Automated Speed Enforcement

In Pennsylvania alone, there were 1,789 work zone crashes including 19 fatalities and 60 serious injuries in 2017.1 Speeding was a significant factor associated with these accidents.

To address the problem of speeding in work zones, on January 23, 2017, Senate Bill 172 was introduced to allow speed cameras in active work zones. The Bill was signed by Governor Wolfe on Friday, October 19, 2018. Although it may take some time to implement the system, it is coming and I suspect it will happen relatively fast. Having personally been involved with employees injured because of speeding in work zones, I am happy this legislation is finally law. Following are some key facts about this legislation:

This is a 5 year pilot program for certain highways (Federal aid highways under the jurisdiction of the Department and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission – basically Interstate Highways and the PA Turnpike).

Applies to a portion of an active work zone where construction, maintenance or utility workers are located on the roadway, berm or shoulder and workers adjacent to an active travel lane. Workers shall also be considered adjacent to an active travel lane where workers are present and protected by a traffic barricade.

At least two warning signs must be “conspicuously” placed before the work zone and at least one of the signs must indicate if the automated speed enforcement system is active or not active. Also, a notice identifying the location of the automated speed enforcement system must be posted at the active work zone and on the department’s or Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s website.
Violations don’t apply until the vehicle is traveling at least 11 mph over the speed limit.
The owner of the vehicle is responsible for the violation. The first offense is a warning, the second offense is a $75 fine, 3rd and subsequent offenses are $150. The violations are not part of the operating record of an individual upon whom the penalty is imposed as it relates to the schedule of convictions and points. Also, insurers can’t surcharge for the violations.

Gary Wobb
Sr. Vice President
Liberty Insurance Agency
1910 Cochran Rd., Suite 800
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
412-571-5700 ext. 202
Cell: 412-398-8936
Email: garywobb@

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About Gary Wobb

Gary joined Liberty Insurance Agency in 1996. His primary responsibility at Liberty is producing new business and overseeing his clients’ service plans. By helping companies control the total cost of their risk, both insurable and not insurable, Gary takes pride in improving his clients’ overall profitability. He has proven success working with contractors, marinas, welding supply dealers, propane distributors, commercial bakeries, and various manufacturers. He began his insurance career in 1986 with World Marine Underwriters where he learned to underwrite and rate yacht insurance. Gary also handled the insurance needs of marinas, boat yards, boat builders, and other marine related businesses. In 1993 he returned to Western Pennsylvania (where he was raised) as an account executive handling a book of commercial insurance accounts with an emphasis on contractors. Having worked his way through college, Gary knows the value of hard work. He attended night classes and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Political Science.

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