Everything You Need To Know About Indiana’s New Unmanned Speed Cameras

A new Indiana law allows INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) to operate unmanned speed enforcement cameras in work zone areas on the interstate highway system as part of a pilot program. House Enrolled Act 1015 authorizes cameras stationed in work zone areas to take photos of license plates whenever a car or truck surpasses the speed limit by a minimum of 11 miles per hour. Subsequently, a ticket will be sent in the mail to the address registered to the vehicle. For the first violation, drivers will only receive a warning. The second offense results in a $75 fine. Additional violations will each result in a $150 fine. INDOT will work in coordination with the State Police Department to administer the program.

Governor Holcomb approved House Bill 1015, establishing the pilot program for speed cameras at work sites, after it gained support from both sides of the aisle in the Indiana Legislature. It had been the focus of lobbying efforts by House members for several years. The program aims to promote road safety by reducing vehicle speed, creating a safer work environment for construction workers, and helping prevent traffic accidents within highway work zones. As this is the first time INDOT has been allowed to implement this kind of technology for speed enforcement, here are a few essential details to know about the pilot program:

• INDOT is currently only authorized to monitor four worksite speed control system locations in a single calendar year. This limit may be temporary since the system is still in the pilot program phase. However, for the time being, it is important to note that there may not be many control systems in place in the near future. Despite this limitation, it is always important to remain attentive to changing speed limits when driving on highways, especially when passing through a work zone.
• Speed control systems can only be installed in work zones where (1) highway construction or maintenance is currently taking place and (2) workers are presently working. Additionally, INDOT must display posted signs before the entrance to a work zone monitored by the worksite speed control system. The driver, must be notified before entering an area monitored by speed control cameras.
• In certain circumstances, you may still be able to appeal a ticket that was sent to you through the mail. If no workers were present at the time, you cannot be ticketed for speeding through an inactive worksite. In this situation, if you do receive a fine, you have the option to appeal it. Furthermore, if the radar system was not tested or calibrated correctly during the offense, the ticket might be dismissed.
• The speed cameras’ information and recorded images are only usable for enforcing traffic offenses. Any photograph or recorded image obtained from a worksite speed control system can’t be used as evidence for any action other than collecting a worksite speed limit penalty. These photos are confidential and are the state’s property; no third-party company may have access to them. Pictures also must be destroyed after two years.

It’s important to stay up to date with any changes being made to Indiana laws. If you believe your rights may have been infringed upon, contact one of our experienced Indiana criminal law attorneys.

This McNeelyLaw LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion of any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation.