Virginia Work Zone Laws

How Virginia handles work zones

Virginia's work-zone speed penalty only fires when workers are present. The signs read 'when workers present,' and the fine is $7 for every mph over, up to $500 (Va. Code § 46.2-878.1). The work-zone cameras also need a crew out, mailing a $100 civil ticket at 10+ over (§ 46.2-882.1). Handheld use is banned statewide, a mandatory $250 fine inside a work zone (§ 46.2-818.2). Obey the flagger (§ 46.2-834).

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: The special work-zone limit bites only when workers are present. With a crew out and the signs up, speeding runs $7 for every mph over, up to $500. No workers, and you fall back to the normal limit and a normal ticket.
• Fine multiplier: Up to $500, figured at $7 per mph over the posted work-zone limit, but only when workers are present (Va. Code § 46.2-878.1). No flat doubling.
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: Obey the flagger. Once a flagger takes control with a paddle or an automated flagger device, every driver must obey the signals (Va. Code § 46.2-834).
• Base fine: $7 per mph over the work-zone limit, capped at $500, charged only when workers are present.

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