Why Wisconsin Construction Zone Tickets Pack a Bigger Punch

 Posted on September 10, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A Wisconsin man was arrested last week after driving into a construction zone, nearly hitting a construction worker, and running into a semi-truck. The man stated that he had moved a construction zone barricade and driven into a closed zone. The man then attempted to turn around in an active work area, nearly colliding with a worker. When he got out of his vehicle to talk to the construction workers, his car rolled backward into the semi-truck. The man was later located and arrested, booked on first-degree felony charges of recklessly endangering safety.

You, like many of us, may be guilty of driving too fast through construction zones or even engaging in distracted driving behaviors. Getting a traffic ticket for a construction zone violation is very different from getting a ticket on an "ordinary" stretch of roadway. Wisconsin treats construction zone violations (Chapter 346) with extra severity, in terms of fines and points added to your license. Unsafe driving in a construction zone places both workers and other drivers at risk. If you have received a construction zone ticket, an experienced Jefferson County, WI traffic citations lawyer can help build a strong defense on your behalf.

Why Are Construction Zone Citations Treated So Differently?

When construction is ongoing, there are likely to be lane shifts, narrow lanes, and unexpected stops. When highway and road department workers are on the roadways, trying to complete construction, they must be protected. The state of Wisconsin doubles fines in construction or work zones when workers are present. These doubled fines also apply to other traffic violations (such as unsafe lane changes or failure to yield) to protect those working on the road.  

What Does a Speeding Ticket Cost in a Wisconsin Construction Zone?

A "regular" speeding ticket for going from one to 10 mph over the speed limit costs about $175. In a construction zone, this ticket would cost $350. A regular speeding ticket for going from 16 to 19 mph over the speed limit costs $200, so in a construction zone, that same ticket would cost $400. A speeding ticket for 20 to 24 mph over the posted speed limit is generally about $225-$250, meaning the same ticket in a construction zone could cost as much as $500. Going 20 plus mph over the speed limit adds six points to your license in a construction zone.  

Criminal and Civil Liability Beyond a Traffic Citation

If someone is hurt because you were driving recklessly in a construction zone, felony charges could be filed, and civil lawsuits from an injured construction worker could also result, especially if you were negligent or impaired. Injuring a worker in a construction zone can potentially result in up to three years in prison.

A felony offense can have long-term consequences that go far beyond jail or prison time. With a felony conviction, it can be challenging for you to obtain employment or even rent an apartment or home. Higher education that requires a government student loan could be impossible. In other words, a single mistake in a construction zone can spiral into significant legal consequences that follow you for years to come.  

What Should You Do if You Receive a Wisconsin Construction Zone Ticket?

The most important thing to know is that you should never ignore a Wisconsin construction zone ticket. Doing so could result in a warrant for your arrest, and your legal troubles will multiply exponentially. Your attorney may be able to claim there were signage issues, challenge the accuracy of work zone speed cameras, claim a lack of workers present, or prove improper ticketing procedures to have the construction zone ticket dismissed or dropped to a lesser charge.

Contact a Walworth County, WI Criminal Defense Lawyer

A construction zone ticket in Wisconsin can have real, long-term consequences. If you have been cited in a Wisconsin work zone, do not face the penalties on your own. A knowledgeable Jefferson County, WI traffic citations attorney from Bucher Law Group, LLC can thoroughly evaluate your case, vigorously fight to mitigate the impact, and help you protect your driving record. Attorney Bucher spent two decades as the Waukesha County District Attorney, which significantly benefits his clients. Call 262-303-4916 today to schedule your free consultation.