Work Zone Safety
In work zones, there is little to no margin for driving error. Driving too fast, inattentively or aggressively through a roadway work zone places the lives of roadway workers at risk.
Every day across Maryland, there are workers on our roads making repairs and improvements to make road travel safer for all of us. When you see a work zone approaching, do your part — stay alert, slow down and be prepared to change lanes if necessary for the safety of our workers. Let’s make sure everyone gets home safely.
New Legislation
In addition to bringing awareness to work zone safety, Governor Moore signed HB513/CH17 into law on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The new law expands the Automated Speed Enforcement program, allowing more work zones to deploy speed cameras. The law also increases the fines associated with speed cameras. Previously, the fine for speed cameras in Maryland was tied for the lowest across the country at $40. Beginning June 1, 2024, the fine will increase to $80, and on January 1, 2025, the fine will change to a tiered fine system:
· Vehicle exceeds posted speed limit by between 12 and 15 mph – $60
· Vehicle exceeds posted speed limit by between 16 and 19 mph – $80
· Vehicle exceeds posted speed limit by between 20 and 29 – $140
· Vehicle exceeds posted speed limit by between 30 and 39 – $270
· Vehicle exceeds posted speed limit by 40 mph or more – $500
· If vehicle is cited when workers are present in the work zone, the penalties double
The good news is that no one has to receive a citation at these higher fines, though! You just need to drive the speed limit, protecting highway workers, other motorists, and yourself in the process!
Work Zone Safety Campaign
One of the several recommendations put together by the Work Zone Work Group that was accepted by Governor Wes Moore, was the creation of a new High Profile Leaders Outreach Campaign. The campaign launched on April 16, 2024 featuring Baltimore Orioles All-Star Catcher Adley Rutschman, Orioles legend and co-owner Cal Ripken Jr., Former Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver and Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Torrey Smith, Governor Wes Moore, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, and local Baltimore media partners. The campaign will continue to expand with additional high profile leaders.
Work Zone Safety Resources
Work Zone Safety Pledge
We are asking you as a member of our driving public to take the “Work Zone Safety Pledge.” The pledge is three simple driver actions that will save lives and keep traffic moving safely through our work zones. They pledge to: Slow Down, Move Over, and Pay Attention.
Maryland State Highway Administration
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) urges all motorists to focus, slow down and stay alert when driving through or near work zones. Motorists should also move over a lane when it is safe to do so to leave room for roadway workers to safely do their jobs.
Social Media Toolkit
In support of Work Zone Safety , MDOT MVA's Highway Safety Office has developed a social media toolkit that will provide you with social media content to share, raising awareness about work zone safety and urging drivers to stay alert in and around work zones, helping keep road workers safe.
National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.
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