Home / Disasters and Accidents / Speed Cameras Get Tougher in WA Work Zones
Speed Cameras Get Tougher in WA Work Zones
1 Jul
Summary
- First-time work zone speeding fines now $125.
- 85,000 work zone camera infractions statewide this year.
- 61 employees killed in work zones since 1950.
Starting July 1, 2026, Washington's work zone speed camera fines are escalating. A first-time infraction will now result in a $125 penalty, a change from the previous $0 fine. Repeat offenders, with two or more infractions, will face a $248 fine. These stricter measures come as the Washington State Department of Transportation reports 85,000 work zone speed camera infractions statewide this year, with 77,000 being first-time offenses.
The program, which has expanded into Eastern Washington, aims to curb dangerous driving in construction areas. Enforcement began on Interstate 5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the spring of 2025, and initial research indicated a positive impact on driver behavior. The state plans to deploy 15 more cameras by 2027. These efforts are crucial given that 61 employees have died in work zones since 1950, and work zone-related crashes saw a slight decrease in 2025 compared to 2024.
