Enforcement of Indiana’s worksite speed control pilot program, Safe Zones, began on May 5 in the Clear Path I-465/I-69 construction zone in Indianapolis. Since its inception, over 25,000 warnings have been issued for vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 11 mph.
“Overall, we’re seeing slower speeds in the Clear Path work zone,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “Speed is the leading factor in fatal crashes, and our goal is to create safer conditions for drivers, their passengers, and road workers.”
Safe Zones was initially deployed on I-70 in Hancock County in August 2024 and moved to Clear Path in January 2025. The program was established by the Indiana General Assembly through House Enrolled Act 1015 during the 2023 legislative session. First-time violators receive a warning without a fine, while second violations incur a $75 fine and subsequent violations a $150 fine. All fines collected are deposited into the state’s General Fund.
“Safe Zones is not designed to be a ‘gotcha’-type program,” said Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, author of HEA 1015. “It takes all of us to improve safety in construction zones or otherwise. Speeding puts everyone, drivers and passengers included, at risk of injury or even death.”
INDOT may deploy Safe Zones at up to four sites simultaneously; currently, Clear Path is the only active site. Additional sites will be announced later this summer with immediate enforcement planned.
Recent data indicates a significant reduction in excessive speeds through the Clear Path work zone, with incidents down by an average of 75% since late May. “It’s encouraging to see drivers slowing down in this highly traveled area,” said Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor. “Speeding through work zones provides very minimal time savings, and no one’s life is worth that couple of minutes–or less.”
The Safe Zones system uses truck-mounted speed timing devices to document vehicle speeds as they pass through work zones. Vehicles traveling more than 11 mph over the posted speed limit have their rear license plate captured by the system. After validation, violations are mailed to vehicle owners.
Signs inform drivers entering and exiting active worksites that speeds are monitored by an automated system. Violations require worker presence at the time of occurrence to be valid and can be paid online, by phone, or mail within 30 days.
For more information about Safe Zones, visit SafeZonesIN.com.
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