Rhode Island Work Zone Laws

How Rhode Island handles work zones

Rhode Island doubles every fine, penalty, and cost for a violation in a posted work zone, 24 hours a day, workers present or not (R.I. Gen. Laws §31-14-12.1). The zone runs from the first warning sign to the last device and lasts the whole job. Obey the flagger; the state gives them legal authority to stop or slow you with a paddle or hand signal. A statewide handheld ban already covers the zone.

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: Obey the temporary work-zone limit as long as the signs stand. The zone runs from the first advance-warning sign to the last device and lasts the whole job, day and night, workers present or not (R.I. Gen. Laws §31-14-12.1).
• Fine multiplier: Doubled. When work-zone signs are posted, total fines, penalties, and costs are twice the normal amount, 24 hours a day (R.I. Gen. Laws §31-14-12.1).
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: Obey the flagger. Rhode Island gives flaggers legal authority to control traffic with hand signals or a paddle, and you must follow their directions to slow or stop.
• Base fine: A speeding fine is doubled in a posted work zone. Rhode Island's base speeding penalty starts around $95 and climbs with speed; doubled, that runs into the low hundreds and up.

More for Rhode Island