Speeding in a School Zone/in a Construction Zone in Tacoma

Choosing to speed through a construction or school zone in Tacoma can end with you in serious legal hot water. Plus, there’s also the added emotional toll when you realize you have endangered others, especially children or workers. This can definitely weigh heavily on your conscience.

In Tacoma, school and construction zones have strict speed limits designed to protect pedestrians, especially those most vulnerable. When a driver exceeds the posted speed limit, they can face hefty fines and risk an accident that can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. You must understand that these zones are strictly enforced to prevent harm, and the laws are put into place for a reason.

Speed limits in school zones are reduced significantly during certain hours of the day to help ensure that the children traveling to and from school are safe. Typically, the speed limit in a school zone is only 20 mph, and drivers are required to slow down when the school zone lights are flashing or when the school grounds are visibly active. Failure to obey this speed limit can result in a fine, while repeat offenses can lead to more severe penalties. You must always be alert and prepared to stop or slow down when driving near schools, especially during peak times like before and after school.

In construction zones, the laws are just as strict because they are filled with workers performing important tasks near roadways. Speeding in these areas puts both the workers and drivers at risk. While the speed limit in construction zones can vary, it’s typically reduced to ensure the safety of everyone on site.

Fines for speeding in construction zones can be much higher than regular speeding fines, and the penalty may include additional charges in some cases. This is particularly true if there’s an incident involving construction workers. Drivers are also advised to watch for workers flagging traffic. Failure to comply with their directions can lead to further legal complications for you down the line.

So if you find yourself facing a violation for speeding in a school or construction zone in Tacoma, you must take it seriously. These violations can be quite a financial burden and affect your driving privileges and insurance rates.

Consulting a criminal defense attorney in Tacoma can help you understand your options and potentially reduce the consequences of the ticket or violation you received. With the right legal support, you can avoid harsher penalties and keep your driving record intact.

Here are some specific state statutes you will come across when speeding in school zones or construction zones.

RCW 46.61.440 talks about the speed limits in school zones. It states that the speed limit in school zones is generally 20 mph when children are outside or in the vicinity of the school grounds. You will find that the speed limit is enforced when children are outside the school grounds before school, when they are outside during recess, and when they are leaving after school hours.

This provision also requires that you obey the reduced speed limit when flashing lights or other signals are active in a school zone. These signals are typically used to alert drivers when the reduced speed limit is in effect.

RCW 46.61.527 talks about the speed limits used in construction zones and the penalties you can expect when you violate these laws. The law allows for a reduction in speed limits in areas where construction work is taking place, even if no workers are visible. Failure to slow down often results in a speeding fine of up to $500. However, this increases if the workers are endangered.

This statute also addresses flaggers in construction zones. You have to obey the flaggers directing traffic in a construction zone. Otherwise, it can lead to fines and reckless driving charges. You can even face criminal charges in some cases.

With so many schools and construction zones located along the busy streets of Tacoma, you can see why the police monitor these areas so closely. They use traditional enforcement methods and automated speed cameras to catch more offenders. Tacoma is known for its mix of older, established roads and newer, more modern highways that cover the city.

Major roads like Pacific Avenue and South Tacoma Way are used by both local and commuter traffic. In addition to these already busy streets, you will find that the city is home to many construction projects aimed at improving its infrastructure. This can create temporary construction zones with reduced speed limits and increased surveillance to ensure everyone’s safety.

With so many road types and so much happening, Tacoma drivers must remain alert and follow all the laws. However, if you failed to do so and have the tickets to show for it, consider hiring an attorney to help fight on your behalf.

When you find yourself facing a violation for speeding in a school or construction zone or any other traffic-related offense in Tacoma, you want the experience of a criminal defense attorney by your side.

These legal professionals are experts in understanding the ins and outs of traffic laws and how they apply to specific situations, including your own. They can evaluate the details of your case, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and guide you through the legal process. A skilled attorney can also negotiate on your behalf, possibly reducing fines or even having charges dismissed if there is insufficient evidence or a procedural error in your case.

If you are facing more serious charges, like reckless driving or endangerment, a criminal defense lawyer can advocate for your rights and work to minimize any criminal consequences. Overall, their expertise and experience in handling traffic-related offenses in Tacoma can be the difference between a costly and stressful ordeal and a more manageable resolution.

A speeding in a school zone ticket or in a construction zone ticket are enhanced speeding tickets. What that means is the fine is doubled because you were allegedly caught speeding in a more dangerous place. The government is especially concerned with the safety of our children and construction workers who are located near our roadways, hence the increased penalty. Additionally, most Judges interpret these statutes to prohibit mitigation – meaning, they are not permitted to lower the fine amount.

In recent years, local governments have also begun to place speed cameras in these two locations as well to catch speeders. There is a big difference between a ticket issued by a cop on the road versus receiving the ticket in the mail. An in person ticket will go on your record while a camera ticket will not. The government does not know who was actually driving the vehicle on the camera so they treat it as if it was a parking ticket.

Often, people will drive through these types of areas during what they believe as “off hours,” ie when school is out. The problem is school events can occur outside of the normal class schedule. Likewise with construction zones, crews often work during “off hours” because that will be most convenient for traffic purposes.

If you were cited for one of these types of tickets, give our office a call and we can discuss your case.