Federal Way, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Locations
- Two-arterial intersections and school speed zones only
- Signage
- Required at every monitored location
- Privacy
- No driver or passenger face captured
- Penalty cap
- Capped at parking-infraction fine amount
- Officer authority
- In-person tickets still allowed under RCW 46.63.030
- Authorizing statute
- RCW 46.63.170
Summary
Federal Way authorizes automated traffic safety cameras strictly for stoplight violations at two-arterial intersections and for school speed zones under FWRC 8.05.090, the ordinance required by RCW 46.63.170. Cameras capture only the rear license plate mid-infraction, never a driver's face, and posted signage must warn drivers before they enter a monitored zone.
(1) Automated traffic safety cameras may be used to detect stoplight or school speed zone violations. This section is intended to provide authorizing language as required under RCW 46.63.170. (2) Use of automated traffic safety cameras is restricted to two-arterial intersections and school speed zones only. (3) Automated traffic safety cameras may only take pictures of the vehicle and vehicle license plate and only while an infraction is occurring. The picture must not reveal the face of the driver or of passengers in the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
080. The ordinance confines camera use to two specific situations: red-light enforcement at intersections with two arterial streets, and speed enforcement in school speed zones. Every camera location must carry signs that clearly tell a driver they're entering a zone where an automated camera enforces traffic laws. The section defines the camera as a device tied to an intersection's traffic control system or a speed-measuring device that automatically records still or video images of the rear of a vehicle at the moment it runs a steady red light or exceeds the posted school-zone speed limit; the image cannot show the driver's or a passenger's face.
100, even though the base penalty plus any state-mandated assessments otherwise matches what an officer-issued ticket for the same violation would carry. 030(1)(a)-(c) for the same violation observed directly. 170, so any statewide amendment to that statute's notice, signage, or use restrictions carries directly into how Federal Way runs its program.
Violations & Fines
A camera-detected stoplight or school-zone speed violation is processed as a civil infraction, not a criminal charge, with a monetary penalty capped at the maximum fine allowed for a parking infraction under FWRC 8.05.040 and 8.05.100, plus any statutory assessments state law requires. The recipient can contest the infraction in Federal Way municipal court the same way as any other parking ticket, since the ordinance directs that camera violations be processed in the same manner as a parking infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Federal Way use red light cameras?
How much is a Federal Way red light camera ticket?
Can a red light camera in Federal Way show my face?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Red-Light Cameras in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle red-light cameras.