Other Work Zone Legislation by State

For more detailed information, contact the Clearinghouse.

State Type of Law Citation (with link to full text) Date Enacted Comments
Connecticut Endangerment of a highway worker Public Act No. 08-114 2008 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 2008 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 Reduce WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation IC 9-21, Chapter 5, Sec. 11(a)(b) (HB 1151) 1993 Speed limit must be 10 mph below normal speed limit. Max. WZ speed limit is 45 mph.
Kentucky Reduce WZ speed limits without traffic and engineering investigation KRS, Chapter 37, Sec. 4.189. 390 (4)(b) (HB 137) 1996 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) 1997 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 2001 Mi. ALS 103
Sec. 601b. (2)(3) (SB 373)

House Bill 5173 (2003) (Public Act 314 of 2003)		 2001 Penalties for causing injury - maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 1 year in prison, or both.
Penalties for causing death - 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 1996 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) 1997 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 1997 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) 1996 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) 1996 Class A misdemeanor - max. fine of $5,000 or 1 year jail.
Oregon Refusing to obey a flagger MVC 11.232 (1)(2) 1996 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 1996 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) 1997 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) 1998 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) 1994 Gross misdemeanor - maximum fine of $5,000 or 1 year jail, or both.

Last modified 6/10/2008.

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