Do construction workers have the force of law when directing traffic?

Question

A building is being constructed on my way to work. Frequently a construction worker will walk out into the street and stop traffic while they maneuver a cement truck or other truck to/from the work site. Sometimes they hold up traffic for a fairly long time while they jockey a truck often making me and others late for work.

Are these guys vested with the force of law when they do this? Do drivers have to obey them? Suppose a car honks and works his way through. Has he broken any laws?

Answer 1

They don't have the right by Law but they are doing it for your own safety and others. They have to stop traffic to direct the truck out. It is very hard to back up a big truck so to make sure nobody gets hurt they stop traffic.

It would be a very stupid thing to do if a drivers didn't pay attention to the construction worker. Just leave a lil earlier from home to make sure u get to work on time. My husband drives a big truck and he says they have several blind spots.

Answer 2

In my state, a flagman has the authority and it is a crime to ignore the signals of the flagman.  

Answer 3

Well ... in a sense they do! If you fail to obey their instructions...you've violated the traffic laws! They get your tag number and can file a complaint.

Often times, in major construction zones...the police are not far and just a radio call away!

I'd hate to be in a long line of cars where the guy is holding up a stop sign....disobey him/her...and have a head-on collision!

Answer 4

When there is road construction, I suggest you leave for work earlier.

If many areas, if it is a construction zone, you are legally required to obey the directions of the workers. Failure to do so can result in fines/arrest. If I observed you honk your horn and work your way through traffic, I'd probably arrest you.

Here is the law on the subject. There are several others that also apply. But this is the best one for the question asked:

304.585. 1. A person shall be deemed to commit the offense of "endangerment of a highway worker" upon conviction for any of the following when the offense occurs within a construction zone or work zone, as defined in section 304.580:

**********(3) Failure to stop for a work zone flagman or failure to obey traffic control devices erected in the construction zone or work zone for purposes of controlling the flow of motor vehicles through the zone; *********************

Answer 5

I honestly don't know but i suspect that it is more of a safety issue.  Also if a cop is near by fines for reckless driving and alike are doubled in construction zones.   Also if you or others do this to often they can call the cops to come and help with traffic during busy times

My advice is find a different route and if one does not exist leave earlier until the the construction is done