Speeding in a Construction Zone Warning from DuPage County Traffic Attorneys

 Posted on June 28, 2016 in Traffic Violations

Speeding in a construction zone is an unsightly blemish on your driving record that you should try to avoid at all costs, whether by avoiding the ticket altogether or fighting it in court. Even though it is a petty offense that you may walk away from with only a high fine, it is taken very seriously by judges and prosecutors due to increased concerns for the safety of workers.

Be aware when entering a construction zone that the speed limit is almost always reduced. Signs must be posted warning drivers that they are about to enter a construction zone and advising them of the maximum speed allowed within that particular construction zone. Most people don't realize that the reduced speed limit applies whether workers are present or not. Avoid the common misconception that if you don't see any workers, you can avoid the special speed limit. That is not the case!

The fines imposed for violating speed restrictions within a construction zone are much higher than those imposed for a normal speeding ticket. Fines start at $250 for a first offense and jump to $750 for a second offense. An additional $125 (for a first offense) or $250 (for a second offense) will be added to your fine, which is deposited into the state or county Transportation Safety Highway Hire-back Fund. These minimum fines are statutory, which means that neither the prosecutor nor the judge can lower them. One more thing to note about speeding in a construction zone when workers are present is that a second offense within 2 years from the date of the first offense carries with it a mandatory suspension of your driving privileges for 90 days. So please drive carefully this summer, and anytime you enter a construction zone! Should you find yourself with a construction zone ticket, contact the experienced traffic attorneys at J. Aldrich Law, P.C. for a free consultation. We will fight to help you avoid the negative consequences that accompany this special violation, such as increased insurance rates and unfavorable treatment from prosecutors and judges when dealing with a future traffic ticket.