Arkansas drivers will soon see expanded enforcement in highway construction zones, as new camera technology begins detecting handheld cell phone use in active work zones — a move state officials say is about safety, but one that has also sparked privacy and legal concerns.
The technology builds on Act 707, which already allows the use of cameras to enforce speed limits in active work zones on highways and interstates. Officials say the same system can now identify drivers holding cell phones while passing through construction areas, using additional cameras powered by artificial intelligence.
According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the goal is to reduce crashes and protect both road workers and drivers.
How the New Enforcement Works
State officials say the system is not fully automated ticketing. Instead, the technology flags a potential violation, after which a real law enforcement officer takes over.
Here’s how it works:
Cameras capture an image of a driver holding a phone in an active work zone
A downstream officer conducts a traffic stop
The officer reviews the image and speaks directly with the driver
The officer decides whether to issue a warning, citation, or no action
“There’s no ticket in the mail,” officials emphasized. The final decision always rests with an officer on the scene.
The enforcement is being carried out by the Arkansas Highway Police, which says the system makes it easier to identify violations that are otherwise difficult to observe safely in traffic.
What’s Legal — and What’s Not
Under Arkansas law:
Handheld cell phone use in work zones is prohibited
Hands-free use, including Bluetooth, remains legal
Officers retain discretion in how violations are handled
State officials also say the cameras are programmed specifically to identify a phone in a driver’s hand and do not access phone data, apps, or GPS information. Images are deleted unless an officer determines enforcement action is warranted.
The Safety Argument
Transportation officials say the expanded enforcement is driven by sobering statistics.
According to ARDOT:
Seven construction workers were killed in Arkansas work zones in 2025
The state sees more than 2,000 work-zone crashes each year
Officials stress the program is not intended to generate revenue.
“This is about saving lives — workers, officers, and the motoring public,” state officials said. “Everyone going home safely at the end of the day is the priority.”
Privacy and Legal Concerns Raised
Not everyone agrees the expansion aligns with the intent of Act 707.
The National Motorists Association has raised concerns about whether lawmakers anticipated the use of work-zone cameras for cell phone detection, rather than speed enforcement alone.
Advocates have also questioned:
Whether drivers have a reasonable expectation of privacy inside their vehicles
How false positives are handled
Whether AI alerts alone meet the standard for reasonable suspicion
Supporters of the program counter that vehicles operate in public spaces and that human officers — not algorithms — make enforcement decisions.
When Enforcement Begins
State officials say the updated enforcement is expected to begin mid-January, with an initial focus on awareness rather than mass ticketing.
For now, the message to drivers is simple:
Put the phone down for the one-to-two-minute stretch it takes to pass through a work zone.
Why This Matters for Arkansas Drivers
As technology plays a larger role in traffic enforcement, Arkansas’ work-zone camera expansion highlights a growing tension between public safety and personal privacy. Whether the program becomes widely accepted — or faces legal challenges — is something drivers across the state will be watching closely in the months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Work Zone Cell Phone Cameras
Are work zone cameras issuing tickets automatically in Arkansas?
No. The cameras are used to identify a potential violation, but a real law enforcement officer conducts the traffic stop and decides whether to issue a warning, citation, or take no action.
Will I get a ticket mailed to me from a camera?
No. Officials say there are no tickets mailed as part of this enforcement. Any citation would come from an in-person stop by an officer.
Are hands-free or Bluetooth devices allowed in work zones?
Yes. Hands-free phone use, including Bluetooth devices, remains legal in Arkansas. The enforcement targets handheld cell phone use in active work zones.
Does the camera system track my phone or personal data?
According to state officials, the system does not access phone data, apps, GPS information, or track drivers beyond identifying a potential violation. Images are deleted unless an officer determines enforcement action is needed.
Can the system make mistakes or false identifications?
State officials acknowledge that no system is perfect. Officers review images and speak with drivers before making any enforcement decision, and discretion remains with the officer.
Is this enforcement legal under Arkansas law?
Supporters say the enforcement is an extension of existing work-zone safety laws, while critics argue the original legislation focused on speed enforcement, not cell phone detection. Legal questions may continue to be debated as the program rolls out.
When does enforcement begin?
Officials say enforcement is expected to begin mid-January, with an emphasis on awareness and safety rather than mass ticketing.