Drivers in Tacoma will see new automated speed enforcement cameras on two corridors the city says have seen high levels of speeding and serious crashes.The City
Drivers in Tacoma will see new automated speed enforcement cameras on two corridors the city says have seen high levels of speeding and serious crashes.
The City of Tacoma is activating two new automated speed enforcement cameras on Sept. 14 as part of its Vision Zero initiative, which aims to improve traffic safety and eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes.
The first cameras to become operational will be located on Norpoint Way NE, with one camera monitoring the uphill direction, and on SR-509/Marine View Drive, with one camera monitoring the southbound direction.
A one-month warning period will begin when the cameras are activated. During that time, drivers traveling above the posted speed limit will receive warning notices instead of citations. After the warning period, violations captured by the cameras will result in $145 civil infractions.
"You don't get a citation if you're going 1, 2, 3, even 4 miles over the speed limit. You have to be speeding, and I believe as a society we all agree: if you're going 10 plus over the speed limit, you should probably get a citation," Carrie Wilhelme, the City of Tacoma Principal Transportation Planner, said.
“Our goal is to protect lives and make sure everyone who travels Tacoma’s roads can get where they’re going safely,” said District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh. “Following the speed limit is one of the simplest things drivers can do to make our streets safer. That’s especially important along this part of SR-509, where you have delivery vehicles, large commercial vehicles, fuel trucks, passenger cars, young drivers, and people who may be unfamiliar with the road and its conditions. This camera is one tool to encourage safer driving and reduce the risk of serious crashes.”
Tacoma Mayor Anders Ibsen said the city has heard ongoing complaints about dangerous driving. “We’ve heard countless concerns about speeding, drag racing, and Tacoma residents feeling unsafe while navigating our streets,” Ibsen said. “These cameras are one additional tool to make our streets safer, alongside the great work already being done by our law enforcement officers and traffic design engineers.”
Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell said he expects the cameras to support the city’s Vision Zero goals and emphasized how revenue will be used. “I’m looking forward to the safety improvements these traffic cameras will bring to our community,” Bushnell said. “After hearing from so many residents about reckless driving and preventable, severe crashes, it’s clear we need these to support our Vision Zero goals. I’m particularly pleased with the accountability and transparency measures that are in place to show the community that every dollar generated goes directly back into local traffic safety improvements.”
The city said Washington state law limits automated enforcement camera images to the vehicle and license plate only. The images are used solely for enforcement of the traffic violation and are deleted when no longer needed.
Tacoma said an additional six new speed cameras will be activated in phases beginning in January 2027 at South Sprague Avenue, Pacific Avenue, and Portland Avenue, with two cameras planned for each corridor, one in each direction.
The city’s automated enforcement program also includes school zone speed cameras and red-light cameras located throughout Tacoma.
