Construction Zone Speed Limit Question (California Law).

[DCal430]

I was driving down a road, after the intersection I see an orange sign and some cones a long the side of the road that read. "Begin Construction Zone" and on the ground is an orange sign that read "25 MPH". The thing is less than 10 feet from this orange sign is a permanent white sign that reads "55 MPH". Down this whole road are on the side are multiple orange cones and multiple orange signs that say "25 MPH", but there are also multiple white signs that read "55 MPH".

To me these signs are contradictory. When is what speed limit enforced? If there are no construction workers around is the 25 MPH limit enforced, or is the 55 MPH limit enforced?

 

[Newbian]

It's a lot easier to place temporary signs then having to remove normal signs like that every time you do some construction especially when there are those cones around as they are usually blocking part of the road and make driving normal speed difficult.

 

[lxskllr]

Not CA, but the higher limit should be enforced. They need to cover the permanent signs if they're adjusting the speed limit.

 

[mikeford]

Traffic tickets have a check box, construction zone, it means fines are doubled and the judge won't think twice about speed limit sign "confusion".

 

[PliotronX]

Traffic tickets have a check box, construction zone, it means fines are doubled and the judge won't think twice about speed limit sign "confusion".

This, although I've seen that too. There is more road construction in the summer months here per capita than any city in California and I remember it was pretty bad when I lived in the San Fernando Valley. They do from time to time forget to take the signs down and there are no workers nor equipment. In that case I am comfortable going the original speed limit especially if other cars are. Just do as others do and blend in. This is why sometimes I like to be behind other cars going 5 over.

 

[IronWing]

Just speed up and slow down until your passengers puke.

 

[slag]

Not CA, but the higher limit should be enforced. They need to cover the permanent signs if they're adjusting the speed limit.

Yes.

 

[DaTT]

Up in these parts, if a speed limit is changed due to construction, all permanent signs will be covered. Also, the fine is only doubled when workers are present.

But as someone who frequently works in live traffic, please don't speed through the zone. I enjoy making it through the day without dying.