Speed cameras in work zones have become a popular tool for improving safety and reducing accidents, but they remain controversial among drivers and lawmakers alike. Despite this, many states have implemented speed cameras in work zones to keep drivers accountable and ensure worker safety. Check out what states have or are planning on allowing speed cameras in work zones, and as applicable, the requirements for their use, the fines for violators, and the reported impact on work zone safety.
States that allow speed cameras in work zones
These are states that have passed legislation and actively use work zone speed cameras daily.
For the most part, these states need to work under the same general criteria as follows in order to use work zone speed cameras.
Work zones with speed cameras must have appropriate signage indicating the use of speed cameras.
Speed cameras must be operated by certified personnel.
Speed cameras must meet specific accuracy standards.
Images captured by speed cameras must be reviewed by a human before a citation can be issued.
Work zones with speed cameras are restricted to state highways and interstates.
Though these states all have similar criteria to utilize these speed cameras, their enactment date, violation criteria, and maximum fines vary greatly. See below:
Arizona has had work zone speed cameras since 2008. Violators going 11mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $250.
Colorado has had work zone speed cameras since 2010. Violators going 10mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $300.
Connecticut has had work zone speed cameras since 2010. Violators going 10mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $150.
Delaware has had work zone speed cameras since 2022. Violators going 13mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $75.
Illinois has had work zone speed cameras since 2014. Violators going 11mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $375.
Indiana has just approved the use of work zone speed cameras. Violators going 11mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $150.
Maryland has had work zone speed cameras since 2010. Violators going 12mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $1,000.
Michigan has just approved the use of work zone speed cameras. Violators going 10mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $300.
New Mexico has had work zone speed cameras since 2016. Violators going 10mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $300.
Oregon has had work zone speed cameras since 2006. Violators going 11mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $2,000.
Pennsylvania has had work zone speed cameras since 2018. Violators going 11mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $150.
Texas has had work zone speed cameras since 2003. Violators going 11mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $2,000.
Washington, D.C. has had work zone speed cameras since 2011. Violators going 11mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $300.
West Virginia has had work zone speed cameras since 2017. Violators going 12mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $40.
Virginia has had work zone speed cameras since 2020. Violators going 10mph over the speed limit will pay a fine of up to $100.
States planning to use work zone speed cameras
While not all states have passed such legislation there are many more that plan on adding work zone speed cameras. Arkansas for example has announced it will use these cameras starting July 2023, while Washington state pledged to have them online by July 2024. New York State and Connecticut have authorized pilot programs for work zone speed cameras. Then Vermont is vetting feasibility.
Conclusion
According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the use of speed cameras in work zones in Maryland resulted in a 40% reduction in work zone fatalities and a 25% reduction in work zone crashes. This article only accounts for the twenty US states that use or plan to use work zone speed cameras. Nonetheless, readers should dually note that the states that have been operating this program for over three 3 years have noted a marginal decrease in accidents, fatalities, and injuries related to speeding in or around work zones.
References
Arizona Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Speed Camera Program. Retrieved from https://www.azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/driver-services/safety-enforcement/speed-camera-program
Colorado Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program. Retrieved from https://www.codot.gov/business/safety/speed-enforcement-program/work-zone-speed-enforcement
Illinois General Assembly. (n.d.). Illinois Compiled Statutes. Chapter 625, Vehicles. 5/11-605.1. Retrieved from https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3498&ChapterID=49
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. (n.d.). Work Zone Safety. Retrieved from https://www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/moving/work-zones.htm
New Mexico Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Work Zones. Retrieved from https://www.nmroads.com/workzones.html
Oregon Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Work Zone Speed Camera. Retrieved from https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/workzone/speed-camera.aspx
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Speed Camera Program. Retrieved from https://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Speed-Camera-Program.aspx
Kable, T. (2021, March 10). Camera bill for work zones will stop speeders, save lives. West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved from https://wvpublic.org/camera-bill-for-work-zones-will-stop-speeders-save-lives/
Pluribus News. (2021, February 5). Work Zone Speed Cameras Get Second Look as Fatalities Rise. Retrieved from https://pluribusnews.com/news-and-events/work-zone-speed-cameras-get-second-look-as-fatalities-rise/
Bykowicz, J. (2017, May 30). Speed cameras being used in I-81 work zone. Herald-Mail Media. Retrieved from https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2017/05/30/speed-cameras-being-used-in-i-81-work-zone/116664912/
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (n.d.). Automated Enforcement Laws. Retrieved from https://www.iihs.org/topics/red-light-running/automated-enforcement-laws
Bykowicz, J. (2017, May 30). Speed cameras being used in I-81 work zone. Herald-Mail Media. Retrieved from https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2017/05/30/speed-cameras-being-used-in-i-81-work-zone/116664912/
Land Line Media. (2019, July 1). Virginia law allows speed cameras in work zones. Retrieved from https://landline.media/virginia-law-allows-speed-cameras-in-work-zones/
Virginia Law. (n.d.). § 46.2-882.1. Authority to operate photo-monitoring systems in highway work zones. Retrieved from https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-882.1/
NBC Philadelphia. (2022, February 18). I-95 Speed Cam Fines Begin in Delaware. Retrieved from https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/transportation-and-transit/i-95-speed-cam-fines-begin-delaware/3218165/#:~:text=The%20joint%20Electronic%20Speed
