Colorado Work Zone Laws

How Colorado handles work zones

Colorado doubles both the fine and the surcharge in any designated work zone, no workers required (C.R.S. 42-4-614). 20 to 24 over runs about $460 once doubled; 25 over is a misdemeanor. Cameras mail a $75 ticket at 10-plus over with no crew in sight (42-4-110.5). Obey the flagger or face a class A infraction (43-5-308). The 2025 hands-free law exempts CDL drivers in commercial vehicles, but FMCSA still bars your handheld.

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: The posted work-zone limit applies the whole time the designated zone is signed, no workers needed. Automated cameras enforce it at 10-plus mph over even with no crew in sight (C.R.S. 42-4-614, 42-4-110.5). Always while signed.
• Fine multiplier: Doubled, penalty and surcharge both, in a designated maintenance, repair, or construction zone (C.R.S. 42-4-614, 42-4-1701(4)(c)). 20-24 over is a class A infraction that runs about $460 in a zone (a $200 fine and $32 surcharge, both doubled); 25-plus over is a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. Applies whenever the zone is signed.
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: You must obey a flagger's visible instructions, signals, or directions; failing to do so is a class A traffic infraction (C.R.S. 43-5-308).
• Base fine: A typical speeding fine runs about $150 to $200 (C.R.S. 42-4-1701 schedule), doubled to roughly $300 to $400 in a designated zone. A work-zone camera citation is $75 at 10-plus mph over.

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