Work Zone Speed Limits: When does it apply?

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By: Taranjit | Last Updated: June 8, 2020

Summer is here and so is the increase in work zones on the road. The dreaded construction that is an inconvenience, but at the same time, needed. Wouldn’t it be nice if the roads just repaired themselves or construction happened when you aren’t on that road? That would be nice, but it’s not feasible. You will most likely have to drive through a construction zone at some point in your life.

What if there are no workers present?

Now the question we all want the answer to (and the reason you probably clicked on this post) is when do the work zone speed limits apply and can I drive the normal speed limit if there are no workers present?

This can depend on what the sign specifically states. If it mentions that this is the speed when workers are present, then you can drive the regular speed limit when they are not there. But, most often than not, you have to follow the construction speed limit even if there are no workers present. If you choose to disobey, just remember that the fine is way higher for speeding in a construction zone.

There is a reason the reduced speed limit was posted as is in the first place. There’s always a reason, right? No one just does it just to mess with people (except those people who hack into the digital construction signs and write funny messages), but you can’t hack into a printed sign. Now that would be skill if you could.

But that’s getting off point. Did you know that most of the accidents that happen in a construction zone doesn’t actually involve a worker getting hurt? That’s crazy to hear right? You often hear about the accidents that involve construction workers being hit by cars, but I didn’t know that the drivers themselves are involved in more crashes in a construction zone than the workers themselves.

When you think about it, it makes sense. If you speed through the work zone, even when there are signs posted telling you to slow down, you have a higher chance of hitting something, whether it is the temporary concrete barriers or cones that are set-up, the construction equipment, or the construction workers.

In fact, in Illinois, 4500 work zone vehicle crashes occurred between the years 2010 and 2014 causing 1100 injuries and 27 fatalities a year, and among those fatalities, only 2 were worker fatalities.

This is why it is so important to obey the signs that are put up and always slow down. They are there for a reason. You may be used to zipping down this road on a normal day, but it is not normal conditions when it is a work zone. The lanes could be shifted or narrower or the road may not be completely smooth, so be careful when you are driving out there and just obey the signs. Or be prepared to get fined double the usual fine. Now that would not be a pleasant gift now would it?

Final thoughts

Just because it is not currently an active work zone where workers are present, it doesn’t mean it is still not a work zone. For your safety, the reduced speed limit was put into effect in that area because the normal road conditions do not exist for the time being.