Renton, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed locations
- Arterial-arterial intersections, railroad crossings, school zones
- Signage required
- Warning signs at every camera location
- Penalty cap
- Same as a parking infraction, up to $250
- Governing state law
- RCW 46.63.170
- Adopted
- Ordinance 5290 (2007), amended Ordinance 5461 (2009)
Summary
Renton authorizes automated traffic safety cameras at arterial intersections, railroad crossings and school speed zones under RMC 10-12-15, following RCW 46.63.170. Every camera location must be posted with warning signs, and a violation is processed like a parking infraction, capped at the same fine as any other Renton parking ticket.
A. The use of automated traffic safety cameras to detect a violation of RMC 10-12-1 is authorized at intersections where two arterial roadways intersect, at railroad crossings, or in school speed zones, subject to the restrictions specified in RCW 46.63.170, as now or hereafter amended. B. All locations where an automated traffic safety camera is used must be clearly marked by placing signs in locations that clearly indicate to a driver that he or she is entering a zone where traffic laws are enforced by an automated traffic safety camera, as required by RCW 46.63.170(1)(g), as now or hereafter amended... D. A traffic infraction for violation of this Section, detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera, shall be processed in the same manner as a parking infraction, with a monetary penalty no greater than the amount of a fine issued for other parking infractions within the City of Renton.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 6197, passed August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
170. 170(1)(g). 170, rather than requiring an officer to personally witness the violation. Subsection (D) is the key local twist: a camera-detected infraction is processed the same way as a parking infraction, and the monetary penalty cannot exceed whatever fine Renton charges for other parking infractions in the City, currently capped at $250 under RMC 10-10-7(A). The provision was adopted by Ordinance 5290 in 2007 and amended by Ordinance 5461 in 2009. Renton's Police Department separately publishes a Photo Enforcement program page describing which specific intersections and school zones are camera-equipped at any given time, since the ordinance itself authorizes the tool citywide within the three permitted location types rather than naming individual intersections in the code.
Violations & Fines
A camera-detected infraction under RMC 10-12-15(D) is processed exactly like a parking ticket and cannot be fined more than Renton's standard parking infraction penalty, up to $250 under RMC 10-10-7(A). Camera notices go out by mail rather than being issued roadside, and drivers can contest them through the same Municipal Court infraction process as any parking citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Renton legally place traffic safety cameras?
How much is a Renton red-light or school-zone camera ticket?
Do I get a ticket in person for a camera violation, or does it come by mail?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Renton
Compare Renton to another location·View the Washington mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Red-Light Cameras in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle red-light cameras.