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

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.