HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Virginia State Police is currently installing speed safety cameras on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound in a work zone in Harrisonburg between mile markers 242 and 247.  The cameras are authorized under Virginia law (Virginia Code § 46.2-882.1).

The enforcement in this work zone will begin with a 30-day “warning” period on Aug. 31. Violators will receive a warning to educate them about the program and enlist their support with improving work zone safety instead of a citation.  Each offense is validated by the Virginia State Police before a citation or warning is issued. 

Once this 30-day warning period ends, if a vehicle is captured at ten or more miles per hour over the posted work zone speed limit, the registered owner of the vehicle may be issued a civil citation by mail. The associated fine is $100, but there is no impact on a person’s criminal record or vehicle insurance. 

Drivers can challenge a citation they believe was given in error.   Information on how to contest the citation, as well as other facts about the program, can be found at Work Zone Speed Safety Camera Program – Virginia State Police. 

Virginia State Police say this program is focused on reducing crashes and injuries in Virginia’s major highway work zones through increased awareness and voluntary compliance with the speed limit.  

Virginia State Police currently has speed safety cameras at two other work zones along Interstate 81, between the 143- and 150-mile markers in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties, and between the 221- and 225-mile markers in Augusta County.