Just about all of us know that, short of special circumstances, speeding is against the law and can result in a ticket. But when you speed in a work zone, you can face other consequences as well.
What is a Work Zone?
According to the law, a work zone is a highway construction or maintenance work area. Work zones are marked with diamond-shaped orange signs reading “work zone” or “flagger ahead,” so that you know when you are entering one. It’s also important to note that if you don’t follow a work zone flagger who is directing you, you can receive a different ticket for disobeying a traffic control device.
Work zones usually have lower speed limits than those ordinarily posted. This is to help protect those working on the road or area. While speeding can increase the risk of an accident, speeding in a work zone can increase the risk that a pedestrian will be hit and seriously injured or even killed. This is why speeding in a work zone is taken so seriously.
How Many Points Will You Receive?
As with any type of speeding, you will receive a ticket (with points). The points that you will receive on your license are dependent upon your exact speed and how many miles per hour over the speed limit you were driving.
Points for speeding violations are as follows:
- 3 points for those going 1-10 mph over the speed limit;
- 4 points for those going 11-20 mph over the speed limit;
- 6 points for those going 21-30 mph over the speed limit;
- 8 points for those going 31-40 mph over the speed limit; and
- 11 points for those going at least 41 mph over the speed limit.
Why Should You Care About Points?
While it may not seem like much of a punishment, receiving any points at all on your license can be very serious. This is because when a driver receives a total of 11 points within an 18-month period, he or she will have their license suspended.
Consequences You Could Face Specifically for Speeding in a Work Zone
Since speeding in a work zone can be even more dangerous, if you are caught driving above the speed limit you may face other consequences. The first thing to note is that if you are found to be speeding in a work zone, the fines you receive will be doubled. In other words, this means that whereas a first-time speeding fine could cost you $150 to $600, fines for speeding in a work zone can range from $300 to $1,200 as well as a surcharge.
Even if you think that these fines aren’t too bad, it’s important to keep in mind that a conviction for speeding in a work zone will likely increase your auto insurance premiums. And if you are convicted of speeding in a work zone twice within 18 months, your driver’s license will be suspended.
AutoTrafficTickets.com Helps Those in New York Who Wish to Challenge a Speeding Ticket
If you have received a ticket in New York for speeding – whether or not in a work zone – it has the potential to cause serious consequences in your life and on your livelihood. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced New York traffic ticket attorney. If you wish to challenge your ticket, AutoTrafficTickets.com can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Speeding Tickets