Can you be ticketed for speeding in an NC work zone if no one is working? Here’s the law
With construction taking place all over North Carolina, you’re likely to run into a work zone during your daily commute.
The Federal Highway Administration defines a work zone as “an area of a highway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities” that is “marked by signs, channelizing devices, barriers, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles.”
According to the N.C. Department of Public Safety, drivers must slow down to the posted speed limit in work zones.
But work zones aren’t always active. Signs may mark the areas, but sometimes there isn’t anyone working late at night or over the weekend.
Can you still be ticketed for speeding when work zones are inactive? Here’s what to know.
Can you be ticketed for speeding in a work zone if no one is working?
Yes, you can still be ticketed if you exceed the posted speed limit in a work zone, even if no one is working there, Master Trooper Christopher Casey with N.C. State Highway Patrol told The Charlotte Observer.
“If there is signage that informs motorists of the existence of a work zone and the end of a work zone, you would be obligated to do the posted speed limit as you travel through that area,” Casey said.
The minimum fine for speeding in a work zone is $250. Depending on the speed, drivers could also have their license revoked, according to NCDPS.
Tips for driving through a work zone
Here are some tips to follow when traveling through a work zone, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation:
Pay attention.
Be alert for work zone signs and flaggers.
Watch out for road debris.
Don’t tailgate.
Be patient and obey posted speed limits, which may be reduced.
Don’t change lanes.
Eliminate distractions.
Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
When possible, use alternate routes or travel at non-peak times to avoid traffic congestion.
This story was originally published July 10, 2024 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Can you be ticketed for speeding in an NC work zone if no one is working? Here’s the law."
