How to Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in Federal Way, WA (2026)
Federal Way operates 8 school zone speed cameras at multiple school zone locations (as of 2019/2020 data). The school zone cameras enforce a 20 MPH limit when school zone beacons are flashing — cameras do not enforce when beacons are off. As of the most recent verified public data, cameras cover three named school zones: Twin Lakes Elementary (SW 320th Street EB/WB), Panther Lake Elementary (1st Avenue S. NB/SB), and Saghalie Middle School (21st Avenue SW NB/SB and SW Campus Drive EB/WB). The vendor is Verra Mobility (violationinfo.com portal). FWPD officers review every event before a citation is issued. The school zone speed fine is $210 (under 11 mph over the 20 MPH limit) or $250 (11 mph or more over) — both below the WA state cap of $290. These camera fines are civil infractions with no license points and no driving record impact. Notably, school zone photo enforcement fines in Federal Way CAN be waived, mitigated, or reduced at a mitigation hearing — unlike officer-issued school zone tickets.
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Federal Way Speed Camera Fines
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| School zone speed camera — under 11 mph over limitCity-set amount below WA state cap of $290; civil infraction — no license points | $210 |
| School zone speed camera — 11 mph or more over limitCity-set amount below WA state cap of $290; civil infraction — no license points | $250 |
How to Contest a Federal Way Speed Camera Ticket
Where: Federal Way Municipal Court
How / where to file: 33325 8th Ave. S., Suite 102, Federal Way, WA 98003-6325; phone (253) 835-3000; lobby Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Federal Way Deadline
30 days from the date of your notice of infraction (RCW 46.63.070(1)); use the due date printed on the notice; check the postmark (14-day mailing rule, RCW 46.63.220(9))
Same contest process as Federal Way red-light citations: Step 1 — Review evidence at www.violationinfo.com (Notice Number and PIN). Step 2 — Respond within 30 days via Statement of Non-Responsibility (provided with notice — submit to Federal Way Municipal Court), contested hearing (in-person preserves appeal rights; mail waives appeal), or mitigation hearing. Step 3 — Beacon-not-flashing defense: Federal Way school zone cameras enforce only when beacons are flashing. If the beacons were not active when your citation was issued, raise this at a contested hearing — the city FAQ confirms the 20 MPH limit applies 'when the lights are flashing, regardless of whether children are present or not.' Step 4 — Note: school zone photo fines in Federal Way can be waived, mitigated, or reduced at a mitigation hearing — unlike officer-issued school zone tickets.
Notable Speed Camera Locations in Federal Way
- Twin Lakes Elementary — SW 320th Street (EB and WB); 3,039 citations in 2019 (1,233 EB + 1,806 WB); school address: 4400 SW 320th St., Federal Way, WA 98023
- Panther Lake Elementary — 1st Avenue S. (NB and SB); 3,435 citations in 2019 (1,395 NB + 2,040 SB); school address: 34424 1st Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98003
- Saghalie Middle School — 21st Avenue SW (NB and SB): 3,671 citations in 2019; school address: 33914 19th Ave. SW, Federal Way, WA 98023
- Saghalie Middle School — SW Campus Drive (EB and WB): 1,469 citations in 2019
- Beacons must be flashing for the 20 MPH school zone limit to apply — cameras do not enforce when beacons are off
Federal Way Speed Camera — By the Numbers
Federal Way operates 8 school zone speed cameras at multiple school zones; 11,614 school zone speed citations issued in 2019 across three named school zones (City of Federal Way 2019 RLPE Annual Report via Federal Way Mirror, July 10, 2020).
Federal Way school zone speed camera fines: $210 (under 11 mph over 20 MPH limit) and $250 (11+ mph over) — both below the WA state cap of $290; no license points; no driving record (City of Federal Way FAQ, retrieved 2026-06-10).
Federal Way school zone photo enforcement fines can be waived, mitigated, or reduced at a mitigation hearing — unlike officer-issued school zone tickets that cannot be waived or mitigated under state law (City of Federal Way FAQ, retrieved 2026-06-10).
