Drivers in Federal Way will soon have to watch their speed near four schools even when classes aren’t in session.
Starting Nov. 1, eight existing school-zone cameras will operate around the clock, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. They’ll continue enforcing the 20 mph speed limit during designated school-zone hours, but will also catch drivers exceeding the regular 35 mph limit at other times.
The city announced it will give drivers a month’s warning period. Those caught speeding outside school-zone hours in November will receive warnings rather than tickets. Beginning Dec. 1, violations could bring fines of up to $290. Tickets will continue to be issued during designated school-zone hours throughout November.
The cameras monitor traffic in both directions at four locations:
- SW Campus Drive at TAF@Saghalie
- 21st Avenue SW at TAF@Saghalie
- First Avenue South at Panther Lake Elementary School
- SW 320th Street at Twin Lakes Elementary School
- The city says the expanded enforcement is intended to slow drivers down near schools and make the streets safer for children and other pedestrians.
Check Federal Way’s school speed-zone schedule for the hours when the 20 mph limit applies.
