Speed Trap Alert: Cameras Catching WA Work Zone Speeders!

The last time you drove through a work zone did you slow down?
Since 2020 Washington state has seen an average of 1,345 work zone crashes every year. State officials are taking action to hopefully reduce the crashes by installing the first Work Zone Speed Camera this week near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

DRIVERS SIMPLY WON'T SLOW DOWN IN THE ZONES 

State officials say they plan to rotate the speed camera among various construction, maintenance, and emergency projects where speeding has been identified as a serious problem. Along with the speed cameras drivers will see plenty of warning signs about the signs along with radar feedback signs to remind drivers to slow down. “Too many workers have been injured or killed, and statistics show drivers are not slowing down,” says Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “This provides another tool to help ensure workers – and everyone on the roadway – comes home safe at the end of the day.”

WA STATE PATROL TROOPERS WILL DETERMINE IF YOU WERE SPEEDING

So what happens when a camera finds a driver speeding in a work zone? The photos, which do not include images of drivers, are sent to the Washington State Patrol. Troopers look at the situation and determine if you were speeding. If warranted they'll issue a $248 infraction that will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.

SOME GOOD NEWS? BESIDES THE SLOWER TRAFFIC?

There is some good news. The infractions will be classified as non-moving violations, meaning they will not impact driving records or insurance premiums. However, unpaid fines will be added to vehicle registration renewals. Looking ahead, WSDOT intends to expand the program with two additional speed cameras scheduled for deployment this spring and three more by summer, aiming to strengthen safety measures throughout the state’s extensive network of work zones.