Michigan Work Zone Laws

How Michigan handles work zones

Michigan has doubled the fine for any moving violation in a work zone since 1997 (MCL 257.601b), and it applies whenever the zone is marked and active, crew or not. Injure a worker and it is a misdemeanor; kill one and it is a felony. New automated speed cameras (MCL 257.627c) warn first, then charge up to $150 and $300 for repeats, at 10+ over with workers present. The statewide hands-free law bars holding a phone.

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: Obey the posted reduced work-zone limit. Michigan doubles the fine for a moving violation in the work zone whenever it is marked and active, not just when a crew is out (MCL 257.601b). The new speed cameras, by contrast, only ticket at 10+ over with workers present.
• Fine multiplier: Fines doubled. Any moving violation in a work zone costs double the normal fine (MCL 257.601b), a rule on the books since 1997. Covers speeding and other moving violations, not speeding alone.
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: Obey the flagger. Drivers must follow any lawfully placed traffic-control device (MCL 257.611), and an authorized work-zone flag person may legally direct traffic, even in disregard of an existing device (MCL 257.611a). Disobeying is a civil infraction, and the fine doubles inside the zone.
• Base fine: A Michigan speeding ticket runs roughly $130 to $150 with costs, doubled in a work zone. Injure a worker and it is a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 or a year); cause a death and it is a felony (MCL 257.601b). New cameras (MCL 257.627c) warn first, then fine up to $150 and $300 for repeats at 10+ over with workers present.

More for Michigan