MN SF4367

Commissioner of Transportation must implement a work zone safety pilot program from May 2021 through October 2022 using automated enforcement systems to detect speeding violations in eight work zones on trunk highways in the Metro District where the speed limit is at least 45 mph.

Automated enforcement systems may only detect speeds at least 5 mph above the limit; peace officers must issue warnings for violations in the first 30 days at each location or for speeds less than 10 mph over the limit, and must verify violations with at least two recorded images before issuing citations.

Administrative citations issued by mail to vehicle owners or lessees carry fines of $50 for first offense and $300 for subsequent offenses, with right to contest before a neutral third party; violations do not affect driving records or driver's license.

Fines collected are deposited in a special revenue account and appropriated for Department of Transportation costs and contracts, with any remaining funds used for work zone safety improvements and public education.

Pilot program expires December 31, 2022; an independent nonprofit transportation research entity must evaluate program effectiveness by December 31, 2022, with results submitted to legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation.