Tennessee Work Zone Laws

How Tennessee handles work zones

Tennessee bumps a work-zone speeding ticket to a $250 minimum, but only when TDOT crews or construction workers are actually present (Tenn. Code Ann. §55-8-153, a Class B misdemeanor). Look for signs with flashing amber lights; that beacon signals workers are on site. No crew, no enhancement, though the posted reduced limit still holds. Highway-zone tickets must be caught on radar. The statewide hands-free law (§55-8-199) covers the zone, and a flagger's paddle carries the force of a traffic signal (§55-8-109).

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: Hold the posted reduced limit through the whole marked zone. The $250 enhancement applies only when TDOT employees or construction workers are present, signaled by signs with flashing amber lights. Highway construction-zone tickets must be caught on radar or a similar device.
• Fine multiplier: $250 minimum fine, applied only when TDOT or construction workers are present (Tenn. Code Ann. §55-8-153, a Class B misdemeanor). No blanket doubling; the enhancement is workers-present only.
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: A flagger's paddle is an official traffic-control device you must obey (Tenn. Code Ann. §55-8-109). Disobeying is a Class C misdemeanor.
• Base fine: $250 minimum when workers are present (a Class B misdemeanor, fine only); a standard speeding fine otherwise.

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