New for Pennsylvania: Work Zone Cameras in Place

Across the state, vehicle-mounted systems are being placed in active work zones to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits using electronic speed timing devices. The mandatory pre-enforcement period is underway, and enforcement will begin in March. With over 1,800 work zone crashes in 2018 resulting in 23 fatalities, getting drivers to slow down will save lives.

Testing was completed in November and December 2019. The state is being very transparent with enforcement, not only signing the areas but also providing a list of all enforcements on the program website, workzonecameras.PennDOT.gov. Once enforcement begins, any driver traveling 11mph over the posted speed limit will trigger the camera which will take a photo and record the speed of the vehicle, the time and the date of the violation. Within 90-days, a citation will be sent to the mailing address associated with the vehicle’s registration. A first offense offers a warning, but future offenses carry a fine starting at $75 and doubling to $150 if additional offenses are recorded.

Even without cameras, drivers pulled over for speeding or driving dangerously in a work zone run the risk of losing their licenses for 15 days and fines are doubled in active work zones.

As always, AAA reminds you to drive safe and slow down. When driving in an active work zone remember the following:

• Turn on your headlights.
• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Drive the posted work zone speed limit.
• Stay alert.

By following these easy tips, you can avoid fines and save lives.