Every construction season, Michigan's highways fill with orange barrels, narrowed lanes, and crews working just feet from moving traffic. State law treats crashes in these zones differently — and drivers who don't take that seriously can walk away from a moment of distraction facing fines, felony charges, or prison.
Fines Double in Work Zones
Those orange "FINES DOUBLE IN WORK ZONES" signs are not a scare tactic — Michigan law actually doubles the fine for most moving violations, including speeding, committed in a posted work zone when workers are present. A ticket that would normally cost you a modest fine can cost twice as much the moment you cross into an active work zone.
When a Crash Injures or Kills a Worker, It's No Longer Just a Ticket
Doubled fines are the least of a driver's problems if a work zone crash causes real harm. Under Michigan law, a moving violation that causes serious impairment of a body function is a felony that can carry years in prison, and a moving violation that causes death is a felony that can carry up to 15 years in prison. These are not abstract maximums reserved for extreme cases — they are the real, charged consequence when a distracted or careless driver strikes a highway worker.
"A few seconds looking at a phone can turn a routine drive through a work zone into a felony that follows you for the rest of your life. Put the phone down — it is not worth it."
Distracted Driving Is at the Center of Most Work Zone Crashes
Work zones compress traffic into narrower lanes, shift traffic patterns with little warning, and put workers within a few feet of passing vehicles. There is almost no margin for a driver looking at a phone, texting, or otherwise distracted. Michigan's hands-free law already bans holding a phone while driving anywhere in the state — in a work zone, that same moment of distraction carries far higher stakes for everyone involved.
What Happens If You're Charged
A driver involved in a work zone crash that injures or kills a worker can face arrest, arraignment, and a felony case moving through circuit court, in addition to license consequences and civil liability. These cases move quickly, and the evidence — witness statements, dashcam or work-zone camera footage, phone records — is often gathered by investigators within days. Anyone facing these charges needs a defense attorney involved immediately, before speaking with investigators.
If You or a Worker Was Injured
Our firm represents both sides of these cases: injured construction workers and motorists pursuing full compensation for their injuries, and drivers who are facing criminal charges after a work zone crash. If you were hurt as a worker or bystander in a work zone incident, you may have a personal injury claim separate from any criminal case against the driver — and that claim proceeds on its own timeline, regardless of the criminal outcome.
Why Both Sides Need a Lawyer Immediately
Whether you were injured in a work zone or are facing charges after a crash, the early days matter most — evidence is collected quickly, and decisions made before you have legal advice can affect the case for years. At Mumen Barlaskar Law Firm PLLC, we handle both the criminal defense and personal injury sides of work zone cases across Detroit, Hamtramck, Warren, and Southeast Michigan, in English, Bangla, and Arabic. Call us before you talk to anyone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fines really doubled in Michigan work zones?
Yes. Michigan law doubles the fine for most moving violations, including speeding, when committed in a posted work zone with workers present.
Can I go to prison for a crash that injures a construction worker?
Yes. A moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function is a felony that can carry significant prison time, and a moving violation causing death can carry up to 15 years in prison under Michigan law.
What should I do if I'm charged after a work zone crash?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, before giving any statement to investigators. These cases often involve felony charges, and early legal representation can significantly affect the outcome.