Michigan drivers should brace for tougher enforcement in construction zones as the state prepares to roll out speed cameras aimed at protecting road crews and reducing crashes.
While the cameras are not active yet, officials say installation is expected to begin soon. Once operational, the cameras will only be used in clearly marked Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) construction zones and only when construction workers are present on site.
The change comes under bipartisan legislation recently signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, allowing automated speed enforcement in work zones where workers face daily risks from speeding and distracted drivers.
How the Program Will Work
According to state lawmakers, drivers will be warned well in advance. Speed camera zones will be clearly posted to notify motorists that enforcement is in effect.
State Rep. Alabas Farhat, a Democrat who supported the measure, said the goal is safety—not revenue.
“Thousands of accidents are happening on our highways because of reckless driving and speeding, dozens of people that have been killed last year alone on the highways,” Farhat said. “That’s our goal—to bring those numbers down.”
Under the law:
Cameras activate only when workers are present
Drivers caught going 10 mph or more over the speed limit face escalating penalties
First offense: Violation notice
Second offense: $150 fine
Third offense: $300 ticket
Mixed Reactions From Drivers
Public reaction has been divided. Many drivers say protecting construction workers is essential, but some argue that speed cameras go too far, raising concerns about surveillance and fairness.
Republican State Rep. Matt Maddock has voiced skepticism about the program’s execution.
“These cameras aren’t calibrated. They won’t be taken down when construction stops, and they won’t stop operating when workers aren’t present,” Maddock said. “It’s just another tool to funnel taxpayer dollars.”
Supporters of the law counter that the statute explicitly limits camera use to active work zones and requires advance signage to ensure transparency.
Timeline for Implementation
The Michigan Department of Transportation says it aims to begin installing the cameras later this year. However, officials caution that full statewide implementation will take time, with broader rollout more likely in 2027.
State leaders stress that the program is designed to change driver behavior, not catch motorists by surprise.
As Michigan continues to rebuild and modernize its roads, the debate now shifts to whether automated enforcement will make work zones safer—or further strain trust between drivers and the state.
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