States Crack Down on Speeding in Construction Zones

To reduce fatalities and improve work zone safety, states have used various traffic control methods. Illinois uses cameras to catch speeders and its work zone speeding fines were toughened up: first-time offenders are fined $375; second-time work zone speeders are fined $1,000 and lose their drivers’ licenses for 90 days. Illinois also enforces a “move over law” that requires motorists to slow down and change lanes if possible when approaching emergency or construction vehicles using flashing warning lights. Iowa State Police use radar in patrol cars and hand-held “lidar” laser units. In Iowa, the “unsafe approach law” is enforced. Motorists are required to either move over if possible, or slow down for any vehicle on official business with lights flashing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol uses radar in moving or stationary patrol cars, covert radar in a parked pickup and occasionally airplanes to enforce Missouri construction zone speed limits. Missouri also has a move over law.