Washington state has activated its first highway work zone speed camera at the Steilacoom-DuPont Road interchange on Interstate 5, aiming to reduce speeding and improve safety for workers and drivers.
The trailer-mounted camera uses LiDAR technology to detect speeding vehicles. If a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, a photo of the license plate—not the driver—is sent to the Washington State Patrol to determine if a violation occurred.
Drivers caught speeding will receive one warning before being fined $248 for any subsequent infraction. Violations are considered non-moving and won’t impact driving records or insurance but must still be addressed by the vehicle’s registered owner.
“This provides another tool to help ensure workers—and everyone on the roadway—come home safe at the end of the day,” said Julie Meredith, Washington Secretary of Transportation, in a statement.
The camera's placement follows safety concerns and over 1,300 annual work zone crashes since 2020. Enforcement will occur only when workers are present, and signs will alert drivers.
Revenue from fines will support the speed camera program and fund additional safety initiatives, including DUI enforcement.
The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to deploy six more cameras this summer in busy work zones statewide, with legislative approval in place for five years.
Source: Mynorthwest.com, Washington State Department of Transportation
