How to Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in Tacoma, WA (2026)
Tacoma's automated traffic program includes speed cameras at school zone and general-road locations, operating alongside the red-light camera program under RCW 46.63.220. The speed component covers 4 school zone camera approaches and 1 general-road speed camera: Pacific Ave at S 52nd St (WATCSZ03, WATCSZ04 — school zone; 5,022 citations in 2024); N 26th St at N Orchard (WATCSZ05 — school zone; 1,231 citations in 2024); and 2990 Block Bay St NB (WATCFS01 — general road speed camera; 29,805 citations in 2024, the highest-volume camera in the program). The same RCW 46.63.220 framework applies: civil citations, no DMV points, no insurance impact, $145 fine cap for general road (up to $290 for school zone speed, effective January 1, 2026), 14-day mailing deadline, 30-day contest window, ZeroFatality.com for evidence review, Pierce County District Court for contested hearings. The program is expanding with additional cameras planned for 2026.
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Tacoma Speed Camera Fines
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Speed camera violation — general roadEffective January 1, 2026. RCW 46.63.220. Civil — no DMV points, no insurance impact. | Up to $145 |
| Speed camera violation — school zoneSchool zone speed camera violations carry a higher cap — up to $290. Effective January 1, 2026. RCW 46.63.220. | Up to $290 |
| Income reduction (first violation, public assistance recipients)First-time violators demonstrating public assistance program participation may qualify for a 50% reduction. Contact ZeroFatality.com or Pierce County District Court. | 50% reduction available |
How to Contest a Tacoma Speed Camera Ticket
Where: Pierce County District Court, 930 Tacoma Ave. S, Room 239, Tacoma, WA 98402
How / where to file: Pierce County District Court, 930 Tacoma Ave. S, Room 239, Tacoma, WA 98402. Evidence: ZeroFatality.com. Phone: see citation notice.
Tacoma Deadline
30 days from the date of the notice to contest or pay. Notice must be mailed within 14 days of the violation under RCW 46.63.220. Use the dates on your specific notice.
Review your evidence at ZeroFatality.com. To contest, follow notice instructions to request a hearing at Pierce County District Court (930 Tacoma Ave. S, Room 239). Defenses: notice mailed more than 14 days after violation (RCW 46.63.220 deadline); vehicle stolen or sold; calibration challenge; camera not in approved school zone during school hours; income-based 50% reduction (first violation, public assistance).
Notable Speed Camera Locations in Tacoma
- 2990 Block Bay St NB — WATCFS01; general road speed camera; 29,805 citations in 2024 (highest volume in program)
- Pacific Ave at S 52nd St — WATCSZ03 and WATCSZ04; school zone speed; 5,022 combined citations in 2024
- N 26th St at N Orchard — WATCSZ05; school zone speed; 1,231 citations in 2024
Tacoma Speed Camera — By the Numbers
Tacoma's 2990 Block Bay St NB speed camera (WATCFS01) issued 29,805 citations in 2024 — the highest-volume camera in the city's entire automated enforcement program (City of Tacoma 2024 camera program data).
Pacific Ave at S 52nd St (WATCSZ03 + WATCSZ04 school zone speed cameras) issued 5,022 combined citations in 2024 (City of Tacoma 2024 camera program data).
N 26th St at N Orchard (WATCSZ05 school zone speed camera) issued 1,231 citations in 2024 (City of Tacoma 2024 camera program data).
Tacoma school zone speed camera violations carry a fine of up to $290 (effective January 1, 2026). General road speed camera violations carry a fine of up to $145. Both are civil under RCW 46.63.220 — no DMV points (RCW 46.63.220; City of Tacoma).
Tacoma's automated camera program was expanding in 2026, with additional camera locations planned (City of Tacoma 2026 program plans).
50,988 total citations were issued across all Tacoma automated cameras in 2024 (City of Tacoma 2024 camera program data).
Which Washington defenses apply to your ticket?
Tacoma speed cameras operate under RCW 46.63.220, so all Washington state-level defenses apply — including the 14-day mailing deadline, the registered-owner liability structure, and the fine caps. This page adds Tacoma speed-specific information: WATCFS01 at 2990 Bay St NB (general road; 29,805 2024 citations); WATCSZ03/04 at Pacific Ave/S 52nd (school zone; 5,022 2024 citations); WATCSZ05 at N 26th/N Orchard (school zone; 1,231 2024 citations); the $145 (road) and $290 (school zone) fine caps (effective Jan 1, 2026); and the 2026 program expansion. Distinct from Seattle's speed camera program (different vendor, different court, different fine schedule) and from Tacoma's red-light program (different camera IDs and locations, same court and portal).
See all Washington speed camera defenses →Tacoma Speed Camera Ticket FAQ
Where is the Bay Street speed camera in Tacoma?
The Bay Street speed camera (WATCFS01) is at the 2990 block of Bay Street, northbound. It was the highest-volume camera in Tacoma's entire program in 2024 with 29,805 citations. It is a general-road speed camera, not a school zone camera.
How much is a Tacoma school zone speed camera ticket?
School zone speed camera violations carry a fine of up to $290 (effective January 1, 2026). General road speed camera violations carry a fine of up to $145. Both are civil under RCW 46.63.220 — no DMV points, no insurance impact.
How do I contest a Tacoma speed camera ticket?
Review your evidence at ZeroFatality.com. To contest, follow instructions on the notice to request a hearing at Pierce County District Court (930 Tacoma Ave. S, Room 239, Tacoma, WA 98402). You have 30 days from the notice date. If the notice was mailed more than 14 days after the violation, that is grounds to contest under RCW 46.63.220.
Are Tacoma speed cameras expanding in 2026?
Yes. Tacoma's automated camera program was expanding in 2026 with additional cameras planned, building on the existing red-light and speed camera infrastructure.
Does Tacoma have red-light cameras as well?
Yes. Tacoma operates both red-light cameras and speed cameras under RCW 46.63.220. See the Tacoma red-light camera section on this page for the 9 red-light camera locations.
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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, Tacoma program documents, and primary-source research as of 2026-06-07. Verify current rules with your court or a licensed attorney.