Washington Work Zone Laws

How Washington handles work zones

Slow to the posted orange limit or your speeding penalty doubles (RCW 46.61.527). It applies the whole time the signs stand, workers or not, and can't be waived or reduced. Washington's all-driver handheld ban (RCW 46.61.672) covers the zone too. Work-zone speed cameras now mail a $125 first ticket, but only when workers are present (RCW 46.63.200). A flagger's paddle is the law; disobeying is a misdemeanor (RCW 47.36.200).

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: Slow to the posted orange limit the moment you pass the sign and hold it to 'End Road Work.' The reduced limit and the double penalty apply the whole time the signs stand (RCW 46.61.527), workers or not. The speed cameras, though, only cite when workers are present, even if they're not in view of the camera (RCW 46.63.200).
• Fine multiplier: Doubled. Your speeding penalty is twice the normal amount in a construction zone (RCW 46.61.527), and the doubled fine can't be waived, reduced, or suspended. Applies the whole time the zone is signed.
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: Obey the flagger. Drivers must follow the signs and flaggers posted at a worksite, and failing to comply is a misdemeanor (RCW 47.36.200).
• Base fine: About $105 to $420 for a base speeding penalty depending on how far over you are; RCW 46.61.527 doubles it in a work zone, and the doubled amount can't be waived, reduced, or suspended.

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