Automated Photo Enforcement Program – School Zone Speed Cameras
Every year, Tukwila officers respond to multiple avoidable collisions caused by speeding in our city. A pedestrian hit at 20mph has a 90 percent chance of survival which falls to 50 percent at 30mph and 10 percent survival rate at 40mph. To keep our youth safe, the City of Tukwila is implementing an Automated School Zone Speed Enforcement Program.
Photo enforcement of the school zone speed limit is just one approach to addressing this problem on Tukwila streets and to keep our students and school staff members safe. Driving at or below 20 MPH gives people driving and children walking more time to see each other and react. The goal is to improve safety for everyone.
In September of 2021, the City of Tukwila will begin using fixed cameras to enforce the 20 MPH school zone speed limit at Showalter Middle School and Foster High School. Warnings will be issued for the month of September as drivers get use to the new cameras. Beginning October 1, 2021, warnings will stop and citations will be issued.
The speed cameras only operate when the school zone flashing beacons are in operation during normal school hours in which students and staff will be coming and going from the area. If the flashing beacon is activated, then the cameras are operating.
School Name
Foster HS
Showalter Middle School
School Zone
S 144th St @ 46th Ave S
S 144th St @ 46th Ave S
Activated
September 2021
September 2021
WARNING SIGN LOCATIONS
14200 42nd Ave S (Southbound)
14445 42nd Ave S (Northbound)
4160 S 144th St (Eastbound) Flashing Beacon 🚨
4400 S 144th St (Eastbound) – Flashing Beacon 🚨
4800 S 144th St (Westbound) – Flashing Beacon 🚨
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should it take to receive an automated speed camera infraction?
All notice of infractions will be mailed within 14 days of the date the violation took place. If the violation took place while driving a rental car, the time frame will be longer. The rental car company has the opportunity to identify the vehicle operator and forward the information so a notice of infraction can be mailed to the renter of the vehicle. If your address is not updated with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), there may also be delays in receiving an infraction.
How much is the infraction?
Infractions range from $210 – $240 depending on the violators speed.
How do I pay the infraction?
Instructions for paying the infractions will be included with the infraction.
How do I contest an infraction?
Instructions on how to contest a infraction are listed on the infraction.
What happens to my license or insurance if I pay the infraction or I am found guilty in court?
A photo enforced violation is treated like a parking infraction. There are no issues with your license, no points assessed, and no impact to your insurance.
How do the cameras work?
“The speed cameras operate by using multi-tracking radar to measure each vehicle multiple times as it passes through the school speed zone. Images and video capture vehicles violating the school zone speed limit of 20 MPH and a Tukwila Police Officer reviews every infraction. The cameras enforce school zone speeds when the school zone beacons are flashing. If the beacons are not flashing, then drivers will not be issued an infraction.”
Is there a way for me to review the photographic evidence that I was speeding?
Instructions for how to view the evidence are listed on the infraction.
