Do you have to obey construction zone speed limits when no workers are present?

If you drive through New Jersey long enough you'll be no stranger to seeing roadwork. Whether you are headed to the beach or the mountains, drivers may encounter construction work zones.

When driving through a work zone, it is important for drivers to be conscious of road signs such as reduced speed limits.

Sometimes work zone signs will be posted even if no construction or workers are in the vicinity. It is important to always obey these signs, stated the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which explains the rules to construction zone driving.

What if no workers are around?

Even if no workers are present in the area, drivers must follow the posted speed limits, whether they are the normal speed limits or reduced in a work zone, said NJ DOT.

The agency explains that construction zone speed limits may be reduced because of "changes in roadway configuration, such as narrow lanes, traffic shifts, or closed lanes or shoulders."

NJ DOT emphasizes these speed limits and work signs are placed for the public's safety. Regardless if a construction crew is present, these work signs must followed, said the agency.

Fines for driving in work zones

Under New Jersey law, motorists who commit offenses in a construction area may face a higher penalty than if they are driving through a non-work zone.

Fines may be doubled if drivers speed and commit other traffic safety violations in areas where construction signs are posted as stated in law N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5.

If signs are posted that notify drivers of upcoming roadwork, before they enter a work zone, when they pass workers or drive through a safe corridor area, motorists can receive a higher penalty if they commit a violation near these signs.

When traveling this summer be cautious of road signs and always obey the rules of the road.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Construction zone speed limits still apply if there are no workers