The Indiana Department of Transportation announces the expansion of its worksite speed control pilot program, known as Safe Zones, to Interstate 65 in Lake County. The program is currently active in the Clear Path I-465/I-69 work zone on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
“Overall, the program has been successful in slowing drivers down,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “Slower speeds create safer conditions not only for road workers, but also for drivers and their passengers."
Starting on or after Monday, July 7, enforcement of Safe Zones will begin in the current I-65 construction zone, between mile markers 235 and 239 near Lowell. Safe Zones enforcement will also continue in the Clear Path zone in Marion County.
Once a vehicle is active, it will receive a violation notice by mail if it travels 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit. The first violation results in a warning with no fine, while the second violation incurs a $75 civil fine, and subsequent violations result in a $150 civil fine.
"Safety is the driving force behind this program," said Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor. "We want everyone to go home to their loved ones at the end of the day."
The Indiana General Assembly authorized Safe Zones during the 2023 legislative session through House Enrolled Act 1015. By law, the program can operate at up to four sites simultaneously. Its goal is to protect motorists and road workers by slowing drivers and reducing crashes in work zones. Payments may be made online, by phone, or by mail. Payment is due within 30 days of receiving a violation notice. Click here to view a short video about the program.
How Safe Zones Works
The system documents vehicle speeds using truck-mounted speed timing devices as they pass through work zones. When a vehicle is traveling 11 mph or more than the posted speed limit, the system captures an image of the vehicle’s rear license plate. After data is validated, violations are certified and issued to the vehicle's owner by mail. Per state statute, collected fines go into the state’s General Fund.
Signs are posted to notify drivers entering and exiting active worksites that an automated system is monitoring speeds. Workers must be present at the time of an event for a violation to be valid. Violations may be paid online, by phone, or by mail. Payment is due within 30 days of receiving a violation notice. Click here to view a short video about the program.
During the first month of enforcement in the Clear Path work zone, over 25,000 first-violation warnings were issued. INDOT will share annual reports with members of the Indiana General Assembly and the traveling public throughout the five-year pilot program.
To learn more about Indiana Safe Zones, including current locations and answers to common questions, visit SafeZonesIN.com.
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