Work Zone Traffic Laws
Nearly all states have laws that increase the penalties for speeding or committing other traffic violations while in a construction work zone.
Often, the enhanced penalty consists of doubling the applicable fine had the same traffic violation been committed oustide a construction zone. It may also be a fixed dollar amount or a range. Some states vary the penalty depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense.
Learn More About Speeding
Survey of the States Published 2005
In many states, the enhanced penalty is applicable only when workers are present and/or if signs are posted.
- 32 states and the District of Columbia double the fine for speeding (or committing other traffic violations) in a work zone.
- 24 states and the District of Columbia require workers to be present in the construction zone for the increased penalties to take effect.
- 41 states and the District of Columbia indicate that signs must be posted to alert drivers of the enhanced penalties.
| State | Violations Affected | Enhanced Penalties | Workers Must Be Present | Signs Must Be Present |
| Alabama | Speeding | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Alaska | All | Double original fine | No | No |
| Arizona | Speeding | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | All moving traffic violations | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| California | Various | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | All | Double original fine | No | No |
| Connecticut | All moving traffic violations | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | Various | At least double original fine (1st offense) | No | No |
| D.C. | All moving violations | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | Speeding | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | Speeding | $100-$2,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail | Either work zone personnel, or barriers, work vehicles or shoulder or pavement drop offs | Yes |
| Hawaii | Speeding | $250 | No | No |
| Idaho | Speeding | $50 | No | Yes |
| Illinois | Speeding | $375 (1st offense); $1,000 (subsequent offenses) | No | Yes |
| Indiana | Speeding | $300 (1st offense); $500 (2nd offense); $1,000 (3rd offense within 3 years) |
No | Yes |
| Iowa | All moving vehicle violations | Double original fine (up to $1,000) | No | Yes |
| Kansas | All moving vehicle violations | Double original fine | No | Yes |
| Kentucky | Speeding | Double original fine | No | No |
| Louisiana | Speeding | Double original fine | Yes | No |
| Maine | Speeding | Double original fine | No | Yes |
| Maryland | Speeding | Up to $1,000 | No | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Speeding | Double original fine | No | Yes |
| Michigan | All moving vehicle violations | Double original fine and at least 3 points | No | Yes |
| Minnesota | Speeding | Double original fine (minimum $25) | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | Speeding | Up to $250 (1st offense), double original fine (subsequent offenses) |
Yes | Yes |
| Missouri | Speeding or passing | Additional $250 (1st offense); additional $300 (subsequent offenses) |
Yes | Yes |
| Montana | All | Minimum double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Nebraska | Speeding | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada | Various | Double original fine (up to $1,000), 6 months jail time, or 120 hrs. community service | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Speeding | $250-$500 | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | All moving vehicle violations | Double original fine | No | Yes |
| New Mexico | Speeding | Double original fine | No | Yes |
| New York | Speeding | $90-$600 or up to 30 days in jail, or both | No | Yes |
| North Carolina | Speeding | Additional $250 plus court costs | No | Yes |
| North Dakota | Speeding | Minimum $80 | Yes | Yes |
| Ohio | Speeding | Double original fine | Must be during hours of actual work | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Speeding | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon | Various | Minimums: 20% of max. (misdemeanor); 2% of max. (felony) | No | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Various | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Speeding | Double original fine | No | Yes |
| South Carolina | Speeding | $75-$200 or up to 30 days jail, or both | No | Yes |
| South Dakota | Speeding | Double original fine (up to $500) or 30 days jail, or both | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | Speeding | $250-$500 | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | All moving vehicle violations | Double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Utah | Speeding | Minimum double original fine | Yes | Yes |
| Vermont | Speeding | Double original fine | No | Yes |
| Virgin Islands | Speeding | No data | ||
| Virginia | Speeding | Up to $500 | Yes | Yes |
| Washington | Speeding | Double original fine | No | No |
| West Virginia | Speeding | Up to $200 or 20 days in jail, or both | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Various | Double original fine | Yes | No |
| Wyoming | None | |||
| Total States | 49 + D.C., Virgin Islands | 24 + D.C. | 41 + D.C. | |
Sources: National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse and State Highway Safety Offices.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general information purposes only and is not to be considered legal authority. For clarification on any law, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office.