Do you have to slow down in an interstate work zone...???

Question

...when there is absolutely no work being done and not a single worker on site??

For example, while driving at around 0300 I came across a "work zone" LOL.. There was nothing going on so I kept my speed up.

Answer 1

When I was leaving for a long trip a few yrs ago I called a few State Patrol offices. Surprisingly I could not get a consistent answer from the source!!! LOL. Two of the four said I did not have to slow down if there was NO work being done and nobody in sight. That's the answer I went with but I would call again (and get names) if I was going to do the same thing now...

Answer 2

By the letter of the law, yes, you do have to slow down. Even
at 3am. Sometimes men work over night hours, sometimes
the cops use the deserted work zone as a speed trap. Most
of the time you will get away with keeping your speed up.
Most states double the fine for speeding in a work zone.
Since the law says to slow down, you won't have much luck
reasoning with a judge if you get ticketed at 3 am. Use your
best judgement.

Answer 3

Most states offer a very stiff penalty for speeding in work areas. Twice the fine and twice the points which severely impacts insurance rates. In my experience, I find that it is always wise to reduce your speed and go with the general flow of traffic. In work areas with concrete barriers set up, definitely need to slow down.... at least within +/- 5mph of the posted speed for the work zone. In areas that set up cones or plastic barrels, I use more judgment and if there are not any cones out, maintain regular speed.

Work zones are much more dangerous than people realize. Too often accidents caused in them are a result of a few people going the speed limit and the rest going WAY too fast. In some cases, I can see why people don't slow down too much as it is a long segment of roadway, when it is a short segment, it makes sense to slow down, not be impatient and not create more of a hazard for the workers.

Answer 4

I think this is risky because lot of times, at least around were I live, these guys are working in the wee hours of the morning in order to meet their deadline. There are usually flood lights around but you never know. There may be a state trooper watching over the area who may have a different view than yours, and guess who is going to get the ticket? And it's a pretty hefty fine. So, I'd think twice if I were you, especially if other traffic is present and is slowing down.

Answer 5

In my State, the fines for speeding are doubled if you're caught speeding in a work zone. Sometimes they are working at 3A just to avoid traffic. Our state has found that when we award road contracts, we pay extra if they are completed early, and deduct money if the job is done late. Surprisingly, most of the jobs are finished very early. It has worked for us. good luck.

Answer 6

I would say a cop would have pulled you over and gave you a warning. Since technically you are supposed to slow in a work zone. But since no work was being done I doubt you would have recieved a ticket, except for that 20 lbs of ganja in the trunk. LOL

Answer 7

Yes, you are required to follow the work zone speed limit. Why do you think it's there even when nobody is around?

A lot of people don't realize that work zones can have road hazards, such as narrower lanes, rocks, uneven pavement, grooved pavement, etc. These conditions can affect your ability to control your car.

Answer 8

aruond here the state says you are supposed to slow to posted speed and if there are workers you better. in Florida there is a cop that dresses as a worker, santa claus, hiding in trees, a little old lady, So if I were me I slow down no sense in giving your money away

Answer 9

Yes and if they have signs they will double the fine in instances. Because you do not see work at the moment, does not mean there is a crew that could enter the roadway at any moment.

Be cautions.

Answer 10

If they post a lower speed limit, I'd slow down, just in case there's a cop hiding nearby.