Drivers must abide by posted speed limits to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists. Speeding in these areas leads to increased fines, sometimes doubled, to discourage risky behaviour. Fines can escalate significantly if one’s speed exceeds 30 km/h over the limit, which may be treated as a severe violation.
When Must Drivers Follow the Posted Speed Limit in a Construction Zone?
Drivers are required to follow the speed limit as soon as they enter a construction zone. The flagging of the area with designated signs signifies that the adjusted speed is in effect, and this remains true regardless of whether workers are present or not.
What is the Default Speed Limit in a Construction Zone Without Signs?
If there are no posted speed limit signs present in a construction area, it’s important to proceed cautiously. Construction zone speed limits will generally be between 50 km/h to 80km/h on highways, less when driving on local roads.
How Do Workers’ Presence Impact Construction Zone Speed Limits?
Even if construction workers are not visibly present, the posted speed limit must be obeyed. The presence of workers can heighten the need for a reduced speed for safety purposes, but the legal requirement to follow posted limits applies at all times in these zones. Fines for speeding in construction zones are doubled when workers are present.
Penalties for Exceeding Construction Zone Speed Limits
In Ontario, speeding fines are doubled in construction zones when workers are present. For instance, if you’re caught driving 30 km/h over the limit in a construction zone with a construction worker present, the fine would be double the usual $7.00 per kilometre, costing a driver $14.00 per kilometre.
Aside from doubled fines, exceeding construction zone speed limits, whether workers are present or not, can result in:
- Demerit Points: Accumulating demerit points can lead to license suspension.
- Insurance Premium Increases: Convictions for construction zone speeding significantly impact insurance rates. A speeding ticket issued in a construction zone will be noted as such and visible to your insurance provider.
- Court Summons: Severe violations, such as stunt driving or speeds exceeding 50 km/h over the limit, can lead to court appearances and more substantial penalties. In most cases, speeding more than 30 km/h over the posted limit in a construction zone will result in a summons being issued to the driver.
Need Help With a Construction Zone Speeding Ticket?
If you’ve been issued a speeding ticket in a construction zone, navigating the legal and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Fines may be doubled, and demerit points can impact your driving record and insurance rates.
At OTD Legal, our experienced paralegals can help you in contesting traffic tickets, including those issued in construction zones. We can help you:
- Understand your rights and options.
- Build a strong defence to fight the ticket.
- Reduce fines, demerit points, or other penalties.
