Shoreline, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Program scope
- School speed zones only, not red-light cameras
- Governing chapter
- SMC Chapter 10.21, adopted by Ord. 1055
- Fine, 4-9 mph over
- $50
- Fine, 10-13 mph over
- $130
- Fine, 14+ mph over
- $260
- Notice mailing deadline
- Within 14 days of violation
- Sign posting lead time
- At least 30 days before activation
Summary
Shoreline runs no red-light camera program. Chapter 10.21 SMC authorizes automated traffic safety cameras only in school speed zones, and each site needs a City Traffic Engineer analysis and City Council sign-off before installation. Fines run $50 to $260 depending on how far a driver exceeds the posted school-zone limit, and violations are processed like parking tickets, not moving infractions.
§ 10.21.010. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an automated traffic safety camera program, in accordance with RCW 46.63.220, to establish a mechanism to deter and reduce speeding near schools so as to provide for safer city streets for all users. ... ... § 10.21.040. Authorized use of automated traffic safety cameras. A. The City Council may authorize the placement or relocation of automated traffic safety cameras at any school speed zone fully or partially located within the City; provided, that for each individual placement or relocation the City Traffic Engineer must prepare an analysis of the location(s) consistent with the requirements of RCW 46.63.220(3) and present that analysis to the City Council before adding automated traffic safety cameras to a new location or relocating any existing camera to a new location. B. Any automated traffic safety camera installed in accordance with subsection (A) of this section may only be used by the City to detect school speed zone violations.
Full Breakdown
The City Council adopted its automated traffic safety camera program under Ordinance 1055 to deter school-zone speeding, citing RCW 46.63.220. Before any camera goes live, the City Traffic Engineer must analyze the proposed school speed zone location and present that analysis to the Council, and signs meeting Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices specifications must be posted at least 30 days before activation. SMC § 10.21.040(B) limits every camera strictly to detecting school speed zone violations, so the city has not authorized cameras at intersections for red-light enforcement.
Cameras may capture only the vehicle and license plate, never a driver's or passenger's face, and images are exempt from public disclosure and usable only to enforce this chapter. Shoreline Police and Public Works staff acting as authorized persons review the images and mail a notice of infraction to the registered owner within 14 days. Rental car businesses get 18 days to identify the actual driver or pay the penalty themselves. Revenue must first cover camera administration and processing costs, with any surplus going to traffic safety projects, and after four years, 25% of net proceeds must go to the state's Cooper Jones active transportation safety account.
Violations & Fines
SMC § 10.21.090 sets fines of $50 for exceeding the school-zone limit by 4-9 mph, $130 for 10-13 mph over, and $260 for 14 mph or more over, plus court costs. The registered owner is presumed responsible unless they swear under oath the vehicle was stolen or in someone else's control at the time. Infractions are processed like parking tickets and, per § 10.21.070, never appear on the owner's driving record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shoreline use red-light cameras at intersections?
How much is a school-zone speed camera ticket in Shoreline?
Does a camera ticket affect my driving record?
Who approves where a camera can go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shoreline
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