Speeding and Too Fast for Conditions Traffic Tickets, Speeding in a School Zone

Traffic laws in Tacoma, Washington, can be complex, especially when it comes to speeding violations, requiring a good understanding of state statutes and local regulations. Speeding tickets aren’t just a minor inconvenience, either. They can lead to substantial fines, insurance hikes, and even license suspension when left unchecked.

Each violation you receive carries serious consequences under Washington law. If you’ve recently received a citation in Pierce County, understanding your rights and options is the first step toward protecting your driving record and even your wallet.

Speeding charges in Washington fall under RCW 46.61.400. This requires drivers to operate their vehicles at speeds that are reasonable and prudent based on road, traffic, and weather conditions. You can be ticketed for exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions, even if you’re under the speed limit.

This statute also governs school zone speeding and sets a strict 20 mph limit during designated hours. Fines often double and can’t be reduced or waived.

These are the main laws that govern speeding and related violations in the state:

• RCW 46.61.400: This covers the basic speed rule and maximum limits.
• RCW 46.61.445: This covers driving too fast for conditions.
• RCW 46.61.440: This covers speeding in school zones.
• RCW 46.63.030: This covers infraction procedures and penalties.

Because each law carries a different penalty, it is important to understand the differences to help fight your ticket more effectively. Your Tacoma traffic attorney can help with this.

All drivers must maintain a reasonable speed based on the current conditions. In Tacoma, this can mean:

• 25 mph in residential and business zones
• 50-60 mph on highways
• 20 mph in school zones

• Driving 35 mph during dense fog
• Failing to slow down during heavy rain or icy roads
• Speeding around a curve in wet conditions

• Speed limit is 20 mph within 300 feet of a school or playground
• Applies during school hours or when children are present
• Fines are doubled and can’t be reduced or waived by the court

You are expected to adjust your speed based on road, weather, and traffic conditions in Tacoma. Even if you’re driving within the posted speed limit, you can still be cited if the speed is considered unsafe for the roads at that time.

Here are some key conditions when this can apply:

• Rain causes reduced visibility, wet roads, and slippery conditions.
• Snow and ice can reduce traction.
• Dense fog can reduce visibility.
• Strong winds can make it harder to control your vehicle.

• Potholes or uneven pavement can increase your risk of losing control.
• Narrow, winding, or poorly maintained roads can cause dangerous situations.
• Slippery roads due to gravel, mud, oil, or sand require reduced speed.

• Heavy traffic
• Sudden stops or lane merging
• Construction zones

• Night driving
• Sun glare

If your ticket was issued in Tacoma or elsewhere in Pierce County, you will most likely have to deal with the Pierce County District Court system. The court doesn’t automatically reduce fines or dismiss tickets; you will have to fight the citation or request a mitigation or a contested hearing.

Your Pierce County traffic attorney can help you by:

• Trying to prevent increased insurance rates
• Appearing in court on your behalf
• Negotiating for the dismissal or reduction of your charges

• Read Over Your Citation: First, read your citation. It should include the specific violation code, RCW, and instructions on how you should respond.
• Decide How You Would Like to Respond: You can pay the fine, which is admitting guilt, and it will go on your record. You also have the option to request a mitigation hearing where you will admit guilt but list the circumstances in hopes of a reduced fine, or you can choose a contested hearing. This is when you can dispute the ticket. However, you will need to present evidence.
• Request a Hearing: If you want a hearing, you usually have to respond within 15 days of receiving the ticket. A late response can result in a license suspension.
• Appear Yourself or Hire an Attorney: If you have an attorney to attend on your behalf, you don’t have to go to court yourself.
• Wait on the Court’s Decision: The judge will look at all the evidence and will decide on an outcome (uphold the ticket, reduce the fine, or dismiss the ticket entirely).

• Fines: These fines may start around $136 and can go up to over $500 for more serious violations.
• Insurance Premiums: Premiums usually rise significantly following a traffic ticket.
• License Suspension: Collecting four violations in 12 months or five in 24 months can result in probation or suspension under RCW 46.20.291.

You can request a deferred finding in some cases. RCW 46.63.070(5)(a) has more information about this. You can keep the ticket off your record if:

• You didn’t have another ticket deferred in the last seven years.
• You comply with all court conditions (which usually means staying ticket-free for 6-12 months).
• You pay the administrative fee.

Your Tacoma attorney can help you request this option, especially if you aren’t familiar with local court procedures.

You may also be able to get the ticket dismissed if:

• The police officer’s notes aren’t complete or are missing information.
• The radar calibration wasn’t properly documented.
• There were procedural errors when the ticket was issued.
• You aren’t the driver shown in a photo-enforced ticket.

The following can raise your insurance rates by hundreds of dollars every year:

• Speeding over 15 mph is considered a serious risk factor.
• If you have multiple violations, they may choose to drop coverage altogether.
• Speeding through school zones or construction zones is considered high-risk behavior.

A skilled and knowledgeable Tacoma traffic attorney can review all the evidence against you and see if the citation might have been issued incorrectly. They can also help you request a deferred finding or contest the ticket in Pierce County Court. The attorney can also negotiate with the court to reduce the fine and represent you to potentially get the ticket dismissed.

The right legal representation can greatly improve your chances of a more successful case overall. So, if you’ve been cited for speeding or driving too fast for conditions in Tacoma, don’t assume the only option you have is to pay the fine.

You have rights and other options to consider. Consulting a knowledgeable traffic attorney can help you keep your record clean and protect those insurance rates.