Twin Lakes Elementary school zone cameras: 3,039 citations in 2019; Panther Lake Elementary: 3,435 citations; Saghalie Middle School: 5,140 citations (2019 RLPE Annual Report).
Federal Way school zone cameras activate only when school zone beacons are flashing — the 20 MPH limit is enforced 'when the lights are flashing, regardless of whether children are present' (City of Federal Way FAQ, retrieved 2026-06-10).
Which Washington defenses apply to your ticket?
Federal Way school zone speed citations are governed by RCW 46.63.220 and RCW 46.63.250. The Washington state page covers statewide defenses: civil infraction structure, no license points, 14-day mailing deadline (RCW 46.63.220(9)), sworn non-driver statement (RCW 46.63.075(2)), and school-zone beacon activation requirement. This page adds Federal Way-specific detail: 8 cameras at three named school zones (Twin Lakes Elementary, Panther Lake Elementary, Saghalie Middle School) with 2019 citation data; Verra Mobility vendor (violationinfo.com); $210/$250 local fine tiers (below $290 state cap); beacon-not-flashing defense (Federal Way cameras enforce 'when the lights are flashing' regardless of whether children are present); school zone photo fines CAN be waived or mitigated (unlike officer-issued school zone tickets); mail-in contested hearing waives appellate rights. Distinct from Seattle (different camera types and programs), Tacoma (Novoa Global vendor; different court), and Spokane (same vendor but different court and school zone schedule format).
See all Washington speed camera defenses →Federal Way Speed Camera Ticket FAQ
How much is a school zone speed camera ticket in Federal Way?
Federal Way's school zone speed camera fines range from $210 (less than 11 mph over the 20 MPH limit) to $250 (11 mph or more over the limit). These fines are below the Washington state maximum of $290. The beacons must be flashing for the 20 MPH limit to apply — if the beacons were not active at the time of your citation, that is a potential defense worth raising at a hearing. Source: City of Federal Way FAQ; RCW 46.63.220(16).
Does Federal Way's school zone camera only enforce during school hours?
School zone speed cameras in Federal Way activate based on the school zone's flashing yellow beacon signals. The city FAQ states the speed limit is reduced to 20 MPH 'when the lights are flashing, regardless of whether children are present or not present.' In Federal Way, if the beacons were not flashing when your citation was issued, you have a potential defense worth raising at a contested hearing. Source: City of Federal Way FAQ.
Can a Federal Way school zone camera fine be reduced or waived?
Yes. Unlike officer-issued school zone tickets (which state law prohibits from being waived, mitigated, or reduced), school zone photo enforcement fines in Federal Way can be waived, mitigated, or reduced at a mitigation hearing. The judge can waive the fine to prevent 'a gross injustice.' Request a mitigation hearing on your notice coupon within 30 days. Source: City of Federal Way FAQ.
Where do Federal Way school zone speed cameras operate?
As of the 2019 annual report, cameras operated at Twin Lakes Elementary (SW 320th Street EB/WB), Panther Lake Elementary (1st Ave. S. NB/SB), and Saghalie Middle School (21st Ave SW NB/SB and SW Campus Drive EB/WB). The 2020 Mirror article references four school zones — the fourth is unconfirmed. Check your citation for the specific location and call 1-866-790-4111 if you have questions about the camera location.
Will a Federal Way school zone camera ticket show up on my driving record?
No. Camera tickets are treated the same as parking violations under Washington law (RCW 46.63.220(16)) and will not appear on your driving record. They carry no license points and have no insurance impact. The city FAQ explicitly states there is 'no reason to defer a photo enforcement ticket because the violation will never appear on your driving record.' Source: City of Federal Way FAQ; RCW 46.63.220(16).
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ParkingFight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available Washington statutes, Federal Way program documents, and primary-source research as of 2026-06-07. Verify current rules with your court or a licensed attorney.