I have a dumb traffic law question:

[AlexandNessa]

This has been bothering me for some time.

If a highway has designated a 50 MPH Work Zone, do you still have to do 50 MPH if it is quite clear that no one is working?

I have about a 5-mile stretch of such an area on my way to work. These folks don't work on Sundays or during thunder storms/rain.

In some other (smarter states), they have the signs that blink, as in "50 MPH Work Zone in Effect When Lights are Flashing." Not mine.

What's the rule?

 

[luvflorida]

I've always wondered the same thing. The Maine Turnpike is CONSTANTLY being worked on, especially now that they are widening it from two lanes to three.

I always assume that if nobody is working in the 50mph work zone that it is okay to go over that speed. Maybe I shouldn't assume that. What I do know however, is that I rarely see drivers abiding by the 50mph limit even when there ARE workers in the area. I do try to stay at 50, but it really irks me to see these other drivers zipping by at 65, or higher, whithout any concern for the workers by the side of the road. The hefty fine they can receive doesn't seem to stop them either.

 

[jrydberg]

Not sure but I always assume the work zone limit is still in effect. So I go as close as possible to that speed limit without getting run over

 

[piglet too]

I too would assume that you still need to drive 50mph. To be on the safe side, ask at your local police department or call the state patrol office near you.

 

[cynsaun]

Originally posted by jrydberg
Not sure but I always assume the work zone limit is still in effect. So I go as close as possible to that speed limit without getting run over

I do the same thing. Do you ever feel like you are driving in reverse while on the highway?

 

[jrydberg]

Originally posted by cynsaun
I do the same thing. Do you ever feel like you are driving in reverse while on the highway?

Yes, but then again, I live in the DC area

 

[JayCT]

If the sign says 50 mph, it means the speed limit is 50 mph, no matter what. That is the law in CT and I believe everywhere else. Jay

 

[DrCavin]

Whatever the speed limit is that is posted is the speed limit 24/7 unless otherwise specified.

I think in Ohio now, if you hit a road worker, it is automatic jail time.

I love how they tear up 10 miles of road & only work on 1/4 mile of it

 

[Miss Jasmine]

In Florida if workers are present the fine is doubled, otherwise you just get a regular fine for speeding. The posted speed is the posted speed in a construction area because even when workers are not present, there may be lane shifts and other things that require a lower speed limit.

 

[Cinders]

It's 50 in that area regardless of men working or not. Sometimes the crews leave equipment or unstable areas that could be a concern.

I remember long ago a friend got a ticket for taking a curve on a state highway too fast. The yellow posted sign showed a curve and said 35 mph. She assumed that was the suggest speed for the curve and took it much faster. Needless to say the police officer assured her that was the speed limit for that specific area of the road and gave her a ticket.

 

[cynsaun]

Originally posted by jrydberg
Yes, but then again, I live in the DC area

As Bob so eloquently put it awhile back, those that drive slower than I are idiots and those that drive faster are maniacs!

 

[onecoolmama]

Originally posted by jrydberg
Yes, but then again, I live in the DC area

 

[sugermouse]

I just got my permit, so I'm fresh from the drivers school, and yes you HAVE TO go the posted speed limit no matter what. Because they say there still could be some workers even if you can't see them. They also say, they do inforce it.