You Ran a Red Light in Seattle? Don't Sweat It (Too Much), But Here's the Damage
Let's face it, Seattle traffic is no joke. Between the tourists taking selfies at crosswalks and the locals pretending they don't see the rain, it's a wonder anyone makes it anywhere on time. But hey, sometimes you gotta push your luck, right? And sometimes that means pushing a yellow light a little too long. Been there, done that, got the red light camera flash to prove it.
So, you got a red light ticket in Seattle. How much are we talking?
Brace yourself for the not-so-shocking news: it'll set you back $139. Ouch. That's enough to buy a decent cup of coffee (or two, depending on where you go) and a whole lot of regret for ignoring that yellow light.
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| How Much Is A Red Light Ticket In Seattle |
Here's the good news (sort of):
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
- Unlike some cities, a red light camera ticket in Seattle won't go on your driving record. That means no insurance rate hikes (although your mom might give you a stern talking to).
- You have options! You can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person. You can even contest the ticket if you think there's been a mistake (but we're not lawyers, so good luck with that).
But wait, there's more! (The not-so-good news)
- Late fees are no joke. If you don't pay your ticket on time, a $25 late fee will be added to the fine. So, don't forget about it and end up paying more than you have to.
- Unpaid tickets can haunt you. If you leave that ticket sitting in your drawer for too long, the Department of Licensing (DOL) might put a hold on your vehicle registration. Not cool when you're trying to renew your tags, right?
Alright, alright, I get it. How do I avoid this whole mess in the future?
Here are some sage words of advice from your friendly neighborhood traffic law enthusiast (disclaimer: I am not a traffic law enthusiast, but I do use Google):
- Pay attention to the lights! This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised...
- Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. This gives you more time to react when the light changes.
- Don't be afraid to use the brake pedal. It's there for a reason!
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
## Red Light Ticket FAQ
How to contest a red light camera ticket in Seattle?
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You can request a hearing by calling Seattle Municipal Court at (206) 684-5600 or submitting a written request. But be warned, contesting a ticket can be time-consuming and not always successful.
How to pay a red light camera ticket in Seattle?
QuickTip: Break down long paragraphs into main ideas.
You can pay online, by mail, or in person at Seattle Municipal Court. Just be sure to have your citation number handy.
How long do I have to pay a red light camera ticket in Seattle?
The due date will be listed on your citation. Don't be late!
How do I find out more about Seattle's red light camera program?
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
The Seattle Police Department website has a wealth of information on the program, including locations of red light cameras
How to avoid getting a red light ticket in Seattle?
The simplest answer: Obey the traffic laws! But seriously, pay attention to the lights, leave plenty of following distance, and don't be afraid to brake.
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