AB 289 Work Zone Speed Cameras: What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Caltrans Work Zone (and Why Speed Data Matters)
Work zones are notoriously dangerous for construction workers and drivers alike. Narrow lanes, changes in traffic lanes, and abrupt stops to allow construction equipment through all ramp up the likelihood of a crash. When you add speeding into the mix, these areas become even more dangerous. That’s why California legislators introduced AB 289—and why you should talk to a car accident lawyer if you’re injured in a work zone collision.
The team at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates is committed to helping accident victims fight for the compensation and justice they deserve. As a car accident attorney in California with more than 25 years of experience, Robin D. Perry, Esq. has helped many people throughout Southern California recover their losses after collisions. Learn more about your next steps now. Call our car accident law firm at 562-216-2944 to set up a consultation right away.
What is AB 289?
Assembly Bill 289 was approved by Governor Newsom and filed with the Secretary of State in October of 2025. This builds on an existing law that authorizes the City of Malibu to set up a speed safety system on the Pacific Coast Highway. This new bill establishes a similar program on state highway construction and maintenance zones. The Department of Transportation can now build up to 35 speed safety systems that catch those traveling above the speed limit. If someone is caught speeding on a speed safety system, they are sent a civil citation in the mail.
The bill requires that speed safety systems have a “Photo Enforced” sign between 500 feet and one mile before the system. Additionally, the system must be inspected at least every 60 days to ensure proper operation and functionality.
These speed systems only capture violations and issue citations when a construction zone has workers present. A speed system in an inactive construction zone will not send citations.
Speeding as a Leading Cause of Work Zone Injuries
While this law may decrease accident rates for other drivers in work zones, its primary purpose is to protect construction and maintenance workers who put their lives at risk every single work day. Consider that work zone crashes are an incredibly common problem, resulting in nearly 900 deaths in 2023.
Speeding is one of the most dangerous bad driving behaviors, as any car accident lawyer will tell you. It causes a staggering number of injuries and fatalities on normal roads—on roads that have narrow lanes, different traffic flows, and sudden stops, speeding is even more dangerous.
Speeding is often a central issue in car accident claims. Anything that makes it easier to identify or prove speeding may be beneficial to accident victims.
Why Speed Camera Data Matters After a Work Zone Crash
Speed camera data can be extremely useful to a car accident attorney after a crash. This data provides objective, time-stamped evidence of a speeding driver. Eyewitness estimates can be incredibly inaccurate, making them a fairly weak form of evidence compared to data from calibrated machines.
If you pursue a civil injury case after an accident in a work zone, the data gathered from a speed camera may strengthen your claim that the other party is negligent. Their choice to speed may serve as evidence that they were negligent at the time of the crash, as violating the law is often considered negligence per se. It also shows reckless conduct that further demonstrates liability.
Liability Beyond the Speeding Driver
Throughout this, it’s important to remember that there may be other other parties beyond the other driver. Your lawyer may investigate other potential liable parties. If there was inadequate signage around and in the work zone, speed limits were not properly posted, or traffic control plans fell short of safety standards, there may be other people you name in your lawsuit.
Act Quickly—Call the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates Now
Speed camera data doesn’t last forever, so it’s important to meet with a car accident law firm as soon as possible to preserve evidence and start your claim. Let’s discuss your options now. Contact us online or call us at 562-216-2944 to set up a consultation now.
Attorney Robin D. Perry has been part of the Long Beach Community for over 25 years handling business litigation, employment litigation and advising, criminal defense, personal injury and code enforcement defense for businesses.
