Traffic-camera violations in Tacoma just got more expensive. Here’s how much
The city of Tacoma increased the maximum penalty for traffic camera violations from $124 to $145 at the beginning of 2026.
Tacoma has 14 traffic cameras: four school-zone cameras, one speed-zone camera and nine red-light cameras. First-time violators who live in Tacoma and receive public assistance can receive a 50 percent penalty reduction, according to the city.
The increase in the fines came after a City Council vote in December to better align the city’s policies with state law and allow the city to use automated traffic-safety cameras at more locations throughout Tacoma. The expanded traffic-safety program will result in about $540,000 in revenue every year, according to the city.
Money raised from new traffic cameras will go toward traffic-safety projects like road maintenance, infrastructure and construction.
The move comes as residents in Northeast Tacoma have called for the city to invest more resources into making a stretch of road adjacent to the Tideflats safer. Sarah Rumbaugh, who represents Northeast Tacoma on the City Council, lauded the changes to the city’s traffic-safety program in a news release.
“This program will encourage safer driving and it answers a long standing request from the people of Northeast Tacoma.,” Rumbaugh said in the release. “My community has been calling for this since my first days on the Council and I am grateful that the recent change in state law made it possible. When drivers slow down, lives are protected.”
