FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONS
AUTOMATED REDLIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
Whatis a red light running violation?
A red light running violation occurs when a motorist enters anintersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Motorists already in the intersection whenthe signal changes to red, when waiting to turn for example, are not consideredred light violators.
How does the Automated Safety System work?
Each intersection is outfitted with a high resolution highspeed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which arelocated at the intersection. The camerasare only activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the lighthas turned red. The camera takes two digital photos which document theviolation. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week andoperates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when avehicle runs a red light and all intersections with red light cameras areclearly marked. The Federal Way PoliceDepartment reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain images of the violationvehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection, andthe license plate.
How do Red Light Cameras work?
Red Light Cameras: Each intersection is outfitted with ahigh-resolution high-speed digital camera. The cameras are activated bysensors which are located at the intersection.The cameras are activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensorsafter the light has turned red. The camera takes two digital photos whichdocument the violation. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days aweek and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activatedwhen a vehicle runs a red light. Allintersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The Federal Way Police Department reviewsevery violation before the citation is issued.Citations contain an image of a violating vehicle before it enters theintersection, while it is in the intersection, and the license plate of thevehicle.
Fixed Speed: The detection system is comprised of two Piezoelectric strips and an induction loop which have beeninstalled under the pavement at each enforced lane. When a vehicle drives overthese detection devices above the pre-set threshold speed, the system’scomputer signals the cameras to record the violation. A video clip also recordsthe vehicle as it passes the cameras.
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Whydid I receive this Notice of Violation?
Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle wasdetermined to have committed a red light violation. As the owner of the vehicle the Notice ofViolation is mailed to you.
What if the light was yellow?
The Federal Way Police Departmentreviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain images of the violationvehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection, andthe license plate. These images aredisplayed on your notice and available for you review at www.violationinfo.com. You will need to use the notice and PIN displayedon your notice to log in. Afterreviewing these images, if you feel you did not commit the violation you mayrequest a hearing by returning the hearing request coupon provided with yourNotice of Infraction. Select the type ofhearing you prefer, sign the coupon, and return it to the address on thecoupon, using the provided envelope before the due date of your notice.
What if I am not the driver the vehicle atthe time of the violation?
If yourvehicle was stolen or sold prior to the date and time of the violation or inthe care, custody or control of someone else at the time of the violation,please fill out the Declaration of Non-Responsibility provided with your Noticeof Infraction. Please fill it outcompletely. If you fail to fill it outcompletely, the Notice of Infraction will remain in your name. If you do not wish to, or are unable toidentify the driver, you should request a hearing and not fill out aDeclaration of Non-Responsibility. Your Declaration of Non-Responsibility mustbe mailed to Federal Way Municipal Court, Photo Enforcement Program, PO Box 22091, Tempe, AZ 85285-2091 on or before the duedate. Mailing the declaration to any other address will delay the processing ofyour declaration.
What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation?
If you fail to respond to a Notice of Violation, a Notice ofInfraction will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. Failure to respond to a Notice of Infractionwill result in additional fees and waiver of your right to contest yourNotice. Your Notice may also be turnedover to a collection agency and you will be responsible for fees incurred tocollect unpaid fines. Failure to pay may also result in non-renewal of yourvehicle registration pursuant to RCW 46.16A.120.
Will I receive any points on my driving record for thisviolation?
No. This Notice willbe treated as a non-moving violation and will not be reported to the Departmentof Licensing.
Will my insurance rates be affected?
No. This Notice willbe treated as a non-moving violation and will not be reported to your insurancecompany.
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 frontof your notice to log in.
Can I pay by credit card?
I have received multiple Notices– Do I haveto send in a payment for each?
Yes, each notice represents a separate violation and carriesits own associated fine. If you wish tomitigate the circ*mstances of each violation, you may request a Mitigated Hearingby 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 fineassociated with your notice. Inaddition, a $25 returned check fee will be added to your balance due for thenotice. You may also be assessed feesthrough your personal bank.
My payment has already been sent; will Istill be charged late fees?
A few days grace period will be allowed for mail transittime. If your payment was mailed beforethe 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 bereceived before the due date of your notice.
I paid the violation, why did I receiveanother notice?
There are two possible scenarios which may lead to anadditional notice. First, the additionalnotice may be associated with a separate violation. Please check the date, time, and noticenumber of the additional notice to verify the associated violation.
Second, additional notices are processed by an automatedsystem. Your payment may not have postedbefore the additional notice was generated.If you have any questions regarding your balance due, you may callCustomer 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 ahearing, you will have 60 days to pay the fine.
