Speeding through a “work zone” in Atlanta can cost you a lot. It’s considered an aggravated misdemeanor and carries stiff penalties. Here’s what you should know and how to get legal help fighting the ticket and protecting your driving record and privileges.
Defining a Work Zone Under Georgia Statute
Georgia statute O.C.G.A. §40-6-188 states that a “work zone” is any segment of road, street, or highway where the city, county, municipality, the Department of Transportation, or another contractor is currently at work constructing, repairing, or maintaining the structure of the highway, its shoulders, guardrails, and any other roadway features.
Essentially, this means that if anyone is working on the road, it’s considered a “work zone” under the state’s traffic laws. However, it’s important to note that this statute does not apply to other contractors that may be on the road working, but not working on the road. For example, it generally doesn’t apply to cable or electric contractors, etc.
Even if workers are not present, if there are signs, cones, machinery, etc. in an area where the road is being worked on, you can consider it a work zone.
Fees & Incarceration
Because speeding in an Atlanta work zone is considered a misdemeanor “of a high and aggravated nature,” the fines and other potential penalties can be severe. In this case, the minimum fine is $100 but can be as high as $2,000. You may also be sentenced to up to a year in jail, or you may be given both penalties.
Assigning Points to Your Georgia Driver’s License
If you’re convicted of speeding in a work zone in Georgia, you’ll be assigned points to your driver’s license according to how fast you were driving:
- 15-18 mph = 2 pts
- 19-23 mph = 3 pts
- 24-33 mph = 4 pts
- 34+ mph = 6 pts
If you accumulate 15 points in a 24-month timeframe, your license is at risk of suspension.
How to Fight a Ticket for Speeding in a Work Zone in Atlanta
You may not be able to afford the many ramifications of getting a speeding ticket in a work zone. With the help of the experienced attorneys at The Kimbrel Law Firm, you can advocate for the best possible outcome in your case, including the potential dismissal of your ticket entirely. Call today for a consultation at (770) 349-9219.