Photo Enforcement

Speeding and running red lights jeopardize public safety on a daily basis. To counteract this danger, the City of Renton implemented a photo enforcement program in May 2008.

In Phase I, the city installed red light cameras at key intersections. In Phase 2, the city installed a system of sensors to capture speed and cameras to photograph the rear of the violator's vehicle and license plate.

It is important for citizens to know that photo enforcement violations do not get applied to their driving record. The violations are not recorded by the Washington State Department of Licensing. As with a parking ticket, it does not matter who drives the vehicle, it is the registered owner who is responsible for the violation.

Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras have been installed at the following intersections in Renton:

  • Benson Road / Carr Drive / SE Petrovitsky Road
  • SW 43rd and East Valley Road
  • Rainier S and S Grady
  • Sunset N / SR 169 / Bronson Way N
  • Park Avenue North and Logan Avenue North
  • Talbot Road South and South Grady Way
  • Talbot Road South and South Puget Drive

Violations will result in issuance of $124 citations.

School Zone Enforcement

Reduced-speed zones are being used to protect and improve the safety of children walking to and from school. Criteria taken into consideration when setting school zone enforcement standards include the geographical environment of the arterial and school property, age of the students, and speed of vehicles to include standard reactionary time and vehicle stopping distances. School zone flashing beacons have been programmed at the following schools:

  • Benson Hill Elementary School
  • Cascade Elementary School
  • Honey Dew Elementary School
  • Talbot Hill Elementary School
  • McKnight Middle School
  • Maplewood Heights Elementary School

Speed cameras in school zones operate when lights are flashing.

Facts about Red Light Running

  • A crash caused by a driver who runs a red light is more likely to result in serious injury or death.
  • Deaths caused by red light running are increasing at more than three times the rate of increase for all other fatal crashes.
  • More people are injured in crashes involving red light running than in any other crash type.
  • Reduction in red light running through a comprehensive red light camera program will promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of Renton's citizens.
  • Most people run red lights because they are in a hurry, when in fact they only save seconds.
  • Almost all drivers (96%) fear being struck by a red light runner.
  • A majority of Americans (56%) admit to running red lights.
  • Red light runners can be anyone who drives.
  • One in three Americans knows someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash.
  • Red light running is often a result of aggressive driving, and is completely preventable.

Sources: "Stop Red Light Running," Federal Highway Administration Safety Website: R.A. Retting and A.F. Williams, "Characteristics of Red Light Violators: Results of a Field Investigation," Journal of Safety Research (1996): 27.1, 9-15

Renton City Code 10-12-1

  1. The use of automated traffic safety cameras to detect a violation of RMC 10-12-1 is authorized at intersections where two arterial roadways intersect, at railroad crossings, or in school speed zones, subject to the restrictions specified in RCW 46.63.170.

  2. A law enforcement officer has the authority to issue a notice of traffic infraction when the notice of infraction is detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera under RCW 46.63.030 and 46.63.170.

  3. A traffic infraction for violation of this Section, detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera, shall be processed in the same manner as a parking infraction, with a monetary penalty no greater than the amount of a fine issued for other parking infractions within the City of Renton. (Ord. 5290, 6-11-07) 10-12-16 -- 10-12-21: (Rep. by Ord. 4374, 10-26-92)
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