Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Addison Construction Zone Speeding Tickets: Understanding the Law and Protecting Your Record
Addison Ticket Lawyer
If you’ve received a speeding ticket in a construction zone with workers present in Addison, Texas, it’s critical to recognize the severity of the charge. These aren’t just ordinary speeding tickets; they carry significantly enhanced penalties designed to protect the lives of those working on our roads. Most of these tickets will be processed in Addison Municipal Court, located at 4799 Airport Pkwy, Addison, TX 75001.
At Beltz Law Group, we understand that navigating the nuances of construction zone speeding offenses can be complex. We often begin our consultations by discussing the potential punishments and settlement options, ensuring our clients fully grasp the challenges and intricacies involved in defending such a citation.
The Law: Speeding in a Construction Zone with Workers Present
The laws governing speeding in construction or maintenance work zones are primarily found in the Texas Transportation Code. While the general speeding statute (Section 545.351) sets the basic rules for speed, Section 542.404 specifically addresses offenses committed within these work zones.
Here’s what makes these violations particularly serious:
- Doubled Fines: Texas Transportation Code Section 542.404 mandates that if an offense (including speeding) occurs in a construction or maintenance work zone, the minimum and maximum fines applicable to the offense are doubled compared to if it were committed outside a work zone.
- “Workers Present” Amplification: The phrase “when workers are present” is key. While speeding in a construction zone is always more expensive, the penalties are at their highest when construction or maintenance personnel are actively on site, making the risk of injury or fatality much greater. The written notice to appear for the offense will usually state on its face that workers were present.
- Mandatory Reduced Speed Limits: Within a properly marked construction zone, temporary speed limits take precedence over the otherwise posted speed limits. Drivers are expected to adhere to these reduced speeds throughout the designated zone, even if workers, equipment, or barrels are not immediately visible, until signs clearly indicate a return to the normal speed limit.
Addison Ticket Defense Lawyer
A conviction for this offense on your record can lead to:
- Exorbitant Fines: The doubled fines can make these tickets incredibly costly.
- Skyrocketing Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies consider these serious violations, leading to significant and long-lasting increases in your auto insurance rates.
- Driver’s License Consequences: Accumulating such serious moving violations can contribute to potential driver’s license suspension by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Challenges and Defenses: Where an Attorney is Essential
The fragmented nature of the law surrounding construction zones can make defense difficult without experienced legal counsel. Furthermore, standard options like defensive driving or deferred disposition are often not available for speeding in a construction zone with workers present. This means that if you simply pay the ticket, you are directly admitting guilt and ensuring a permanent conviction on your record.
This is precisely where Beltz Law Group steps in. When typical options are unavailable, our attorneys are equipped to fight for your record through strategic defense, including:
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Challenging Signage and Markings: Texas law has specific requirements for how construction or maintenance work zones must be marked. We will investigate:
- Proper Signage: Were the signs indicating the beginning and end of the construction zone clear, visible, and placed according to the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) standards?
- Speed Limit Indication: Was the temporary speed limit clearly posted within the zone?
- “Workers Present” Notification: Was there adequate signage indicating that workers were present, thus activating the enhanced penalties?
- Visibility: Were signs obscured by other vehicles, construction equipment, or environmental factors?
- Transition Areas: Were the transition areas into and out of the reduced speed zone properly configured to allow drivers to adjust safely? If the signage was inadequate or non-compliant, it could be a strong defense for challenging the validity of the ticket.
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Verifying “Workers Present”: We will scrutinize the evidence to confirm that workers were indeed present at the precise time of the alleged offense, as this significantly impacts the penalty.
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Accuracy of Speed Measurement: We can challenge the accuracy and calibration of the radar or lidar device used by the Addison Police officer, as well as the officer’s training and proper use of the equipment.
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Officer Observation and Procedural Errors: Our attorneys will review the officer’s narrative and any available evidence for inconsistencies, errors in observation, or procedural missteps that could lead to a dismissal or a more favorable outcome.
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Negotiation and Trial: When dismissal is not immediately possible, we will vigorously negotiate with the Addison Municipal Court prosecutor for alternative solutions that protect your record. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial, presenting a robust defense on your behalf.
Don’t underestimate the impact of a speeding in a construction zone with workers present ticket in Addison. The stakes are high, and the legal landscape can be complex.
Contact Beltz Law Group today for a comprehensive consultation. Let our experienced attorneys build a strong defense and fight to protect your driving record. Call us at 214-321-1405.
