Kentucky announces automated speed enforcement in work zones with fines of $500

A new Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) initiative will use camera technology to catch speeding drivers in active work zones.

On August 12, 2025, the KYTC announced the launch of automated speed enforcement in state highway work zones.

According to KYTC, “cameras will be placed within the work zone,with officers stationed beyond the work zone where they can safely make traffic stops. Tickets will only be issued to drivers in person, based on camera or detector data from inside the work zone. Speeding and traffic violations can carry a $500 fine when workers are present.”

KYTC will begin installing speed cameras during the summer and fall of 2025 in select work zones, with more to be added across the state in the coming years.

Officials say that in 2024, there were 1,223 work zone crashes in Kentucky, resulting in seven fatalities and 298 injuries.

“Our goal is not to issue tickets,” said Kentucky State Police Major Eric Walker. “We want to ensure safe speeds, to prevent fatalities and to protect both motorists and construction crews working in these high-risk environments. This new enforcement tool will help us do that throughout the state.”

The deployment of work zone speed cameras was made possible by the passage of House Bill 664 in April 2025.

“House Bill 664 is a meaningful step forward in protecting people who build and maintain our roads,” said Rep. John Blanton of Salyersville. “It’s named the Jared Lee Helton Act, in honor of a respected highway worker who was tragically killed in a work zone crash. This legislation reflects our promise to improve roadway safety and protect the lives of our law enforcement officers, road workers and drivers across the commonwealth.”