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a113/2021 RCW 46.63.170: Automated traffic safety cameras—Definition. (<i>Effective until June 30, 2423.</i>) <br />RCW 46.63.170 <br />Automated traffic safety cameras—Definition. (Effective until June 30, 2023} <br />(1) The use of automated traffic safety cameras for issuance of notices of infraction is subject to <br />the following requirements: <br />(a) Except for proposed locations used solely for the pilot program purposes permitted under <br />subsection (6) of this section, the appropriate local legislative authority must prepare an analysis of the <br />locations within the jurisdiction where automated traffic safety cameras are proposed to be located: (i) <br />Before enacting an ordinance allowing for the initial use of automated traffic safety cameras; and (ii) <br />before adding additional cameras or relocating any existing camera to a new location within the <br />jurisdiction. Automated traffic safety cameras may be used to detect one or more of the following: <br />Stoplight, railroad crossing, or school speed zone violations; speed violations subject to (c) of this <br />subsection; or violations included in subsection (6) of this section for the duration of the pilot program <br />authorized under subsection (6) of this section. At a minimum, the local ordinance must contain the <br />restrictions described in this section and provisions for public notice and signage. Cities and counties <br />using automated traffic safety cameras before July 24, 2005, are subject to the restrictions described in <br />this section, but are not required to enact an authorizing ordinance. Beginning one year after June 7, <br />2012, cities and counties using automated traffic safety cameras must post an annual report of the <br />number of traffic accidents that occurred at each location where an automated traffic safety camera is <br />located as well as the number of notices of infraction issued for each camera and any other relevant <br />information about the automated traffic safety cameras that the city or county deems appropriate on the <br />city's or county's web site. <br />(b) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection and subsection (6) of this section, use of <br />automated traffic safety cameras is restricted to the following locations only: (i) Intersections of two or <br />more arterials with traffic control signals that have yellow change interval durations in accordance with <br />RCW 47.36.022, which interval durations may not be reduced after placement of the camera; (ii) railroad <br />crossings; and (iii) school speed zones. <br />(c) Any city west of the Cascade mountains with a population of more than one hundred ninety- <br />five thousand located in a county with a population of fewer than one million five hundred thousand may <br />operate an automated traffic safety camera to detect speed violations subject to the following limitations: <br />(i) A city may only operate one such automated traffic safety camera within its respective <br />jurisdiction; and <br />(ii) The use and location of the automated traffic safety camera must have first been authorized <br />by the Washington state legislature as a pilot project for at least one full year. <br />(d) Automated traffic safety cameras may only take pictures of the vehicle and vehicle license <br />plate and only while an infraction is occurring. The picture must not reveal the face of the driver or of <br />passengers in the vehicle. The primary purpose of camera placement is to take pictures of the vehicle <br />and vehicle license plate when an infraction is occurring. Cities and counties shall consider installing <br />cameras in a manner that minimizes the impact of camera flash on drivers. <br />(e) A notice of infraction must be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within fourteen <br />days of the violation, or to the renter of a vehicle within fourteen days of establishing the renter's name <br />and address under subsection (3)(a) of this section. The law enforcement officer issuing the notice of <br />infraction shall include with it a certificate or facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of photographs, <br />microphotographs, or electronic images produced by an automated traffic safety camera, stating the <br />facts supporting the notice of infraction. This certificate or facsimile is prima facie evidence of the facts <br />contained in it and is admissible in a proceeding charging a violation under this chapter. The <br />photographs, microphotographs, or electronic images evidencing the violation must be available for <br />inspection and admission into evidence in a proceeding to adjudicate the liability for the infraction. A <br />person receiving a notice of infraction based on evidence detected by an automated traffic safety camera <br />may respond to the notice by mail. <br />hfps://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.63.170 1/7 <br />