District of Columbia Work Zone Laws

How District of Columbia handles work zones

The District doubles the fine for any moving violation inside a work zone, and a criminal charge moves up one penalty category (D.C. Code § 50-2201.04c). Signs at the entrance must warn you of the doubled fines. A $100 speeding ticket becomes $200, and automated cameras enforce the posted limit with no officer or visible worker (§ 50-2209.01). The citywide handheld ban covers the zone. Obey the flagger.

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: The posted work-zone limit stands whenever the signs are up, and signs at the entrance warn of doubled fines. Any moving violation in the zone doubles, and speed cameras enforce it with no worker required.
• Fine multiplier: Any moving-violation fine doubles inside a work zone, and a criminal infraction bumps one penalty category higher (D.C. Code § 50-2201.04c). A $100 speeding ticket becomes $200 in the zone.
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: Obey the flagger. A certified flagger controls traffic through the zone with a hand-signaling device, and you must follow the signals (DDOT temporary traffic control regulations, DCMR Title 18).
• Base fine: Doubled, e.g., a $100 speeding fine becomes $200 inside the work zone.

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