CARSON CITY, NV – March 25, 2025 — Nevada lawmakers are debating the potential use of automated traffic cameras in construction zones as part of efforts to improve safety and enforce speed limits. Assembly Bill 402, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Selena Torres-Fossett of Las Vegas, aims to give transportation departments the authority to install traffic enforcement systems that would monitor and enforce speed limits in construction zones.

Proposal to Enhance Safety in Work Zones

The proposed legislation, introduced on March 25, would target vehicles speeding 10 mph or more above the speed limit in construction zones when workers are present. The goal of the bill is to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities in these high-risk areas, which have seen a significant number of collisions in recent years. Under the bill, signage would be placed at the entrance of the work zone to notify drivers that automated enforcement systems are in use.

Torres-Fossett emphasized the bill's goal of curbing reckless behavior, stating, "The intent is really for people who are just quite honestly ignoring the law in these construction zones." The traffic cameras would only be operational when workers are present on-site. If a vehicle is caught speeding, the data collected would be sent directly to law enforcement, and a citation would be issued to the registered vehicle owner.

Support for the Bill from Safety Advocates

Construction and safety advocates have long pushed for measures like automated traffic enforcement to protect workers. In the past five years, Nevada has seen 7,000 crashes in construction zones, resulting in 17 fatalities, according to Alexis Motarex, director of government affairs for the Associated General Contractors of Nevada.

“Speed enforcement cameras save lives,” said Motarex, citing evidence from other states where work zone speed cameras helped reduce crashes. Advocates argue that automated systems would increase compliance and help prevent accidents in areas where workers are at risk due to high-speed traffic.

Testimonies from Industry Representatives

Support for the bill was also voiced by industry representatives, including Chris Burke, regional vice president for Granite Construction, who shared the daily dangers faced by highway workers in Nevada. “Our employees are literally working just steps away from traffic motorists going by 65-75 miles an hour,” Burke explained. “Motorists just don’t pay attention, which creates a greater risk for all of our employees.”

Concerns Over Privacy and Government Oversight

While the proposal has garnered strong backing, it has also faced significant opposition from civil liberties and political groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada and the Nevada Republican Party have raised concerns about privacy, government surveillance, and the potential for expanding traffic camera use beyond construction zones. Critics argue that such technology could pave the way for increased surveillance on public roads and lead to an erosion of privacy.

Jim DeGraffenreid, a representative from the Nevada Republican Party, voiced concerns about the expansion of traffic cameras in the future. "We urge the committee to consider alternatives to focus on improving road safety without the drawbacks of this bill,” he stated. He also expressed concern about the possibility of generating more government revenue from fines and questioned the fairness of placing the burden of proof on the vehicle owner.

Senate Bill 415 – A Broader Approach to Traffic Safety

In addition to Assembly Bill 402, Senate Bill 415 is also being considered. This bill seeks to allow traffic cameras to be deployed in areas with high crash rates, where traditional traffic enforcement methods have proven insufficient. The legislation, which is set for review on March 31, could expand the use of traffic cameras beyond construction zones to further enhance public safety.

The Road Ahead: Debating the Future of Traffic Enforcement

As lawmakers deliberate, the debate over traffic cameras in Nevada is expected to continue. Supporters argue that these systems are necessary for worker safety, while opponents fear they could infringe on privacy and lead to more government control. Whether the bills will pass or face further revisions remains uncertain, but the issue underscores the growing tension between public safety measures and concerns over surveillance and government overreach.

The installation of automated traffic cameras in Nevada construction zones is part of a broader trend across the U.S. to use technology to enhance traffic safety. While these systems have been effective in reducing speed violations and accidents in some areas, the potential for expanding their use in other parts of public infrastructure is a point of contention for many, especially in states with a history of opposition to similar proposals.

Supporters of the bill stress that the growing dangers in construction zones and the heavy traffic flow in Nevada make this approach necessary. Critics, however, continue to argue for alternative measures that focus on improving driver awareness and behavior through education and more traditional law enforcement methods.

Originally reported by Jessica Hill in Las Vegas Review Journal.