A new Michigan law prevents automated-camera traffic violations from adding points to drivers' licenses, a compromise that backers say balances the goal of keeping drivers out of work zones and school bus stops with the reality that the technology cannot confirm who is behind the wheel.

The law, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, ensures that tickets issued by automated cameras can only result in fines. At least three school districts in Michigan have already outfitted school buses with stop arm camera enforcement systems, and the state Department of Transportation is developing similar technology for construction zones.

Work zone cameras still in development

Under a 2024 law still being implemented, Michigan drivers caught going 10 miles per hour over the speed limit in a construction zone can be mailed a warning for a first offense. A second violation within three years carries a fine of up to $150, and a third offense can result in a fine up to $300.

MDOT was expected to begin enforcement earlier this year but has not launched the program. Officials have more recently suggested 2027 is a more likely timeline, though a spokesperson could not confirm an exact date.

"MDOT has never been an enforcement agency, but because of the way the legislation was written, we're responsible for standing up the entire program, including distributing the warnings and fines," MDOT spokesperson Jocelyn Garza said.

School bus cameras already active

A separate 2024 law paved the way for automated tickets for drivers caught on camera passing stopped school buses. Stop arm cameras can capture photos and videos that include license plate numbers. Drivers caught in violation could face a fine of up to $500.

Grand Rapids and Dearborn have collectively equipped more than 200 school buses with infraction detection systems. Detroit uses similar technology on its school buses. Local enforcement agencies, rather than MDOT, review video to determine whether a fine is warranted.

Rationale for blocking points

Sponsoring state Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, said in committee testimony that the law recognizes a key limitation of the technology.

"Issuing points to someone who may not have committed the infraction is probably not a good practice," DeBoyer said. "The technology can identify a vehicle's license plate and its registered owner, but not necessarily the person who was behind the wheel."

DeBoyer had opposed an earlier law allowing automated tickets for drivers who don't stop for school buses but said his proposal to block driver's license points would make it "a much better and more effective tool."

Under the revised law, drivers ticketed by an automated school bus or work zone camera cannot lose driving privileges as a result or accumulate points that auto insurers could use to raise their rates.

Privacy concerns

The prospect of camera-based traffic enforcement has sparked privacy concerns in Michigan and other parts of the country. During debate on the construction zone camera legislation, groups including the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan raised concerns about the privacy implications and the precedent the laws set for ongoing surveillance of drivers.

A similar debate is taking place over automated license plate readers, including Flock cameras used by law enforcement. Earlier this year, state Reps. Jimmie Wilson Jr., D-Ypsilanti, and Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township, introduced legislation that would limit data collected by Flock cameras to 14 days and require reports on the use and efficacy of the systems.

Safety record in work zones

Proponents say the automated ticketing systems will save lives.

"We're out to save lives," said Lance Binoniemi, vice president of government affairs for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, which supported the construction zone legislation. "We had workers that were dying in work zones and we had people driving 80 mph in work zones. It's pretty sad."

Michigan State Police data shows 5,959 work-zone-involved crashes in 2025, including 24 fatalities, down from 6,731 crashes and 28 fatalities in 2024. The cameras had not yet been installed during either year.

"Privacy concerns really should be minimal. These cameras are not allowed to be used for any other reason than catching speeders," Binoniemi said.

At least 19 states have laws allowing automated speed enforcement technology, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, and at least 30 states have school bus stop arm camera laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.