New California Law Introduces Speed Cameras in Highway Work Zones to Enhance Safety
Assembly Bill 289, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney and passed last year, has officially taken effect in California this year. The new law allows the use of speed cameras in highway work zones to monitor and fine speeding drivers, aiming to protect both motorists and the approximately 80,000 road workers across the state.
With 75 cameras now installed statewide, drivers passing through work zones should be aware that their speed may be automatically recorded. If caught speeding—especially while workers are present—drivers face fines starting at $50 for exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 to 15 miles per hour.
The legislation responds to alarming statistics: in 2021 alone, there were 9,000 crashes in construction zones in California, resulting in 3,000 injuries and 73 fatalities involving both workers and drivers. Assemblymember Haney emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “Every single year, we lose thousands of Caltrans workers; whatever the number is, it’s too many.”
Road construction worker Ricardo Alarcon, with over 13 years of experience, shared the dangers faced daily, citing close calls and tragic fatalities he has witnessed firsthand. “If you think about it, every time we put on our vest, boots, and hard hat, we’re aware of the risks,” Alarcon said.
Similar automated speed enforcement programs in other states have shown significant improvements in safety. Pennsylvania saw a 19% reduction in work zone crashes, Maryland experienced an 80% drop in speeding violations in these zones within two years, and the CDC reports a 44% decrease in serious injuries and fatalities due to automated speed enforcement.
Assembly Bill 289 represents a critical step toward safer highways and work zones, protecting both those who build and maintain our roads and those who travel on them. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert and observe posted speed limits to ensure safety for everyone.
