Seattle Traffic Ticket & DUI Lawyer
Seattle Traffic Offenses: What Drivers Need to Know
Seattle enforces traffic laws vigorously—both civil infractions and criminal offenses. Some unique local considerations for Seattle drivers include:
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Automated Enforcement Expansion: Seattle has the most extensive camera enforcement program in Washington, including red-light, speed (especially school zones), bus lane, and block-the-box cameras. New locations are coming online every year, and the city continues to expand coverage to reduce crashes and congestion.
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No Right on Red: Seattle is aggressively rolling out “No Turn on Red” signs citywide. As of 2024, over 300 intersections (especially in downtown and high-pedestrian areas) prohibit right turns on red, and violations are commonly cited.
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Vision Zero & Speed Limit Reductions: Residential streets are now 20 MPH by default, and many arterials are 25 MPH. Enforcement is common, particularly in school and safety zones.
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Targeted Patrols & Emphasis Missions: SPD and WSP conduct regular patrols for speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and DUIs—often with extra attention near schools, downtown, and high-traffic corridors.
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Street Racing & Reckless Driving: Seattle Police and City Prosecutors target street racing and exhibition driving with strict enforcement, vehicle impounds, and criminal charges.
Why Choose Our Traffic Defense Team?
Since 1997, The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden has defended thousands of drivers across Seattle and King County. Our team brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case—traffic tickets, DUIs, CDL violations, suspended licenses, and more. We know Seattle courts, local prosecutors, and how to get results for drivers facing real consequences.
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Available 24/7 – Immediate help when you need it
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Local Experience – Decades practicing in Seattle Municipal and King County District Courts
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Full-Service Defense – From civil infractions to criminal traffic charges
Why Choose The Law Offices of Barbara Bowden?
Local Knowledge
Deep familiarity with Seattle law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors.
Court Appearance for You
Ability to appear on your behalf—minimizing your time off work.
Proven Results
10,000+ cases defended and 170+ 5-star reviews.
Dismissals & Reductions
Regularly secure dismissals, reductions, and amendments to non-moving violations.
Procedural Expertise
Thorough understanding of Seattle court procedures, virtual hearings, and technical defenses.
About Automated Traffic Enforcement in Seattle
Seattle uses automated cameras for:
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Red-Light Cameras: Installed at 23+ intersections; violations trigger mailed tickets.
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Speed Cameras: Active in 19+ school zones (doubling to 38 in 2025); expanding to major corridors and block-the-box intersections.
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Bus Lane & Block-the-Box Cameras: Strictly enforced in transit lanes and key intersections.
Key points for camera tickets:
Civil Infractions
These are civil infractions, similar to parking tickets—no impact on your driving record or insurance rates.
Fines & Payment
Fines range from $75 (block-the-box) to $237 (school zone speed). Payment plans or income-based reductions may be available.
Not the Driver?
If you were not the driver, you can submit a Declaration of Non-Responsibility.
Contesting Tickets
All camera tickets can be contested or mitigated, often via virtual (WebEx) hearings.
Seattle Municipal Court Procedures & What to Expect
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30 Days to Respond: After a ticket, you typically have 30 days to respond. Miss the deadline and you risk extra fines and license suspension.
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No Hearing by Phone: You must respond online, in writing, or in person; phone requests aren’t accepted.
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Mitigation vs. Contested Hearings:
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Mitigation (admit violation, seek lower fine): stays on your record.
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Contested (challenge violation): judge decides based on evidence and officer/camera affidavit.
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Prosecutors Not Present for Infractions: Most cases use only judge and sworn officer/camera statement, unless subpoenaed.
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Virtual Hearings Available: Most infractions and camera tickets can be handled by WebEx; contested hearings may require officer or technician testimony.
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Legal Representation: Attorneys can appear for infractions; public defenders are provided only for criminal charges.
For criminal traffic offenses (DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, DWLS):
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Cases prosecuted by Seattle City Attorneys (Seattle Municipal Court) or King County Prosecutors (District Court).
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Right to a public defender if you can’t afford private counsel.
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Pretrial conditions may include probation, ignition interlock, or alcohol monitoring.
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Deferred prosecution and some diversion programs available for qualifying DUI cases.
Seattle DUI Lawyer
A DUI arrest in Seattle can impact your job, finances, and freedom. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or prescription-related, our DUI defense includes:
First and Repeat Offenses
Defense strategies tailored for both first-time and repeat DUI charges.
Under-21 DUI
Specialized representation for drivers under the legal drinking age facing DUI accusations.
Field Sobriety & Breath Test Defense
Challenging field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results for accuracy and procedure.
CDL & Commercial Driver DUIs
Focused defense for commercial drivers whose livelihood is at risk from DUI charges.
Deferred Prosecution & Negotiation
Exploring deferred prosecution and negotiating for reduced penalties when possible.
We handle both Tacoma Municipal Court and Pierce County District Court DUIs. Our attorneys review every detail—police reports, stop legality, breathalyzer results, prior offenses—to build a strong defense and pursue reduced penalties or dismissals.
FAQs About Seattle Tickets & DUIs
Are Seattle’s red-light and speed camera tickets reportable to insurance?
No. They don’t affect your insurance or driving record, but unpaid fines can block car registration renewal.
How do I fight a Seattle speeding ticket or camera ticket?
Contact us before your deadline. We’ll review the ticket, police report, and evidence; we may subpoena officers or camera technicians if needed.
What happens if I miss my court date in Seattle?
Fines increase, and your license can be suspended. Call us immediately for help reopening your case.
Can I get a DUI dismissed in Seattle?
Yes, if there are flaws in the stop, testing, or police procedure. We’ve achieved dismissals and significant reductions for Seattle clients.
Are there new traffic laws or speed limits in Seattle?
Yes, Seattle lowered most neighborhood speed limits to 20 MPH and arterial speed limits to 25 MPH, expanded “No Turn on Red” zones, and increased enforcement in safety and school zones.
Ready to Get Help? Let’s Talk.
We’re not here to judge — we’re here to defend. Our Lakewood office is easily accessible from Seattle via I-5. We serve drivers in Seattle, Bellevue, Shoreline, and all of King County. Fill out our online form or call for immediate help.