LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Highway Police announced Friday that they will be utilizing new work zone camera technology that can detect handheld device usage while driving.
Officials with the AHP, a division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, said that they currently use cameras in interstate work zones to detect speeding violations. By mid-January work zone cameras will be able to detect when drivers are holding a handheld device like a cell phone.
“It is against Arkansas law to use a handheld device in a work zone,” said AHP Chief Jeff Holmes. “Until now, the hands-free law in work zones has been relatively difficult to enforce. This new technology will help us keep road workers and the traveling public safer.”
Arkansas law goes into effect August 1 to automate ticketing speeders in highway work zones
The camera detects when a driver is holding a handheld device and sends an alert to an officer down the road who will pull the driver over after they leave the work zone. An officer has to be present for a warning or ticket to be issued, tickets will not be sent by mail…