Safer speeds equal safer work zones

Learn about the Work Zone Speed Camera Program, how it came about and details on how the program is enforced.

In recent years, there has been an increase in unsafe driving on our roadways. During the 2023 Washington State Legislative Session, we requested legislation to use speed cameras in active state work zones. The bill became law on July 1, 2023, and cameras will be in work zones starting in early 2025.

The goal of this program is to slow speeding drivers down in active work zones. This will increase safety and save lives.

This program is a collaboration between multiple state agencies:

WSDOT handles operations and administration
Washington State Patrol handles enforcement
Office of Administrative Hearings handles the adjudication of infractions

These agencies are also working with the Washington State Department of Licensing, Washington Traffic Safety Commission and other organizations committed to safety.

How it works

Our Work Zone Speed Camera Program will use scanning Light Detection and Ranging, also referred to as LiDAR, for vehicle speed detection. Scanning LiDAR technology can accurately detect the speed of multiple vehicles across several lanes on both sides of the roadway and is fully automatic. Scanning LiDAR works by emitting highly focused laser beams, which do not affect the vision of the driver, toward a vehicle and timing how long it takes for the light to reflect back to the device. By calculating the time it takes for the laser pulse to return, LiDAR devices can accurately determine the vehicle’s speed.

Speeding vehicles are captured using photographs, which are reviewed by a Washington State Patrol trooper. If the reviewing trooper determines that a violation has occurred, the trooper will sign a notice of infraction to be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 30 days of the violation.

Speed camera accuracy

The system will be tested daily to make sure the vehicle sensors, cameras and computers are accurate. The results of the test will be analyzed by technicians. If any errors happen, the vendor will stop enforcement activities until those errors are resolved.

Penalty for infractions

The Work Zone Speed Camera Program penalty, established by the legislature, is $0 for the first infraction; and $248 for the second infraction and each infraction thereafter. The funds collected from penalties will be directed to the costs associated with the Work Zone Speed Camera Program for the following year (operating costs and maintenance) as well as the expansion of the program (if warranted). All other funds will be allocated to the Washington State Patrol for Driving Under the Influence emphasis patrols and safety education programs.

Why the program is needed

Far too many work zone crews and emergency responders have had close calls, serious injuries and deaths in marked work zones and it’s not just road crews at risk. Nearly 95% of people injured in work zone crashes are drivers, their passengers or nearby pedestrians. It is in everyone’s interest to pay attention and drive safely in work zones.

Increasingly risky behaviors, dangerous trends

Dangerous driving is increasing on roadways. Some vehicles are traveling much faster than usual, putting our crews – and everyone else on the road – at risk. Work zone safety is in the best interest of EVERYONE on the roadway.

The number of fatal crashes in Washington work zones increased from five in 2022 to eight in 2023. We have also seen an increase in the overall number of total work zone crashes on Washington roadways over the last few years:

2020: 1,149
2021: 1,363
2022: 1,313
2023: 1,377

The top three causes of crashes in work zones are all preventable. They are following too closely, excessive speeding and inattention/distracted driving.

We ask all drivers in work zones to:

Slow Down – drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety
Be Kind – our workers are helping to keep you safe and improve the roadways
Pay Attention – both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic
Stay Calm – expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life

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Winter driving tips

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.