Are North Dakota Construction Zone Speed Limits Enforced Without Workers Present?

The spring and summer months are something we look forward to all year. Even though it's a time we really enjoy in North Dakota, there is one thing that can make it a bit of a drag at times.  Of course, I'm talking about all of the road construction. It's definitely taken some getting used to; roads are closed, detours are set up, there are cones everywhere—it's a lot.

And I hate to complain, I know construction crews are working incredibly hard to fix our roads; my hat's off to them for working in this heat.
Now, construction zones always have reduced speed limits. This is to ensure your safety and the workers' safety. What about when the workers are done for the day? Do those reduced speed limits still apply? It might seem like a silly question, but to be sure, I thought I'd check.

Is It The Law?

Speeding through those construction zones might be tempting when all the workers are gone. It looks deserted, so it's no problem, right?

Wrong. Speeding through a work zone is definitely against the law. According to VisionZero.nd.gov, motorists must drive at the reduced speed limit in construction zones when workers aren't present. Yep, the speed limit posted in a work zone is a legal requirement.

If you happen to get caught speeding in a construction zone, you may get a hefty fine. According to GHSA.org, in North Dakota, speeding in a work zone will get you a minimum fine of $80, but I imagine it can get much higher than that.

The only way you could contest the ticket is if there isn't a posted sign indicating a reduced speed limit. That's even a stretch, though. When you don't see a sign, it's assumed to be about 45 mph.

I don't know how people do it; speeding in a construction zone is terrifying. The roads tend to be narrower, the cones feel like they're closing in on me, and I'm startled by that loud sound telling me I'm over the white line. I'm panicking the whole way through. You have to be a daredevil to speed in construction zones.