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 illegally driving 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

The Seattle City Council is considering legislation to update Seattle’s traffic safety camera laws to align Seattle Municipal Code with recent changes in State law passed in 2024.  This proposal would also allow us to expand the safety camera program to include new types of safety cameras.  
If approved, the update would support SDOT’s Vision Zero goal to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by expanding the safety camera program and improving processes.  
Plans are in place to double the number of school safety zone cameras in 2025. This has already been approved by City Council in the 2025 adopted budget.

Learn more about the legislation and program expansion on the SDOT Blog.

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.

Traffic Safety Camera Expansion Process

If approved, the updated law will allow us to improve safety by adding or relocating safety cameras annually based on traffic safety needs. It will also make the traffic safety camera program more cohesive and transparent.  
 
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, inclusive community engagement, and input from 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 & Signs

We are committed to equitable enforcement, including conducting educational outreach about new camera locations as plans are confirmed.
We would install street signs at least 30 days before the cameras are turned on so people are aware.
We will also inform local communities where new cameras are planned in a variety of ways like mail, online information, and direct outreach.

Step 3 - Safety Cameras Turned On

All cameras that are not in a school zone would be programmed to only send warning notices for the first 30 days after being activated.
Cameras in school zones would begin issuing tickets immediately when they are turned on because the safety of children is so important.

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.
A portion of red light camera revenue will continue to go to the City’s general fund.
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.

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.