Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be signs to warn drivers?
Yes. In addition to existing school zone signs and flashing beacons, photo enforcement signs will be installed to notify drivers when they are entering a camera-enforced school zone.
Will drivers be warned of speed photo enforcement?
In addition to a public outreach campaign, the City is clearly marking all locations where automated the school safety cameras are in use by placing signs in locations that clearly indicate to the driver that they are entering a zone where traffic laws are enforced by an automated traffic safety camera.
How much will the fines be?
The City has established the fine for exceeding the school zone speed limit (20 mph) for speeds over 25 mph at $145 per incident. Additionally, a graduated fine has been established for speeds over 30 mph at $250 per incident.
When are the cameras activated?
The system operates during official school zone hours and active only when school zone beacons are flashing. During these times, the school zone speed limit is 20 mph.
What times will the cameras be enforcing the speed limit?
Photo enforcement cameras will operate before and after the end of school. The cameras will overlap to allow enforcement consistent with each school's start and stop times.
What if the driver is not the vehicle owner?
The registered owner would need to state, under oath, in a written statement to the court or in testimony before the court that the vehicle involved was, at the time, stolen or in the care, custody, or control of some person other than the registered owner.
How do I pay my ticket?
The Kirkland Municipal Court is open to the public from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, to take your payment in person. If mailing payment or using the drop box just outside the front door then make your check or money order payable to the "Kirkland Municipal Court" and include your citation number in the memo section of your draft.
To make a payment by credit card, you may pay in person or call in your payment during regular court hours. Please have your ID and case number available so court staff may better assist you with your payment. You may also post payment 24 hours a day via our online payment service Kirklandpay.com.
What other measures are in place?
In addition to the camera enforcement systems in place, Woodinville Police Officers will be in the school zones watching for speeding drivers and interacting with school safety patrol personnel.
The Woodinville Police Department Traffic Unit also conducts regular emphasis patrols in school zones, and throughout Woodinville to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities through education and enforcement.
Why isn't there more school zone speed patrols with police officers?
The Police Department does conduct school zone emphasis patrols and will continue to do so even when cameras are implemented.
In addition, these officers can often be called away to more urgent 911 calls. The school zone speed cameras do not replace officers but supplement their efforts so that more school zones have regular speed enforcement. As proven in other jurisdictions, cameras cover their own cost through the fines paid while increasing compliance and safety.
How are the fines collected from infractions used? What percentage of fines does the speed camera vendor receive?
State law does not allow speed camera vendors to get a share of the fines. The City will pay a flat amount per month per camera for the lease of the equipment. The fines will go 100% to the City. That revenue will go first to covering the cost of the enforcement program.
Any revenue in excess of the cost of program will go to costs associated with traffic safety personnel and projects in the Transportation Capital Improvement Plan, Neighborhood Safety Program, and Safer Routes to School Action Plans that improve school safety and pedestrian and bicycle safety, including but not limited to, sidewalks, crosswalk improvements, lighting, rapid flashing beacons, bicycle facilities, trails and signage.
Are buses and city vehicles subject to fines?
All vehicles, including City vehicles and buses, would be subject to infractions.
I received a photo enforcement warning in the mail, who do I call if I have questions?
If you receive a warning in the mail, there is no response required and there is no fine to pay. If you have any questions about why you received a warning, or how photo enforcement warnings are processed, you can reach out to our Woodinville Police Department during business hours at or email 195thschoolsafetycameras@woodinville.gov.
For more general questions, comments, or concerns about the Woodinville School Zone Safety Camera pilot program, please use our Report an Issue form on our website.