As Michigan rolls out automated traffic tickets, new law blocks driver points

A new Michigan law prevents automated-camera traffic violations from adding points to drivers’ licenses
MDOT has yet to launch its work-zone camera enforcement program, despite plans to have cameras operating earlier this year
At least three school districts have already outfitted school buses with stop arm camera enforcement systems

Getting caught on camera speeding through a construction zone or blowing past a school bus stop sign could cost Michigan motorists hundreds of dollars, but it won’t cost them points on their driver’s license.

A new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ensures automated traffic tickets can only result in fines in Michigan, where at least three school districts are already using stop arm cameras and the state Department of Transportation is developing similar technology for construction zones.

The prospect of camera-based traffic enforcement has sparked privacy concerns in Michigan and other parts of the country.

But backers say the new law recognizes a key limitation: The technology can identify a vehicle’s license plate and its registered owner, but not necessarily the person who was behind the wheel.

“Issuing points to someone who may not have committed the infraction is probably not a good practice,” sponsoring state Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, said in committee testimony.

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DeBoyer 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.”

Work zone tickets a work in progress

The revised law means drivers ticketed by an automated school bus or work zone camera can’t lose driving privileges as a result or accumulate points that auto insurers could use to raise their rates.

But that doesn’t mean drivers won’t be penalized.

Under a 2024 law still being implemented, Michiganders caught going 10 miles per hour over the speed limit in a construction zone can be mailed a warning for a first offense. If they’re caught again within three years, they could be fined up to $150, and up to $300 for a third offense.

The law authorized the Michigan Department of Transportation to develop the construction zone camera enforcement system. Officials hoped to begin enforcement by the beginning of this year, but that hasn’t happened yet.

More recently, MDOT has said 2027 is more likely, but a spokesperson couldn’t confirm exactly when enforcement might begin.

“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,” spokesperson Jocelyn Garza told Bridge Michigan.

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

Local enforcement agencies review the video to determine if a fine is warranted, not MDOT, Garza confirmed.

So far, Grand Rapids and Dearborn have equipped more than 200 school buses collectively with infraction detection systems.Detroit uses similar technology on its school buses. Local officials in those communities did not respond to requests for comment on this story.

At least 19 states have laws allowing for 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.

A handful of states have prohibited speed cameras, and the constitutionality of automated enforcement has been challenged in some areas.

Privacy concerns

During debate on the construction zone camera legislation, groups like the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan raised concerns about the privacy implications, as well as the precedent the laws set for ongoing surveillance of drivers.

A similar privacy debate is taking place over automated license plate readers, like Flock cameras, which law enforcement agencies use and tout as a speedy way to help locate missing people or catch criminals.

Earlier this year, State Reps. Jimmie Wilson Jr., D-Ypsilanti, and Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township, introduced legislation that would place limits on the data collected by Flock cameras to 14 days and establish reports on the use and efficacy.

Supporters say the new automated ticketing systems for school buses and construction zones will only be used to catch people speeding — and to improve public safety.

“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,” he told Bridge Michigan.

Data from the Michigan State Police shows that in 2025, there were 5,959 work-zone-involved crashes, including 24 fatalities, down from 6,731 crashes and 28 fatalities in 2024, even though the cameras have not been installed yet.

“It literally just captures (drivers’) speed, their license plate and then automates a ticket to that registered owner based on their license plate,” Binoniemi said.

“The privacy concerns really should be minimal. These cameras are not allowed to be used for any other reason than catching speeders.”