Virginia Beach Speeding in a Construction Zone Attorney

Due to the risk of injury to workers in a construction zone, the state of Virginia has passed additional laws to prevent drivers from speeding in these areas. As a result, when a construction crew is working in a particular area of a road or highway, the posted speed limit may be reduced to 45mph or less. Drivers who violate this law may therefore be fined, as well as have points added to their driving record. If you have been charged with speeding in a construction zone, it is important to seek legal representation, as a skilled Virginia Beach speeding attorney may be able to reduce the consequences of such charges and, in some cases, help you avoid conviction altogether.

Often referred to as a work zone, under Virginia law, any area established specifically for highway workers, and with workers present, is considered a construction zone. Although the posted speed limit in these areas may not reflect the reduced speed limit, signs, cones, and other traffic control devices should be used to let drivers know they have entered a construction zone.

The penalties for speeding in a construction zone can include a maximum fine of $500. Depending on how fast you were driving, speeding in a construction zone may also add three, four, or six points to your driving record: three points for driving 1 to 9 miles above the speed limit, four points for speeds of 10 to 19 miles above the limit, and six points for driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit.

Certain speeding violations are also grounds for reckless driving charges. In addition to adding six points to your driving record, driving more than 20 miles above the speed limit is classified as “excessive speeding,” and may therefore warrant reckless driving charges. As a Class 1 misdemeanor, a reckless driving conviction is not just a traffic violation, but a serious criminal offense, with penalties often including fees, license suspension, and jail time.

Even if you are not charged with reckless driving, your auto insurance rates will most likely increase once your insurer finds out about your speeding violation. In some cases, you may even have to obtain specialized insurance for high-risk drivers, a requirement that can often cost two to three times more than traditional insurance.

Fortunately, there are many ways to challenge your speeding violation. If the construction zone was not clearly labeled, or the officer who pulled you over did not properly calibrate his or her laser/radar detector, your charges may be dismissed. Contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson to discuss your options. With more than a decade of experience in traffic and criminal defense, Mr. Tillotson has the skill and knowledge to help you fight your speeding in a construction zone ticket. Call today for a free consultation.