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1. Why did I receive a ticket if I was taking a “free” right hand turn?

If you were making a right-hand turn at the time of the incident, the videotape shows that you failed to come to a complete stop before making the turn as required by R.C.W. 46.61.055.

Free right turns are permitted only after coming to a complete stop before the white stop bar, and if it is safe, you can then proceed if there is no sign prohibiting the turn on a red light. If you were ticketed while making a right turn, the police officer who reviewed the video and issued the ticket determined that you did not come to a complete stop before making the turn, as required by law.

2. Will this go on my driving record or can I be arrested for this ticket?

An infraction detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera is a noncriminal offense for which you cannot go to jail. Like a parking ticket, the infraction is not part of the violator’s driving record. Therefore, a finding that the infraction was committed, either by payment or after a hearing, will not be reported to the Department of Licensing. However, failure to respond to a Notice of infraction, failure to appear for a requested hearing, or failure to pay a penalty imposed after a hearing will be reported to the Department of Licensing and may result in a hold being placed on your vehicle registration and license tabs.

3. What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the infraction?

State law provides that the registered owner of a vehicle is presumed to have operated the vehicle at the time an infraction was detected by an automated traffic safety camera unless the registered owner overcomes the presumption by a statement, under oath, in writing to the court or in testimony before the court that the vehicle involved was, at the time, stolen, or in the care, custody, or control of some person other than the registered owner.

You may submit a sworn statement to the Fife Municipal Court to rebut the presumption, established in RCW 46.63075, that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the infraction. A Declaration of Non-Responsibility is located on Coupon B of the options page with your ticket. Return the completed form to the Fife Municipal Court at:
3737 Pacific Highway E
Fife, WA 98424

You must return the declaration by the due date shown on the front of the Notice of Infraction.

4. What if I sold the car or the car was stolen?

You may submit a sworn statement to that effect to the Fife Municipal Court using coupon B on your notice.

5. What is the fine? Are there any fees for late payments?

The photo red light fine in Fife is $145. If your payment is not received or a hearing is not set prior to the due date indicated on your notice, a $25 late fee may be added to the $145 fine amount.

6. Can I receive infractions for other offenses as a result of my red light camera infraction?

No. Drivers who receive photo red light infractions are cited for red light infractions only.

7. How do I pay my fine?

Pay your ticket online. You will need to know the registered owner’s:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Birthdate
4. Infraction number
5. Fine amount
6. Vehicle license plate number

Mail check or money order payments to:
Fife Municipal Court
3737 Pacific Highway E
Fife, WA 98424

Payments can be made in person by credit/debit card at the Fife Municipal Court kiosk Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A convenience fee will be assessed. A payment box is located in front of the Fife Municipal Court building for after-hours payments by check or money order.

Important Notice

Your payment must be received on or before the due date shown on the front of your Notice of Infraction.

8. Can I view the images or video clip of the infraction?

View the video and images online. The recorded video and images of this incident will be submitted as evidence in the municipal court proceeding for the prosecution of this infraction. You will need:

• City code: FIFEWA
• License plate number
• Notice number

Videos may also be viewed on the kiosk in the lobby of the Fife Municipal Court during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday.

9. What is the optimum connection speed when viewing my infraction online?

The optimum connection speed for infraction videos is anything in excess of 54 megabytes per second. For best results, if you are experiencing intermittent stop/start of the video, run the video through one time and then restart the video after it has had an opportunity to play all the way through. This will help to even out the streaming when problems surface with slower connection speeds. Generally, you will be able to watch the entire video the second time it is played without interruption.

10. How can I request a hearing?

To request a hearing, use the coupon on your notice of infraction. Your hearing options include:

• A hearing to explain the circumstances: By requesting a mitigation hearing, you will be deemed to have committed the infraction. You may not subpoena witnesses for this hearing. You would request a mitigation hearing if you agree you committed the infraction but believe the circumstances may be such that the court could reduce or waive the penalty.
• A hearing to contest the infraction: If you believe you did not commit the infraction then you should select a contested hearing. Unless you request the officer to be subpoenaed, the procedure at the hearing will be for the Judge to read the sworn statement and watch the video clip. Then you may testify or present any evidence or witnesses that you wish. If you want to have the officer or any technician present, you must advise the Clerk at the time you present your ticket or as soon thereafter as possible so the hearing can be appropriately scheduled.

11. Can I have my hearing in writing, by mail?

You may present your circumstances to the Court by mail. Please use the Declaration for Mitigation form (DOC). You can mail it in with your hearing request. You will be notified by mail of the Court’s decision, the penalty amount, and the date that the penalty is due. Make sure to respond timely, according to the due date on your infraction.

12. How long does it take to get an infraction in the mail?

Whenever an infraction is photographed by an automatic traffic safety camera, a notice of infraction is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 14 days of the infraction, or to the renter of a vehicle within 14 days of establishing the renter’s name and address.