Welcome to our online open house!
Learn about the Highway Speed Camera Pilot Program, locations, how it works and provide feedback.
Beginning in March, the Washington State Department of Transportation will place automated speed cameras on two state highways to test their ability to slow down speeding drivers and encourage people to drive safely. During the 2024 legislative session, WSDOT received funding for this pilot program.
WSDOT is working with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to reduce the number of speed-related crashes. Two cameras placed in different parts of the state will record information about speeding vehicles. Those found speeding will receive courtesy notices through the mail asking them to slow down.
No tickets or fines will be sent. This is not a moving violation, and it will not be reported to insurance. The courtesy notices will share information about how much a speeding ticket would cost and emphasize a safety message.
Why are the cameras necessary?
Safety: The goal of this program is to change driver behavior, prevent collisions and injuries and save lives. In 2023, the state saw an increase in the number of collisions, including fatal and serious injury crashes – 346 collisions on state highways cost 392 people their lives. And that doesn’t include the crashes and deaths that took place on city and county roads.
Total crashes on Washington highways over the last few years:
- 2021: 48,167
- 2022: 47,386
- 2023: 48,121
Where will the cameras be placed?
- Southbound Interstate 5 between Cook and Bow Hill roads in Skagit County
- Eastbound I-90 near Liberty Lake Road near Liberty Lake in Spokane County
Why were these locations selected?
Many factors went into selecting locations for this pilot project. The team looked at crash data between 2019-23 and targeted locations with higher numbers of collisions where speed was a factor. The team also considered how many of those crashes led to fatal or serious injuries.
Test locations need a corridor with enough space between on- and off-ramps to obtain accurate data and also needed a certain number of lanes. The trailer-mounted cameras require a flat area with enough space in the WSDOT right of way to accommodate the equipment and allow for easy access. Traffic volumes and speed limits were also factors.
Pilot program photographs
Cameras will photograph vehicles traveling faster than the posted speed limit and capture images of the vehicle, its license plate and related information. A courtesy notice will be sent to the registered owner of vehicles found to be speeding. Drivers will not be photographed. The digital images will only be used for courtesy notices and none of the images will be stored or used for other purposes. Signs will be in place to warn drivers about the cameras.
Speed camera programs are common in cities and counties and the state recently launched a camera program to slow speeders in work zones. However, this is the first time cameras have been used this way on Washington highways.
How is speed calculated?
Cameras will calculate a vehicle’s speed using the average speed method. This technique involves setting up two cameras at each location and tracking the time it takes a vehicle to travel between two different measure points. The vehicle’s average rate of speed between those two measure points will be used to gather a speed measurement. The cameras will hover 19 feet over the roadway from trailers placed on the side of the road. Once placed, they will remain in those locations until the project is complete.
where cameras will be placed.
What should people expect?
The camera program will begin in March. WSDOT will announce the start of the program and signs will let drivers know that cameras are located nearby. If a vehicle is flagged as speeding, a courtesy will letter be sent to the registered owner within a few weeks.
The cameras will be dismantled and removed by the end of June. After the program is completed, data about speeds and travel patterns in both areas will be collected and reported to the Legislature.
What should people do if they get a courtesy notice in the mail?
There is no need to respond to the notice. This program’s goal is to remind drivers to slow down. While the notice contains information about possible fines for speeding, it is just a courtesy notice meant to save lives by preventing collisions. Drivers can share their thoughts about the program on our feedback page or by email.
Safe Systems Approach to safety
This project supports WSDOT’s commitment to the Safe Systems Approach. The goal is to reduce the potential for severe and fatal crashes by designing safer roads and encouraging safer behaviors through planning, programming, design and operations using proven safety management practices.
Timeline
- Mid-March
Cameras installed along I-5 and I-90. - Early April
Cameras begin tracking vehicle speeds. - June
Program complete; public feedback to be shared with legislators in the fall.