What Happens If You Get a Ticket in a Construction Zone?

Posted on by Accel Admin

What Happens If You Get a Ticket in a Construction Zone?

While navigating the roadways in the Garden State, you’ve likely come across a construction zone. Generally, they are marked with signs or barriers. To ensure the safety of vulnerable workers, penalties for a construction zone ticket are much higher than standard fines. If you’re facing a construction zone ticket in New Jersey, it’s in your best interest to connect with a determined Bergen County, NJ Traffic Ticket Attorney who will help you understand your options and ardently represent your interests.   

What is Considered a Construction Zone? 

In New Jersey, construction zones are designated areas where roadwork or maintenance is actively underway. These work zones are typically marked by:

  • Advance Warning: Signs such as “Construction Ahead” or “Utility Work” alert motorists to upcoming changes on the roadway. 
  • Speed Reduction: Posted signs enforce temporary, lower speed limits. 
  • Physical Barriers: Traffic is channeled and safeguarded using cones, barrels, or permanent barriers. 
  • Active Presence: The sight of construction employees or heavy machinery confirms the zone is active. 

What Are Common Construction Zone Violations?

Driving through construction zones in New Jersey requires extreme caution, as enforcement is strict. Even minor speeding infractions can result in significantly higher fines compared to standard violations. Unsafe conduct behind the wheel, such as reckless or careless driving, results in harsh penalties due to dynamic road conditions. Furthermore, ignoring authorized personnel or temporary traffic controls is heavily policed, as it creates danger for workers and other motorists navigating the roadways. 

Are Penalties Higher for Tickets in Construction Zones?

When it comes to tickets in construction zones in New Jersey, you can expect double the standard fine. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6 and 39:4-203.5, traffic tickets are doubled in designated construction zones, safe corridors, and certain high-speed zones.  This heightened cost is intended to be a financial deterrent, compelling motorists to slow down and adhere to the rules of the road. It should be noted that these penalties apply regardless of whether workers are present at the site. 

In addition to substantial fines, excessive speeding in these work zones can lead to demerit points on your driving record. If you accumulate too many points (reaching 12 or more), it can result in the loss of your driving privileges. 

Do You Have to Pay the Ticket or Can You Fight It?

While it may seem easier to simply pay the ticket and move on, it’s crucial to understand that you can fight it. If you pay the ticket, you are admitting guilt. The consequences of a construction zone ticket can be significant. Fighting the ticket can help mitigate penalties. You should fight the ticket if: 

  • You think the ticket was issued in error 
  • The posted notices were ambiguous or absent 
  • No current building or road work was underway 
  • Potential for accruing demerit points or losing driving privileges 

Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, fighting the ticket could result in lower fines, fewer points, a reduction to a lesser offense, or even the case being dismissed altogether. At The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC, we are prepared to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact our legal team today to schedule a consultation.