New Michigan laws authorize speed cameras

Two new laws in Michigan permit the use of speed cameras in certain areas.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a two-bill package to authorize placing speed cameras in highway work zones.

Michigan is at least the 10th state to act this year on the use of automated enforcement cameras. In 2024, states that include Minnesota and Vermont passed laws to authorize speed cameras in work zones.

There now are 24 states that permit automated speed enforcement in work zones.

Speed cameras used to ticket drivers who disobey traffic rules are common. More than 270 communities across the nation utilize the devices, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association contends the focus on the revenue-generating devices ignores the more logical and reasoned approach to roads and traffic: keep traffic moving in as safe a manner as possible.

Whether you’re driving on them or working on them, we’re focused on fixing the damn roads and making sure people are safe on the damn roads.
⁰I’m proud to sign a set of commonsense, bipartisan bills that better protect safety, save lives, and put money back in people’s pockets. pic.twitter.com/XeX4JP63bI

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) December 10, 2024

Speed camera authorization

To date, the state of Michigan does not have speed cameras or red-light cameras. State law has mandated that law enforcement witness violations.

Enactment of a bipartisan two-bill package will soon result in automated speed enforcement in highway work zones. HB4132 and HB4133 grant the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation authority to implement automated enforcement at locations that do not have guard rails or other barriers.

The legislative action follows a report from the Michigan State Police’s Office of Highway Safety Planning that one year ago the state recorded more than 8,000 work zone crashes. The crashes resulted in nearly 1,900 injuries and 24 fatalities.

The new laws authorize speed cameras for use in affected areas when construction workers are present. Owners of vehicles found traveling at least 10 mph above the posted speed limit will receive violation notices in the mail.

Written warnings will be mailed to first-time offenders. Repeat offenders with violations within three years would face fines up to $150. Subsequent offenses within the same time frame would result in fines up to $300.

Ticket revenue will be routed to a work zone safety fund. The state Department of Treasury will coordinate with state police and local law enforcement to use funds to increase police presence within work zones, to fund devices and to make other safety enhancements.

The governor said the cameras are proven to reduce speeds and protect road workers.

“In Michigan, we’re focused on fixing the damn roads and making sure people are safe,” Whitmer said in prepared remarks. “Whether they’re driving on them or working on them, these bills will make sure that every Michigander is safe on our roads.” LL

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