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1. Why has Bothell installed School Zone Speed Safety Cameras?

Speeding is dangerous and often deadly. In 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 12,330 fatalities where at least one driver was speeding, 29 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year. An estimated 326,000 people were injured in speeding-related crashes.

A vehicle’s level of speed also has a significant impact on a pedestrian’s level of risk for severe injury or death. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 m.p.h. is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed, compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 m.p.h.

The City of Bothell and the Bothell Police Department have partnered with Verra Mobility to utilize state-of-the-art speed safety cameras to help decrease potential violations at school zone locations. Speed safety cameras are proven to be effective in reducing crashes as well as pedestrian-related injuries. Most importantly, communities that use speed safety cameras consistently report safer roads around their schools.

According to USDOT, speed safety cameras can reduce crashes by over 50%.

The use of school zone speed safety cameras in Bothell was authorized under the State statute, RCW 46.61.440 as enforced by Bothell city code 10.65: Speeding in a School Zone.

2. Where can I find more information about my options for responding to a ticket I received in the mail?

The Bothell Municipal Court has much more information available about infractions,  including school-speed-zone infractions.  Whether you need payment options, or wish to contest the infraction,  you will find answers to many questions under Infractions on the Bothell Municipal Court page. 

3. Are there any new street signs to warn drivers that they're approaching a school speed-zone camera?

Yes.   In addition to existing school-zone signs with warning beacons,  new signs have been posted to let drivers know when they're approaching a speed zone that is photo enforced. 

4. What times of day are the warning beacons and cameras activated?

Each school's unique schedule determines the appropriate times of day for the warning beacons (and speed zone cameras) to be activated,  to help keep students safe during peak school traffic times before and after school.  The warning-beacon activation times are different, because each school must consider its own before and after school programs, early-release schedules, and other factors.

The best way to help keep our school zones safe (and avoid school-zone speeding tickets) is to slow down when children are present and observe school-zone signs, including warning beacons.  The speed limit in school zones, when warning beacons are flashing, is 20 mph.   Speed-zone cameras will only be active when warning beacons are flashing.

5. How do the school zone speed safety cameras work?

The City of Bothell utilizes fixed-speed safety systems.

Notice of Infractions are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle after police review and approval of the data and recorded images.

The speed safety camera installations represent state-of-the-art technology that is precise and unbiased in its ability to identify vehicles speeding.

6. What other strategies are being used to encourage safe driving in Bothell school zones?

In addition to the camera enforcement systems in place, Bothell Police Officers will be in our school zones watching for speeding drivers and interacting school safety patrol personnel.    

The Bothell Police Department Traffic Unit also conducts regular emphasis patrols in school zones, and throughout Bothell as part of its ongoing, active role with the Snohomish County Target Zero Task Force,  dedicated to reducing traffic fatalities and deaths to ZERO by 2030 through education and enforcement.  The focus of the task force is impaired driving, distracted driving, pedestrian and bicyclist safety. 

7. Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Please contact the program manager,  Captain Mike Johnson of the Bothell Police Department.