously monitor the effectiveness of the safety cameras considering factors such as whether illegal behavior decreases and crashes become less common.
  • We will publish an annual evaluation report online and forward the report to Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
  • This helps ensure that cameras are used effectively over time. Cameras can potentially be relocated if the data shows there is another place where they are needed more.  

How City Departments Work Together

SDOT works closely with the Seattle Police Department to co-manage a network of safety cameras in Seattle. This includes red light cameras, school zone speed cameras, and cameras to prevent drivers from blocking intersections, crosswalks, and bus lanes. 

Learn more about the programs in the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Municipal Courts that support Automated Traffic Safety Cameras.

Transportation

Adiam Emery, Interim Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.