The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently began the 60-day pre-enforcement period, which will end March 4, for the new Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program.
The program uses electronic speed-timing devices in active work zones where workers are present to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work-zone speed limits. Signs will warn drivers of the enforcement areas, and work zones were selected to maximize the systems’ effectiveness.
“It’s important to remember that the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program isn’t about issuing violations, it’s about saving lives,” acting PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “The goal is to encourage motorists to slow down in work zones, change their behavior, and ultimately improve safety for both motorists and workers.”
Violations will not be issued during the pre-enforcement period.
Starting March 4, drivers will receive a warning letter for first offenses. Succeeding offenses will result in drivers receiving civil penalty fines. Drivers will be fined $75 for second offenses and $150 fine for subsequent offenses.
There were 1,804 crashes in active work zones in Pennsylvania in 2018. Those crashes had an injury/fatality rate of 43 percent and resulted in 23 deaths.
The program was created by law in 2018.