Work Zone Cameras Can Now Detect Drivers Using Cell Phones, ARDOT Says

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has announced the deployment of enhanced work zone camera technology capable of detecting drivers using handheld devices, such as cell phones, in work zones. Operated in coordination with the Arkansas Highway Police (AHP), the system expands existing speed enforcement capabilities to support Arkansas’s hands-free work zone law. Camera detections will alert nearby officers, who must be present to initiate traffic stops and issue citations. The system does not issue automated tickets by mail. Work zones equipped with the technology will be clearly marked, and state law restricts data retention to instances involving warnings or citations. ARDOT officials emphasize that the initiative is intended to enhance safety for road workers, motorists, and law enforcement personnel.