The traditional saying is that Minnesota has two seasons: winter and road construction. Major construction projects area underway throughout the eight counties of the 10th Judicial District, as well as numerous smaller projects. These projects now display a large and clear sign warning of $300 fines for violations of the posted work zone speed limit. Why is that?
Over the past few years there have been numerous traffic construction zone accidents in which construction workers have been killed or seriously injured. I recall that two highway workers were killed by a speeder in Burnsville in 2011. Minnesota had nine work zone fatalities in 2013, and there were 579 nationwide. The Minnesota Legislature in 2014 passed Minnesota Statute section 169.14, subdivision 6a, which provides a $75 surcharge in addition to the scheduled fine for violations. The total fine for speeding in a work zone is $385. By law, the $300 fine is mandatory.
Should be a deterrent
You would think this would be an incentive for drivers to comply with the posted speed limit, even if they are not compelled to slow down in the interest of the safety of the construction workers. But many do not, as you probably have observed. I have driven several times recently through the I-94 construction zone in Rogers, where it crosses the Crow River. It is posted 60 miles per hour for the most part and 45 mph through two short "S" curves.
There is basically no shoulder, and with the cranes and trucks it is clearly a "live" construction zone. (Some drivers seem to conclude that the posted speed limit does not apply if they see no workers.)
Several times I have been passed by cars and large semi-trucks traveling 10 to 15 mph over the posted work zone speed limit, endangering everyone else and risking a hefty fine.
As an example, if you are driving 11 to 14 mph over the speed limit not in a work zone, the fine and surcharges total $135. If 20 to 25 mph over the limit, the total is $225, due to an additional $70 surcharge. If in a work zone, for any speeding it’s a whopping $385. Good luck trying to argue to the judge that you can’t afford such a hefty fine.
So, please, fellow citizens and drivers, slow down. Obey the posted work zone speed limit.
Wright County District Court Judge Steve Halsey and other judges in the 10th District contribute occasional articles to this column. The district includes Wright County.