ARDOT to Use New Camera Technology for Distracted Driving Checks

ARDOT Rolls Out New Camera System to Spot Distracted Driving

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is adding new camera technology to help reduce distracted driving in state highway work zones. The agency says the system will help officers spot drivers who use handheld devices while passing through these areas. DOT hopes the change will make work zones safer for workers and for drivers.

Cameras Will Support Safety Checks

ARDOT explained that the cameras will scan traffic as vehicles pass through marked work zones. The system will look for signs that a driver is holding a phone or another device. When the camera flags a possible violation, it will send an alert to a nearby law enforcement officer. The officer will then decide whether to stop the driver.

The agency said the new process does not replace officers. Instead, the cameras act as a tool to help officers focus on drivers who may be distracted.

ARDOT Plans to Use the System During the Highway 5 Project

The new camera system will first be used during the Highway 5 widening project near Benton and Bryant. This project has heavy traffic and frequent work-zone shifts, so ARDOT views it as a strong test site. The agency believes the cameras can help reduce dangerous behavior as crews continue work in the area.

The system may also appear in other work zones once the test period ends. DOT said it will collect data and review how well the technology works before making broader plans.

Why ARDOT Is Taking This Step

Distracted driving remains a major concern for road workers and for the trucking industry. ARDOT reports that many drivers still use phones while passing through work zones, even though Arkansas law bans the use of handheld devices behind the wheel. Because of this, the agency aims to improve monitoring tools that can help stop unsafe actions in real time.

The new camera system supports traditional enforcement. It also gives officers a faster way to identify drivers who may be at risk of causing a crash.

What Drivers Should Expect

Drivers will see signs warning them about the new cameras in work zones. ARDOT says these signs are meant to remind drivers to stay alert and follow the law. Officers will continue to make the final decision on all traffic stops and citations.

Truck drivers moving through the area should expect stricter oversight, especially in the Highway 5 project zone. Even though the cameras help identify violations, the agency stresses that safe driving remains the best way to avoid delays and penalties.

ARDOT Will Review the Tech Before Expanding Its Use

ARDOT plans to monitor the system’s performance in the coming weeks. The agency will study how well the cameras spot real violations and how they affect overall safety. After this review, DOT may choose to expand the program to more locations across the state.

While some details are still under review, ARDOT says its main goal is to cut down on risky behavior and protect crews working on Arkansas roads.