Bellevue’s Vision Zero Initiative is dedicated to ensuring everyone gets home safely—no matter how they travel. The goal is to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2030. A key part of achieving this goal is encouraging safe speeds. When drivers slow down, everyone benefits. Even small reductions in speed can significantly reduce the likelihood of crashes and the risk of serious injury or deaths.
To support these efforts, in December 2025, the city council directed staff to expand the city’s automated traffic safety camera program. In addition to red-light and school speed zone cameras, the program will now include speed safety cameras at locations with a higher risk of crashes. These locations include areas near hospitals, parks, school walk zones, and corridors with a documented history of speed-related crashes, consistent with state law (RCW 46.63.210-.260).
Staff analyzed 95 candidate sites using crash, speed, and citation data and engaged the community through multiple outreach efforts. For the initial 2026 deployment, the city will install 14 speed safety cameras at the following seven locations.
| 2026 Speed Safety Camera Locations |
|---|
| Bellevue Way SE, adjacent to South Bellevue Park and Ride. |
| Coal Creek Parkway SE, between Forest Drive SE and SE 60th Street. |
| Forest Drive SE, between SE 54th Place and Coal Creek Parkway. |
| 116th Avenue NE, between NE 21st Street and Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake (1845 116th Ave NE) |
| 148th Avenue NE, between NE 13th Place and NE 10th Place |
| Forest Drive SE, between 138th Avenue SE and SE 60th Street |
| NE 8th Street, between 167th Avenue NE and 168th Place NE |
View a map of the seven locations |
This initial phase allows the city to raise public awareness, monitor program effectiveness, and confirm readiness for future deployments, supporting Bellevue’s commitment to Vision Zero.
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Timeline
- Spring 2026
- Notify the public about the first phase of camera installations and install advance warning signs and speed safety cameras.
- Summer 2026
- Activate cameras with a 30-day warning period and begin issuing citations.
- Fall 2026 – early winter 2027
- Monitor camera operations and evaluate program outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were locations selected?
For more information about how these locations were selected, check out this video:
Are speed safety cameras effective at reducing crash risks?
Yes. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, speed safety cameras are an “effective and reliable technology to supplement more traditional methods of enforcement, engineering measures, and education to alter the social norms of speeding.” Jurisdictions that have implemented these cameras have reported crash reductions of up to 54% for all crashes and 48% for injury crashes on urban arterials.
Speed safety cameras are one component of Bellevue’s broader traffic safety strategy. The city is also committed to improving roadway design, lowering speed limits, and expanding public education as part of a Safe System approach to achieving Vision Zero.
When will the new cameras be turned on?
The first new speed safety cameras are expected to be installed and activated in summer 2026. Bellevue will roll out the cameras in phases, beginning with seven locations to evaluate their effectiveness, raise community awareness, and ensure the city can manage the program successfully. Future phases will expand to additional high-risk locations, chosen based on data, equity considerations, and community input.
What speed will trigger a citation?
Citations are issued when a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by 8 mph or more. This threshold is designed to focus on drivers traveling at speeds that pose a real safety risk, while allowing for small, unintentional variations. The goal of the program is safer streets for everyone, not generating revenue.
How will I be notified of the new cameras?
To ensure transparency and public awareness, the city will conduct outreach and provide information before cameras are installed. This includes:
- Advance notifications through city newsletters, website updates, and social media
- Community engagement opportunities to learn about the program and ask questions
- Clearly posted signage near camera locations, as required by law
For future changes—such as relocating transportable units—the city will continue to provide clear public communication in compliance with state law, tailoring outreach based on the scale and nature of the change.
How much will the fines be?
The fine for a school‑zone speed infraction at one of Bellevue's three existing school zones is $248. The fines for all other speed infractions issued are set at $124.
If you are the registered owner of a vehicle that was cited for a photo enforcement infraction and you are a recipient of public assistance under Title 74 RCW or are a participant in the Washington women, infants and children program (WIC), then you may request a 50% reduction in the fine under RCW 46.63.220 (15).
Additional information can be found on the District Court - King County website.
Are these speed cameras the same as Flock cameras?
No. This speed safety camera program is a completely separate and different kind of program. Bellevue is issuing an RFP for the camera expansion. The city's current contract for speed safety technology is with Verra Mobility.
What information can be collected by speed safety cameras?
Speed safety cameras are designed to safeguard public safety while respecting your privacy. They only capture images when a vehicle is detected speeding and, by law, cannot record the faces of drivers or passengers. The data collected typically includes:
- Vehicle speed
- License plate number
- Time and date of the violation
- Location of the violation
The system does not record or store personal driver information beyond what is necessary to process a citation. Additionally, footage captured by speed safety cameras is not available for public release and cannot be used in court proceedings unrelated to civil traffic infractions.
Will photo enforcement tickets affect my driving record or insurance?
No. Automated speed enforcement tickets in Bellevue are classified as civil infractions, similar to parking violations. They do not go on your driving record, nor do they impact your insurance rates.
How does the speed safety camera program promote fairness?
The program enforces speed limits impartially, with fines intentionally lower than standard police tickets to reduce hardship and support compliance. Camera locations are selected to achieve an equitable geographic and demographic distribution across Bellevue, ensuring that no community is disproportionately represented or overburdened by enforcement. Individuals receiving public assistance or involved in the Washington WIC program can request a 50% discount on their initial fine and any others within 21 days [see RCW 46.63.2200].
