Georgia Work Zone Laws

How Georgia handles work zones

Georgia doesn't double the fine, it raises the stakes. Speeding in a work zone is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, $100 to $2,000 and up to a year (O.C.G.A. §40-6-188). It applies when the signs are posted and either workers are present or barriers, work vehicles, or pavement drop-offs make it dangerous, so it can bite with no worker in sight. The Hands-Free Georgia Act (§40-6-241) covers the zone, and a flagger directing traffic is one you must obey (§40-6-2).

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: Obey the posted reduced limit through the marked zone. The high and aggravated charge applies when the required signs are up and either workers are present or barriers, on-site work vehicles, or drop-offs create a hazard, so it can bite with no worker in sight.
• Fine multiplier: No flat multiplier. Work-zone speeding is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, punishable by $100 to $2,000 and up to 12 months (O.C.G.A. §40-6-188).
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: Obey a flagger directing traffic (O.C.G.A. §40-6-2); the STOP/SLOW paddle is a traffic-control device you must follow (§40-6-20). Disobeying is a misdemeanor.
• Base fine: $100 to $2,000 for work-zone speeding as a high and aggravated misdemeanor (O.C.G.A. §40-6-188), well above a normal ticket.

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