Highway Patrol’s (FHP) Operation Hardhat Program

Dubbed “Operation Hardhat” by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), troopers dressed as construction workers operate laser or radar speed-measuring devices to detect speeders. Violators are then called out to fellow troopers positioned nearby who stop the offenders and issue citations. Speeding fines are doubled in active highway construction areas in Florida.

The initial phase of the operation was conducted near Jacksonville. On the first day, Operation Hardhat netted 88 citations in just four hours. The FHP has since expanded this program statewide, resulting in hundreds of additional arrests. In some areas, local police agencies work with the FHP during the enforcement.

Coupled with public information and education campaigns, this program has led to significant reductions in crashes, injuries, and fatalities in construction work zones.

This program is one of the winners of the 2003 National Roadway Safety Awards.