Are Illinois Construction Zone Speed Limits Enforced With No Workers Present?

Driving through Illinois, I often find myself questioning whether construction zone speed limits are enforced when no workers are present. On one such drive, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to find out.

Construction zones typically have reduced speed limits to ensure worker safety and prevent traffic setbacks. However, these zones often seem deserted, especially during off-hours or breaks. It’s tempting to drive faster in these empty zones, and I’ve often wondered if it’s legal.

Illinois Vehicle Code

To get to the bottom of this, I researched the state laws of Illinois. In Illinois, the latest update to the Illinois Vehicle Code (Section 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1) in 2022 clarified this issue. The statute explicitly states that a person may not operate a motor vehicle in a construction or maintenance speed zone at a speed exceeding the posted limit, regardless of whether workers are present. This means that even when no workers are around, the reduced speed limits are still in effect.

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Violating this law can result in hefty fines: a minimum of $250 for the first offense and $750 for subsequent offenses. The same penalties apply to speeding in these zones when workers are present. This clear and strict enforcement is designed to ensure safety at all times.

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So, the next time I drive through an empty construction zone, I’ll remember that those speed limits are there for a reason, and yes, they are enforced even when workers aren’t present.

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