The city opened a 45-day window to “correct unsafe driving behavior” before fines begin in June.
REDMOND, Wash. — Speed cameras are now monitoring three Redmond school zones, and after a 45-day warning period, police will begin issuing tickets.
The cameras are located outside Redmond High School, Redmond Middle School and Rose Hill Middle School.
“There have been issues with speeding and it is a concern because we have a lot of kids out here,” said Joanna Kim, who lives near Rose Hill.
A January 2025 speed survey found more than half of drivers near Rose Hill Middle School were clocked going 6 mph or more over the limit. At Redmond High School and Redmond Middle School, that figure was about one in five.
Between 2019 and 2024, 47 crashes were reported in Redmond school zones.
“I have a new baby. I think about this as a new parent,” said Dillon Frederick, who also lives near Rose Hill. “You can never go wrong with extra safety. This is a school zone. It’s definitely a good idea, especially with all the kids walking around here. A lot of the kids here walk home.”
The warning period runs through June 11, with fines beginning June 12.
Cameras activate only when school zone lights are flashing, typically 30 minutes before school and after school until 5 p.m. on school days. The city said only the vehicle and license plate are recorded because state law prohibits capturing faces. Photos are taken only when a violation occurs.
Drivers caught going 6 mph or more over the 20 mph school zone limit face fines of $110 to $250. Fine revenue will go toward local safety improvements, including crosswalks and signage.
“The fine? Yeah, it sucks, but you could be saving a life at the same time,” Frederick said.
Violations will not appear on a driver’s record or be reported to insurance companies.
While the cameras near Redmond Middle School and Redmond High School are on streets directly in front of the buildings, the Rose Hill cameras are located a few blocks away on 140th Avenue NE.
“Although I’m sure it’s going to be helpful, I don’t think it’s the most ideal spot,” Kim said, adding she believes the cameras should be closer to the main entrance. “We just get a lot of people picking up kids, they’re busy, rushing and speeding. We do hear a lot of honking and frustrated people trying to maneuver around. I do think it would be more helpful to have the camera closer.”
Orting launched its own 30-day warning period Monday, with cameras covering Washington Avenue North outside three schools. Both cities use the same vendor, NovoaGlobal.
“Speeding is a preventable contributor to fatal crashes and serious injuries,” said Carlos Lofstedt, president and CEO of NovoaGlobal. “We’re proud to partner with these communities to deploy technology that promotes safer driving and helps protect lives.”
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