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.
In many states, the enhanced penalty is applicable only when workers are present and/or if signs are posted.
- 33 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.
NOTE: GHSA does not compile any additional data on work zone traffic laws other than what is presented here. For more information, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office.
| 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 | Double original fine (few exceptions) | 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.