“Operation Hardhat” | What to Know about Construction Zone Violations

Highway maintenance is a major aspect of our everyday lives. Without the people who build, fix, and maintain highways, we would have a lot more trouble getting around. Because highway construction workers have a dangerous job, The New York State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the New York State Thruway Authority have teamed up to create “Operation Hardhat.” This is an initiative that aims to crack down on work zone violations in order to keep both highway construction workers and drivers safe. Read on to learn more about Operation Hardhat and how it may affect you when driving through New York State.

What is Operation Hardhat?

Under “Operation Hardhat,” State Troopers are present within work zones, dressed as highway maintenance workers. This is done to identify motorists who disobey flagging personnel, speed through the work zone, or violate the state’s Move Over Law.

What Kind of Tickets are Being Issued?

From July to November, theNew York State Police spent a total of 243 hours at work zones in 2020. In this time, they issued 1,779 tickets. The tickets they issued included the following violations:

  • Speeding – 618
  • Seatbelts – 187
  • Cell Phone – 297
  • Failure to Move Over – 141
  • Failure to Obey Flagger – 2
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device – 17
  • DWI – 1
  • Other violations – 516

What if I Receive a Ticket?

As Bergen County residents, we often find ourselves driving through New York. This means you may find yourself receiving a ticket as a result of Operation Hardhat. The highest number of tickets has been issued for speeding, so it is important to watch your speed limit in order to protect yourself, other drivers, and highway construction workers. If you are issued a ticket, you will want to contact a skilled traffic law attorney. A ticket may not seem like a big deal, but it can incur expensive fines and even points on your license.

If you are caught speeding and you are issued a ticket, you face fines, points on your license, and other surcharges. See New Jersey’s points system below:

  • 1-14 miles over the posted speed limit: 2-point violation
  • 15-30 miles over the posted speed limit: 4-point violation
  • 30 miles or more over the posted speed limit: 5-point violation

If you or a loved one receives a traffic ticket, contact our firm today to discuss your options.

Contact our Firm

The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC has over 25 years of experience helping clients through tough times when they need it most. If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, our firm is here to help. It is critical that you pick the right attorney who can protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.