Legislation introduced to protect road workers in Md.

MARYLAND – The Moore-Miller Administration has introduced legislation that would protect road workers in work zones in Maryland.

The Maryland Road Worker Protection Act of 2024 (SB 479, HB 513) is set to significantly increase enforcement measures in work zones and was informed by the recommendations of the Work Zone Safety Work Group. Under the legislation, the citation amount for automated speed enforcement in a work zone would increase from $40 to $290, the same as the fine for a live officer stop for the same offense.

Maryland’s automatic speed camera enforcement citation is currently the lowest in the country.

The legislation also removes outdated restrictions limiting enforcement in work zones, allowing more flexibility in installing cameras. This includes the requirement that all speed cameras have a physical operator present, and allows drivers to be immediately cited for violations in a work zone. This eliminates the requirement that prohibits citations from being issued during a 30-day “warning period” following the initial installation of a work zone camera.

The administration is also taking additional actions to implement the recommendations of the work group to make work zones safer and protect workers.