ANN ARBOR – Automated speed enforcement in active construction zones aims to curb dangerous driving, protect workers, and reduce crashes across Michigan highways.

Michigan drivers heading into the 2026 construction season will encounter tougher enforcement in work zones as the state rolls out automated speed cameras designed to slow traffic and protect road crews. The program, authorized under legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, marks a notable shift in how Michigan enforces reduced speed limits during active construction.

State transportation officials say the goal is simple: reduce crashes and close calls in work zones where narrowed lanes, shifting traffic patterns, and exposed workers combine to create high-risk conditions—often exacerbated by speeding.

How Michigan’s Work-Zone Speed Camera Program Works

Under the new law, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), working with the Michigan State Police, is authorized to deploy speed-monitoring cameras in clearly marked construction zones.

Key features include:

  • Active only when workers are present

  • Advance signage alerting drivers that automated enforcement is in use

  • Enforcement triggered when vehicles exceed the posted work-zone limit by 10 mph or more

  • Citations mailed to the registered vehicle owner, not treated as moving violations

The system is designed to be educational first. A first violation results in a warning. A second violation within three years carries a $150 civil fine, while a third results in a $300 fine. No points are added to a driver’s license, and violations are not reported to insurers.

Why Michigan Is Turning to Automated Enforcement

Work-zone safety has been a persistent challenge across Michigan. Speeding remains a leading factor in serious and fatal crashes, particularly in construction areas where drivers face sudden lane shifts and reduced shoulders. With billions of dollars flowing into road repairs and upgrades, the number of active work zones has increased—along with the risks.

Lawmakers and transportation officials argue that traditional enforcement alone is not enough. Police patrols cannot be stationed at every construction site, and traffic stops in narrow corridors can introduce additional hazards. Automated cameras provide constant, predictable enforcement, encouraging drivers to slow down without requiring an officer on site.

Lessons From Other States

Michigan’s approach follows similar programs in states such as Maryland and Pennsylvania, where transportation agencies report reduced average speeds and fewer repeat violations in monitored work zones. Those outcomes helped shape Michigan’s legislation, reinforcing the idea that visible, consistent enforcement can change driver behavior over time.

Public Reaction and Oversight Concerns

Reaction among motorists has been mixed. Supporters say the cameras are overdue and necessary to protect workers who face daily risks from speeding vehicles. Critics worry about accuracy, calibration, and whether automated enforcement could drift toward revenue generation.

State officials say safeguards are built into the law. Cameras must be clearly marked, reviewed before citations are issued, and shut off when crews leave a site. MDOT has emphasized that the program’s intent is safety—not punishment.

What This Means for Michigan’s Economy and Infrastructure

Beyond safety, state leaders say reducing work-zone crashes has broader economic benefits. Fewer incidents mean fewer project delays, lower emergency response costs, and reduced liability for contractors and the state. Safer work zones can also help keep major freight corridors moving during peak construction months—an issue closely watched by Michigan businesses.

What Drivers Should Expect in 2026

As construction ramps up this spring and summer, drivers should expect to see new signage warning of automated enforcement in select work zones. Officials say the initial rollout will focus on high-traffic areas, with broader deployment possible during peak construction periods.

The message from state leaders is straightforward: slow down, pay attention, and treat work-zone speed limits as non-negotiable. With cameras now part of Michigan’s enforcement toolkit, officials hope fewer drivers will learn that lesson the hard way.