Photo Enforcement

A mitigation hearing is a hearing for you to admit to the violation, but explain the circumstances to the judge to request a reduction of the amount of your fine. After hearing your case the judge may (or may not) reduce the penalty.  You must submit your request for a mitigation hearing within thirty-three (33) days of the date you receive the notice.

1.  Electronic Mitigation (e-Mitigation)

An e-Mitigation written response allows to you complete an online form and email it to the court, explaining the circumstances of your violation. The judge will review your response and make a decision on your case. You will receive the court's decision via mail.  To request an e-Mitigation written response, please click the link below. Complete the form, then email it to us.    

e-Mitigation written response

2.  Mitigation by Mail

You may also request a mitigation hearing by mail. If you choose this option, then within fifteen (18) days from the date you received your notice, you must check the “Mitigation Hearing” block on the notice, write a letter to the court explaining the circumstances of your violation, and mail the notice and the letter to the address shown below. You may also print/fill out the hearing by mail form and mail this with your copy of the ticket.  A judge will review your response and make a decision on your case. You will receive the court's decision by mail at the address provided.

Mail the letter and your copy of the notice to:

Puyallup Municipal Court
 929 E Main St, Suite 120
 Puyallup, WA 98372

3.  Mitigation Hearing at the Courthouse

To have your hearing in front of a judge, then within fifteen (18) days from the date that you received your notice, you must check the “Mitigation Hearing” block on the notice and mail that copy to the address shown below or you may submit your request for a hearing before a judge by clicking the link below. You will receive a hearing notice with the date and time of your hearing. The notice will be mailed to the address provided or what the court has on file for the registered owner.  Please note, that at this time, infraction hearings are being held via Zoom.

Request mitigation hearing to appear before a Judge

Puyallup Municipal Court
929 E Main St, Suite 120
Puyallup, WA 98372

A contested hearing is a hearing you request if you do not believe you committed the infraction and want to explain your case to the judge. 

Please note: contested hearings by email or mail are not available if you intend to subpoena witnesses.

Hearing requests must be submitted to the court within thirty-three (33) days from the date you receive the ticket.

Before submitting a request for a contested hearing, review all the options for responding to your ticket. 

You may submit your request for a hearing by clicking the link below

1.  Request a contested hearing to appear before a Judge

2.  Electronic Request for Contested Hearing

An e-Contested written response allows you to complete an online form and email it to the court explaining the circumstances of your violation.  The Judge will review your response and make a decision on your case.  You will receive the court's decision via mail.  To submit an e-Contested written response, please click the link below. Complete the form, then email it to us.

3.  Respond via e-Contested 

You may also request a contested hearing by mail. If you choose this option, then within fifteen (18) days from the date you received your notice, you must check the “Contested Hearing” block on your copy of the notice and mail it to the address shown below. You must clearly state that you wish your hearing to proceed via the court’s contested hearing by mail option or a hearing before a judge will be scheduled.  You may print a hearing by mail form and mail with a copy of your notice.  

Mail your completed copy of the notice to:

Puyallup Municipal Court
 929 E Main, Suite 120
 Puyallup, WA 98372

FAQs

What is a red light camera?

Red light cameras are installed at various intersections within the City of Puyallup. These cameras are utilized as a means of encouraging safe driving behavior and discouraging unsafe driving habits, such as "running" a red light. Red light camera infractions are processed similar to parking violations. They are not reported to the Department of Licensing and do not appear on your driving record. They can however delay the renewal of your vehicle tabs if you have two or more unpaid violations. 

You must respond within 18 days to the notice either by

1) sending payment;

2) requesting a hearing; or

3) Submit the Declaration that’s attached to your notice 

Please note, if you submit the Declaration it generally takes 3 - 4 weeks for review and response.

Why did I get a notice?

From reviewing the video recording by the traffic camera, it has been determined that, on the date and time listed in the citation, your vehicle failed to come to a full stop while facing a red light signal at the clearly marked stop line.

A photo infraction is issued to the owner(s) on the vehicle registration. You can view the photo online by going to www.Violationinfo.com and entering the PIN number on your Notice of Infraction.

What if I was not the driver who failed to stop at the red light?

It is presumed, under state law, that the registered owner is the person to have operated the vehicle during the time of the infraction. However, there are situations in which this may not be the case. In these situations, the registered owner may submit a Declaration of Non-Liability, under oath, to the court that the vehicle involved was either stolen or that it was under the care, custody, or control of a person other than the registered owner. You may submit this Declaration to rebut the presumption. This Declaration form is located in your Notice of Infraction. You can also submit it online.

How much is the fine?

The fine is $124.00. Failure to pay the fine will result in referral to collections, which may impose additional penalties and fees.

Does a photo ticket go on my driving record?

No, photo enforcement tickets for red lights are NOT reported to the Department of Licensing and will not become a part of your driving record.

Does my car insurance company get notified?

No. Red light tickets are considered a civil infraction and are therefore not reported to insurance agencies.

 Can I make payments on my red light ticket?

The Municipal Court can provide an extension of your due date.  If your ticket is not in collections, the court can schedule an extension by visiting the clerk’s office during regular office hours, calling 253-841-5450 , or emailing us with your request.  Please be ready to provide your infraction # when contacting the court.  If you opt to pay rather than appear for your hearing, you must contact the court prior to your hearing to make arrangements.   

What if my ticket is in collections? Who do I contact and what do I do?

The primary collection agent for Puyallup Court is Dynamic Collections located at 790 So Market Boulevard, in Chehalis, Washington. Their phone number is 1-800-464-3457. 

If your ticket is in collections and you feel there are compelling reasons that caused a late response or nonappearance, you may submit a letter of “show cause” to the judge for consideration pursuant to IRLJ (Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction) 3.2(b).  You can also download the form online.