By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department Speeding was the subject of a recent question. A person asked me about speeding in construction areas. What qualifies as a construction area and what are the potential fines associated with speeding in these places? Speeding regulations are generally covered by Sections Seventeen and Eighteen of Chapter ninety of the Massachusetts General Laws.The penalties for violation are controlled under Chapter Twenty.Generally the minimum fine for speeding is $50 for the first ten miles over the speed limit.In addition to this fine, surcharges are added to this amount and earmarked for such places as the Head Injury Trust Fund ($50) and Public Safety Training Fund ($5).Also, the fines are increased by an additional $10 per mile for speeds in excess of the first ten miles per hour.For example, if traveling 50 mph in a 30 mph zone, the minimum fine applies up to 40 mph, plus an additional $100 for the ten miles from 40 to 50. The total citation, with assessments, would be $205. In the early 2,000's, fines were authorized to be doubled in construction areas.This means in reference to the example above (50 mph in a 30 mph zone), the speeding fines and assessments will be well be in excess of $300 if the violation occurs in a construction area. A "construction area" does not appear to be clearly defined in Chapter 90, however; 720CMR9.06 offers guidelines in application to highways where "traffic signs are erected or warning lights are displayed...to notify of the presence of men or equipment.". This is fairly general and broad, so numerous areas of work can apply. These can be places where accidents or injuries can take place easily, so the laws provide stiff penalties for speeding in these areas. |
With the good weather finally upon us, and school wrapping up for the summer break soon, speeding complaints are on the rise. We are receiving numerous reports from a variety of streets in town. We will be out enforcing traffic laws and we encourage everyone to watch their speed and drive defensively. Your cooperation can reduce crashes and injuries. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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