Speed limit reduced, when workers are present?

Question

If you are driving on the Interstate where constuction is being done, there will be a sign that reads "Speed limit 55 (or 45 in some areas) when workers are present. Fines doubled". Is the speed still reduced when workers are NOT present? And will the fines still be doubled when there are no workers present? We have been talking about this at work and no one really knows the answer. Most of us drive the regular speed when construction workers have left for the day.

I live in Alabama. That is the standard sign in ANY construction area on the roads. I ALWAYS slow down when workers are present...ALWAYS. Just not sure on when they aren't working.

Answer 1

As a road construction worker i would like to thank you for "slowing down" while we are working.
As for ur question it just depends on the cops. Most will allow you to do regular speed in the const zone as long as we arent there working. The "rookies" like to patrol these areas... Just go with the flow of traffic and you should be fine. Like i said it all depends on the cop thats patrolling the area.

Answer 2

Many states are doing away with the "when workers are present" and lowering the work zone speed limit to 45 regardless of whether workers are present. There have been numerous fatalities in work zones because not everyone slows down. Many of the people killed are motorists, not highway workers.

If the "when workers are present" sign is displayed, you can legally drive at 55. However, keep in mind, some of the interstate construction zones are very long so there could be workers down the road. There is also night, weekend and holiday work to consider.

Illinois now has cameras in some work zones. If you are caught speeding in a work zone, it is a $750 fine for the first offense. If you hit a highway worker, it is $10,000 and jail time.

Answer 3

I think the "...when workers are present..." part answers the question. It's a simple English "if" statement.

IF something.. ELSE something else.

Therefore IF the workers are there then you need to slow down to the temporary speed limit. ELSE if the workers are not there, business as usual.

The "Fines are doubled" part is tricky because it's after a full stop. So it could be the case that the fines are always doubled, workers or not; very tricky!

You definitely need to complain and demand a disambiguation. Where did you see that sign by the way?

Answer 4

i don't know where you are, but in texas the signs read pretty clearly

the reduced speed limit is because it is a construction zone. workers or not.

the fines for speeding double when workers are present

Answer 5

If the sign reads "when workers are present" then you don't have to slow down when they are gone. the fines are doubled only for speeding when the workers are present.

Answer 6

Interesting question. You could use the Rules of the road and fall in with the others and drive there speed weather its 45 or 75. But if in doubt you could slow down to the posted speed.

Answer 7

The speed limit is still reduced and fine is still doubled when workers are not on site... All those cones, barrels, loose gravel....etc... Someone driving could hit one...Like I have and lose control over their vehicle and get into a big bad wreck... and no one wants that do they??

Answer 8

I do too. The sign says it all--"when workers are present". But what if there's a sharp cut in the road; they've left working tools around; there's bumps and gravel to make it harder to steer????
Perhaps, go the limit but keep your eyes peeled???

Answer 9

This lack of clarity here represents a contempt for the people, in my humble opinion, as well as leaving an avenue wide open by which they can be milked for more money with a heavy fine.

You really need to get together in your area, protest this and get it changed.

Answer 10

Usually there is also a police officer there. If he isn't present, then there are no workers..but drive with caution, just to be safe....