FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
AUTOMATED RED
LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
What
is a red light running violation?
A red light running violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Motorists already in the intersection when the signal changes to red, when waiting to turn for example, are not considered red light violators.
How does the Automated Safety System work?
Each intersection is outfitted with a high resolution high
speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which are
located at the intersection. The cameras
are only activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light
has turned red. The camera takes two digital photos which document the
violation. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and
operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a
vehicle runs a red light and all intersections with red light cameras are
clearly marked. The Federal Way Police
Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain images of the violation
vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection, and
the license plate.
How do Red Light Cameras work?
Red Light Cameras: Each intersection is outfitted with a
high-resolution high-speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by
sensors which are located at the intersection.
The cameras are activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors
after the light has turned red. The camera takes two digital photos which
document the violation. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a
week and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated
when a vehicle runs a red light. All
intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The Federal Way Police Department reviews
every violation before the citation is issued.
Citations contain an image of a violating vehicle before it enters the
intersection, while it is in the intersection, and the license plate of the
vehicle.
Fixed Speed: The detection system is comprised of two Piezoelectric strips and an induction loop which have been
installed under the pavement at each enforced lane. When a vehicle drives over
these detection devices above the pre-set threshold speed, the system’s
computer signals the cameras to record the violation. A video clip also records
the vehicle as it passes the cameras.
Why
did I receive this Notice of Violation?
Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was
determined to have committed a red light violation. As the owner of the vehicle the Notice of
Violation is mailed to you.
What if the light was yellow?
The Federal Way Police Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain images of the violation vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection, and the license plate. These images are displayed on your notice and available for you review at www.violationinfo.com. You will need to use the notice and PIN displayed on your notice to log in. After reviewing these images, if you feel you did not commit the violation you may request a hearing by returning the hearing request coupon provided with your Notice of Infraction. Select the type of hearing you prefer, sign the coupon, and return it to the address on the coupon, using the provided envelope before the due date of your notice.
What if I am not the driver the vehicle at
the time of the violation?
If your
vehicle was stolen or sold prior to the date and time of the violation or in
the care, custody or control of someone else at the time of the violation,
please fill out the Declaration of Non-Responsibility provided with your Notice
of Infraction. Please fill it out
completely. If you fail to fill it out
completely, the Notice of Infraction will remain in your name. If you do not wish to, or are unable to
identify the driver, you should request a hearing and not fill out a
Declaration of Non-Responsibility. Your Declaration of Non-Responsibility must
be mailed to Federal Way Municipal Court, Photo Enforcement Program, PO Box 22091, Tempe, AZ 85285-2091 on or before the due
date. Mailing the declaration to any other address will delay the processing of
your declaration.
What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation?
If you fail to respond to a Notice of Violation, a Notice of Infraction will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. Failure to respond to a Notice of Infraction will result in additional fees and waiver of your right to contest your Notice. Your Notice may also be turned over to a collection agency and you will be responsible for fees incurred to collect unpaid fines. Failure to pay may also result in non-renewal of your vehicle registration pursuant to RCW 46.16A.120.
Will I receive any points on my driving record for this
violation?
No. This Notice will be treated as a non-moving violation and will not be reported to the Department of Licensing.
Will my insurance rates be affected?
No. This Notice will be treated as a non-moving violation and will not be reported to your insurance company.
How much is the fine?
Can I Pay Online?
You may pay online at www.ViolationInfo.com. Use the Notice # and PIN printed on the front of your notice to log in.
Can I pay by credit card?
I have received multiple Notices– Do I have
to send in a payment for each?
Yes, each notice represents a separate violation and carries its own associated fine. If you wish to mitigate the circumstances of each violation, you may request a Mitigated Hearing by using the hearing request form included with your notice.
What if my check bounces?
If your check bounces, you will still be liable for the fine associated with your notice. In addition, a $25 returned check fee will be added to your balance due for the notice. You may also be assessed fees through your personal bank.
My payment has already been sent; will I
still be charged late fees?
A few days grace period will be allowed for mail transit time. If your payment was mailed before the due date and is received by the processing center during the grace period, no late fee will be assessed. However, it is strongly encouraged that you allow enough time for you payment to be received before the due date of your notice.
I paid the violation, why did I receive
another notice?
There are two possible scenarios which may lead to an additional notice. First, the additional notice may be associated with a separate violation. Please check the date, time, and notice number of the additional notice to verify the associated violation.
Second, additional notices are processed by an automated system. Your payment may not have posted before the additional notice was generated. If you have any questions regarding your balance due, you may call Customer Service at 1-866-790-4111.
Do I have to pay my fine the day of the hearing?
If you are found to have committed the violation at a
hearing, you will have 60 days to pay the fine.