Seattle Municipal Court
Seattle Municipal Court hears civil traffic citations issued within Seattle city limits. The state’s busiest municipal court for traffic infractions, with separate calendars for camera-enforced citations.
IRLJ 3.1(b)(1) lets Washington drivers contest an infraction by mail. Mail a written Hearing-by-Mail request along with your signed statement of defense, photos, and any exhibits within 15 days of the infraction. No bond is required — the judge rules on the papers:
Seattle Municipal Court
600 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle Municipal Court accepts a Hearing by Mail under IRLJ 3.1(b)(1). Within 15 days of the citation, mail a written request to contest along with your written statement of defense (and any photos, diagrams, or witness statements). The judge rules on the papers and the court mails notice of the decision. No bond is required.
Washington does NOT require a bond to request a Hearing by Mail under IRLJ 3.1(b)(1). Only pay now if you are admitting the infraction without contesting: Seattle Municipal Court’s online pay portal.
Every extra week between the citation and your filing is another week the officer can forget. Washington courts routinely grant first-time extension requests as a matter of course — you generally do not need a hardship reason.
- Typical grant
- 30 additional days
- Method
- Online form
- Bail deadline
- Extended with the response deadline.
- Traffic clerk phone
- (206) 684-5600
“I’d like to request a 30-day extension on my response deadline so I can prepare and file a Trial by Written Declaration. My casenumber is ____.”
Common Washington violations eligible by mail
Other courthouses in King County
Not legal advice. Courthouse addresses, hours, and filing procedures change. Verify with the official Washington court website before mailing or appearing.