The Seattle City Council has unanimously approved legislation to overhaul how revenue from automated traffic cameras is used, shifting funds toward traffic safety and critical sidewalk repairs. Council Bill 120971 changes the city’s financial policy to allocate 70% of traffic camera revenue to the general fund and the remaining 30% to a newly created Automated Traffic Camera Fund.
The bill, introduced by Councilmember Rob Saka, marks a decrease from the original 80% general fund allocation. A more contentious vote passed 5-3, reducing that figure and setting aside more funds for infrastructure. Under the new structure, at least 15% of non-general fund revenue will go toward new sidewalks and repairs. The rest will support broader traffic safety efforts.
Councilmember Saka noted the importance of targeting camera placements where speeding is prevalent, especially in neighborhoods previously impacted by illegal street racing. He emphasized that revenue from these devices will now directly contribute to fixing Seattle’s aging and incomplete sidewalk network.
The bill also updates city code to align with 2024 statewide legislation that expanded the authorized uses for traffic camera revenue and permitted civilian processing of citations. This expansion allows Seattle Department of Transportation employees and non-officers to handle infractions caught on camera, improving enforcement efficiency.
Originally launched in 2020, Seattle’s traffic camera programs were focused on “block the box” violations, transit lane misuse, and restricted lane access. However, past restrictions limited how the city could use the resulting fines. The updated policy under Council Bill 120971 lifts those limitations and introduces a 30-day grace period for new camera systems, issuing warnings instead of immediate $237 fines—a measure intended to protect low-income drivers.
The legislation now awaits Mayor Bruce Harrell’s signature. If signed, it will take effect 30 days later.
