From KENTUCKY HOUSE MAJORITY CAUCUS
Frankfort, Kentucky (March 10, 2025) – Last week, members of the House of Representatives passed HB 664, sponsored by Representative John Blanton. The measure, the Jared Lee Helton Act of 2025, would establish a framework for the use of automated speed enforcement devices in highway work zones.
“A few years ago, a young man from Magoffin County named Jared Lee Helton was working in a work zone when he was struck by a vehicle and tragically lost his life at far too young an age,” said Blanton. “HB 664 aims to improve safety in highway work zones by allowing the placement of automated speed enforcement devices in these areas.”
Under this measure, a peace officer may issue a citation in a highway work zone at the time of an offense based on images transmitted by an automated speed enforcement device if a motor vehicle is detected traveling more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit, at least one bona fide worker is present in the highway work zone, and a certified peace officer is stationed in or near the end of the work zone in a marked vehicle. The Transportation Cabinet would be required to install signage in highway work zones to notify drivers that vehicle speed within the work zone may be enforced by an automated speed enforcement device, which must have flashing lights when active and be calibrated annually. Additionally, an image transmitted by an automated speed enforcement device would be prohibited from being disclosed to anyone other than the driver of the vehicle.
If a violation occurs in a highway work zone, the fine would be $500 if no person is physically injured or dies as a result. Drivers who commit this violation may choose to attend a state traffic school or a county attorney-operated traffic safety program. However, if the violation results in physical injury or death of any person, the fine would range from $500 to $10,000.
All fines collected in a highway work zone would be deposited into the Transportation Cabinet’s highway work zone safety fund and used exclusively by the Transportation Cabinet to hire or pay for enhanced law enforcement of traffic laws within highway work zones.
“This bill aims to save lives and keep highway work zone workers safe,” Blanton added.
HB 664 will now head to the Senate for consideration. To keep track of HB 664 during the 2025 Regular Session, please click visit legislature.ky.gov.
