Do construction zone speed limits apply in Illinois when no workers are present?

If you’ve driven through work zones near Belleville recently, you may have wondered if you have to follow the posted speed limits even when no construction workers are present.

There was an average of 6,286 work zone crashes resulting in 1,610 injuries each year from 2018 to 2022 statewide, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Illinois construction zones typically have lower speed limits to protect workers, and IDOT also recommends additional safety precautions, such as moving over for workers when possible and giving heavier vehicles room to adjust their speed.

Using a hands-on electronic device, such as a cell phone, in Illinois work zones can result in a fine of $75 for the first offense and $150 for subsequent offenses.

Here’s what the Illinois Vehicle Code says about speed limits in construction zones and when they apply.

Illinois law on work zone speeding

Illinois law requires drivers to follow posted speed limits in construction or maintenance zones regardless of whether workers are present .

Violating a work zone speed limit can result in a petty offense and a minimum fine of $250 for the first offense and $750 or more for subsequent offenses. There may also be an additional charge of $125 to $250 for each fine, which is deposited into the Transportation Safety Highway Hire-back fund in the state or county, depending on the officer who issued the fine.

If an Illinois driver speeds through a construction zone between 26 to 35 miles per hour above the posted speed limit, it’s considered a Class B misdemeanor, while speeding by more than 35 miles per hour over the limit is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois.

Drivers who violate the construction zone speeding law twice within two years may have their driver’s license suspended for 90 days.

Illinois safety officials recommend drivers be aware of slowed or stopped traffic and stay vigilant for workers.

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