Washington State Launches Successful Work Zone Speed Camera Program

Cameras lead to significant drop in speeding, but program focused on changing driver behavior, not revenue generation

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:21pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a car speeding through a highway work zone, conveying a sense of motion, speed, and the need for caution in active construction areas.The Work Zone Speed Camera Program aims to curb dangerous driving behaviors and protect workers through the use of mobile speed enforcement technology.Olympia Today

Washington state's Work Zone Speed Camera Program, launched in 2025, has shown promising results in its first year, with over 65,000 infractions issued and a more than 60% reduction in speeding in some work zones where the cameras were deployed. The program's goal is to improve safety for workers and the public by encouraging drivers to slow down in active construction and maintenance zones, rather than generating revenue.

Why it matters

Work zone safety is a critical issue, with speeding, distracted driving, and following too closely being the top causes of crashes in these areas. The speed camera program aims to address these dangerous behaviors and protect both workers and drivers by incentivizing compliance with posted work zone speed limits.

The details

The Work Zone Speed Camera Program began with one camera on Interstate 5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 2025 and has since expanded to six cameras used in over 675 deployments at 46 job sites across the state. The cameras have helped reduce speeding rates from over 60% down to as low as 30% in some work zones during enforcement periods. The program has issued 65,000 infractions, with 59,000 being first-time offenses that do not carry a financial penalty, as the focus is on changing driver behavior rather than generating revenue.

  • The Work Zone Speed Camera Program began enforcement on April 16, 2025.
  • The program started with one camera and has since expanded to six cameras used in over 675 deployments at 46 job sites.
  • Beginning July 1, 2026, the first infraction will cost $125, with the second and all subsequent infractions remaining at $248.

The players

Washington State Patrol

The law enforcement agency responsible for reviewing camera footage and issuing infractions for the Work Zone Speed Camera Program.

Washington State Department of Transportation

The state agency that partnered with the Washington State Patrol to implement the Work Zone Speed Camera Program to improve safety in active construction and maintenance zones.

John Batiste

The Washington State Patrol Chief who explained that nearly 9% of the infractions issued were to repeat offenders, highlighting the program's focus on changing driver behavior.

Julie Meredith

The Secretary of Transportation who urged drivers to slow down in work zones to protect the safety of workers.

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What they’re saying

“So far, nearly 9% of the infractions we see are repeat offenders. That's close to 6,000 people who have not only received the fine, but who hopefully have heard the message – SLOW DOWN in our work zones, it will save lives.”

— John Batiste, Washington State Patrol Chief

“Slow down when you see a work zone— every person in a vest is there doing a job, and they deserve to finish it and go home safely. Protect them the way you'd want someone to protect you and your loved ones.”

— Julie Meredith, Secretary of Transportation

What’s next

The Work Zone Speed Camera Program is set to expand further in its second year, with up to 15 cameras in operation by 2027 and an expansion into eastern Washington. The penalties will also increase, with the first infraction costing $125 starting July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The Work Zone Speed Camera Program has demonstrated the effectiveness of using technology to improve safety in active construction and maintenance zones. By encouraging drivers to slow down and obey posted speed limits, the program has the potential to significantly reduce the number of preventable work zone crashes and protect both workers and the traveling public.