Other Work Zone Legislation by State

This page includes state work zone related laws that are not covered on the Enhanced Fine Legislation in Work Zones page.  Contact the Clearinghouse if you have any questions.

State Type of Law Citation (with link to full text) Comments
Connecticut Endangerment of a highway worker Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-212d Endangerment of a highway worker - fine of up to $1,000. Aggravated endangerment of a highway worker - fine of up to $5,000 for injuring a highway worker and $10,000 for the death of a highway worker.
Illinois Reckless homicide in a construction or maintenance zone Public Act 095-0587 Reckless homicide of a construction worker - 3-14 years in prison. Reckless homicide of two or more construction workers - 6 to 28 years in prison.
Indiana Aggressive driving and reckless endangerment of workers in a highway work zone IC 9-21-8-56 Class A misdemeanor for reckless or aggressive driving: one year in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Class D felony for injuring a worker: three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Class C felony for killing a worker: eight years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Kentucky Reduce WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation KRS, Chapter 37, Sec. 4.189. 390 (4)(b) (HB 137) Effective when and where signs are posted.
Maine Reduce WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation MS Sec. 1.29-A, MRSA 2027, sub(2) WZ speed limits can be set between 25 and 55 mph. Max. speed limit reduction allowed is 10 mph.
Michigan Reckless endangerment of workers in a roadway construction zone MCLS § 257.601b Penalties for causing injury - not fewer than 3 points; maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 1 year in prison, or both.
Penalties for causing death - not fewer than 3 points; maximum fine of $7,500 or up to 15 years in prison, or both.
Minnesota Reduce WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation MS 169.14 Subd. 5d(b) WZ speed limits can be set between 20 and 40 mph. Max. speed limit reduction allowed is 15 mph.
Montana Set WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation MCA 61-8-314 (3) The speed limit in a construction zone or in a work zone must be set by the DOT or the local authority based on traffic conditions or the condition of the construction, repair, maintenance, or survey project.
Montana Reckless endangerment of highway workers MVC 61-8-315 (definition), 61-8-715 Penalty Misdemeanor - 90 days in jail and/or a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $300.
Nebraska Reduce WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation Sec. 9-Sec. 60-6, 188(1)(2)(3)(4) Statutory speed limits in WZ are 25 and 35 mph in urban and rural areas. DOT supervisors can raise limits above statutory levels (up to normal speed limits for that roadway) as they deem appropriate.
Oregon Reckless endangerment of highway workers MVC 11.231 (1)(2) Class A misdemeanor - max. fine of $5,000 or 1 year jail.
Oregon Refusing to obey a flagger MVC 11.232 (1)(2) Class A misdemeanor - max. fine of $5,000 or 1 year jail.
Rhode Island Reduce WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation MVC Sec. 31-14-12.1 Effective when and where signs are posted.
South Dakota Authorize agents of employees of DOT to issue citations for speeding violations within WZ. Sec 1, Chap. 32-33 new section (HB 1273) Workers must be present, and signs indicating work area required.
Utah Obedience to peace officer or other traffic controllers in construction or maintenance zones. To amend Chapter 138, Section 1, Sec. 41-5-13(1) A person may not willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of peace officer, fireman, flagger at a highway WZ.
Washington Reckless endangerment of highway workers in a roadway construction zone RCW 46.61, Sec.1 (4)(5) Gross misdemeanor - maximum fine of $5,000 or 1 year jail, or both.

Last modified 9/2/2009

Categories: |