Photo Enforcement

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YOU MUST RESPOND BY THE DUE DATE ON THE NOTICE OF INFRACTION

This infraction will not be a part of your driving record and will be processed like a parking infraction.

An infraction detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera is a non-criminal offense for which you cannot go to jail. The penalty for this infraction may include non-renewal of the vehicle registration.

Like a parking ticket, this infraction will not appear on your driving record. However, failure to respond to a Notice of Infraction, failure to appear for a requested hearing, or failure to pay a penalty imposed after a hearing will result in a late fee as well as this Notice of Infraction being referred to a collections agency and additional penalties plus collection fees will be added to the original penalty.

Failure to appear at a hearing requested for the purpose of contesting the determination or for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances may result in the refusal of the department to renew the vehicle license, until any penalties imposed pursuant to RCW Chapter 46.63 have been satisfied.

Photo Enforcement FAQs

How to Respond

You must respond by one of the following methods.

Pay

Pay the Amount Due

Payment Plan

If you have received a photo enforcement infraction and are unable to pay in full, you may request a payment plan with the court online, at the front counter or by phone at 253-856-5730 ext 8.

Request a Payment Plan

Request a Mitigation Hearing

I agree I have committed the infraction, but I want a hearing to explain the circumstances.

Mitigation Hearing (in Person): By requesting a mitigation hearing in person, you agree to appear at your scheduled hearing and will be deemed to have committed the infraction. You may not subpoena witnesses for this hearing. You would request a mitigation hearing if you agree the infraction was committed but believe the circumstances may be such that the court should reduce the penalty. You will be notified in writing of your mitigation hearing date.

Mitigation Hearing (by Mail): Instead of appearing in court, you have the option of a mitigation hearing by mail; you will not be required to appear in court. Instead, you must complete the Statement of Declaration for Hearing by Mail and submit to the court. You may not subpoena witnesses for this hearing. The court will review your declaration, the video/images of the incident and the police officer’s sworn statement and render a decision. The infraction will be found committed and a monetary penalty will be determined. The judge may, but is not required to, reduce the penalty depending on any mitigating circumstances. You will be notified by mail of the judge’s decision and you agree to pay the penalty within 90 days of the decision. You may not appeal the court’s determination or order.

Request a Contested Hearing

I want to contest (challenge) this infraction. I did not commit the infraction.

Contested Hearing (in Person): At a contested hearing the City has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the infraction was committed. By requesting a contested hearing in person, you agree to appear at your scheduled hearing. You may subpoena witnesses including the officer who issued this Notice of Infraction. You will be notified in writing of your contested hearing date.

Contested Hearing (by Mail): Instead of appearing in court, you have the option of a contested hearing by mail; you will not be required to appear in court. Instead, you must complete the Statement of Declaration for Hearing by Mail and submit to the court. The City has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the infraction was committed. By conducting a contested hearing by mail, you are waiving the ability to subpoena witnesses. The court will review your declaration, the video/images of the incident, and the police officer’s sworn statement and render a decision. The judge will not reduce the penalty if the infraction is found to have been committed. You will be notified by mail of the judge’s decision and you agree to pay the penalty within 90 days of the decision. You may not appeal the court’s determination or order.

Declaration of Non-Responsibility

Submit a Declaration of Non-Responsibility