Traffic Enforcement

To ensure the safety of people using Sammamish streets and sidewalks, the Sammamish Police Department enforces traffic and parking laws. In the case of a collision, advice on what to do is included on this page.

Traffic Enforcement

There are several ways to report traffic issues to us.

1. Call (206) 296-3311 to contact our dispatch center.
2. Fill out an online report at reporttosheriff.org
3. Complete a request at My Sammamish and select Traffic Safety Issue.

Traffic Complaints

Traffic complaints for things such as speed or stop sign violations are among the top calls for service in our community. Complaints such as these are best reported online, via www.reporttosheriff.org or My Sammamish.

When a speed complaint is filed, the Traffic Unit will conduct a 7-10 day speed study to determine the extent of the problem. Once completed, one of our traffic officers will contact you to follow-up.

School Zones

View the flashing school signs schedule and for the Lake Washington and Issaquah school districts. 

Abandoned Vehicles

For abandoned vehicles, if the vehicle is blocking the travel portion of the roadway, is on your property, is suspicious in any way, appears to have been vandalized or stolen, or was originally reported as abandoned more than twenty days ago, please call Dispatch at (206) 296-3311. For vehicles not meeting the above criteria, please make a report via www.reporttosheriff.org or My Sammamish.

Parking Complaints

Parking complaints are largely short-term issues that will likely resolve on their own relatively quickly. Because of this, the best way to report these is to call Dispatch at (206) 296-3311 so that an officer can be dispatched.

For complaints regarding long-term parking or abandoned vehicles (over 72 hours), any of the three reporting options are suggested. My Sammamish is the preferred method for our Traffic Unit.

Sammamish parking laws ensure streets stay safe for all road users, including bicyclists and pedestrians, protect neighborhoods and businesses from illegal parking, and make parking available to all visitors. Parking regulations in the city code are provided below. All citations are $71 unless otherwise noted.

It is illegal to park:

• Over 72 consecutive hours on a public roadway without moving your vehicle. Vehicles in violation can be impounded (SMC 46.05.010/RCW 46.55.085) or cited (SMC 46.30.060).
• Parking a vehicle which is either unlicensed or not displaying currently registered license plates (SMC 46.30.050)
• Within five feet from a driveway (RCW 46.61.570)
• Less than 30 feet from a stop sign, or 20 feet from a crosswalk (RCW 46.61.570)
• Partially or fully parked on a sidewalk (RCW 46.61.570)
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant (RCW 46.61.570)
• In a fire lane – citation $250 (SMC 46.30.090)
• Facing the opposite direction of the flow of traffic (RCW 46.61.575)
• More than 12 inches from the curb (RCW 46.61.575)
• With an expired registration and if parked for more than 45 days the vehicle can be towed at the owner’s expense (RCW 46.55.113)
• With a “For Sale” sign in the vehicle while on a public roadway (WAC 308-330-436)
• When “No Parking Anytime” signs are present. (RCW 46.61.570)
• Blocking access to a mailbox when it compromises the U. S. Postal Service’s ability to safely and efficiently deliver the mail. Avoid a citation by parking at least 10 feet from a mailbox 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on delivery days (SMC 46.30.080).

If you have payment questions or want to dispute your infraction, please contact the Issaquah District Court at 206-205-9200.

Collision Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I am in a collision, do I have to fill out an accident report?  No, though you may want to if:

• A collision causes more than $1000 damage to either vehicle or other property, or there has been an injury, you should report it to law enforcement. An officer will investigate and file a collision report.
• You are involved in a collision in which damage to either vehicle or other property is less than $1,000 and there has been no injury, law enforcement officers will generally not complete a collision report. You do not have to either. If you want, you can complete a report yourself by completing a State Vehicle Collision Report. This must be completed and filed with the State Patrol within four days of the collision.
• Your car was parked and unoccupied when a collision occurred, or you were a pedestrian or using a wheelchair in an accident, you do not have to file a report.

2. Should I always call the police to a collision scene?

• The Sammamish Police Department will respond if called to any collision scene. As noted in the answer to Question 1, an officer will usually investigate and file a collision report if the collision has caused more than $1,000 damage to either vehicle or other property, or there has been an injury. Police will include in the report whether the collision involved unoccupied parked cars, bicycles, wheelchairs or pedestrians.
• It is recommended that you call the 911 when the other driver appears intoxicated, has a vehicle with license plates from another state or country or leaves the scene without giving you any information. In any case, if you feel you need assistance, please call us.

3. Does the Sammamish Police investigate collisions on private property?   Yes.
4. Should I move my car after a collision?  This will depend on the circumstances. Your safety and the safety of others is always the first consideration. It is recommended that you not move your car if anyone is injured or if it is unsafe to drive. If your accident is minor and your car is safe to drive, you should consider moving your car to a safe location.