Speeding in a construction zone falls under Article 30 section 1180 (f) of New York State Traffic Law. Remember the penalties of a VTL 1180 (f) are not your average fines that you might receive for speeding in a regular area. You might have noticed on certain road signs in New York State that speeding in the work zones will result in the fines being doubled.
Why Do Work Zone Violations Carry Stiffer Penalties?
Workers on the side of the road that help fix roads, bridges and barriers are left in a very dangerous position on the side of the road. Strictly obeying the speed limit within the work area (which is generally slower than other areas on the highway) can help keep workers safe.
According to the laws of New York State a “work zone” is any location on a roadway being utilized for roadwork in which workers, work vehicles, equipment, supplies or other barriers are located. It is also important to note that the absence of construction work does not mean that the area is no longer considered a work zone. We often hear from drivers who are ticketed in a work zone in middle of the night when there are no workers present but that makes no difference in the eyes of the law.
Statistics have demonstrated that increased speeds in work zones have lead to significant deaths among construction workers and the drivers themselves. Slower speeds help facilitate a safer flow of traffic that could prevent the potential mishaps that result from lane changes and reductions in this environment.
Driving 1 to 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit will result in 3 points. 11 to 20 miles per hour over the speed limit posted in a work zone will result in 4 points. The minimum fines will double that of a normal speeding violation. Receiving a second work zone related speed ticket within 18 months of the first will result in you having your license suspended. Driving 21 miles or more over the posted limit will result in a 6 point ticket and also require you to pay the NYS Driver Responsibility Assessment as well, only adding to the amount of fines that you will be required to pay.
Contacting an experienced attorney can prove beneficial to you and potentially help you avoid steep fines or penalties that result from work zone related speeding tickets. If you received a New York Traffic ticket for speeding in a work zone, contact the attorneys at Rosenblum Law: 888-434-0406.