(05/07/2002) Beginning July 1, drivers ticketed for racing through construction zones face increased points on their driver record under a new law designed to crack down on those who flaunt work-zone speed limits, Secretary of State Candice S. Miller announced today.

"While the goal of increased points is to deter speeding, we must never forget the people the law is designed to protect," said Secretary Miller. "The men and women working on our roads could be our mother, father, sister, brother or friend. Slow down and obey the speed limit not just because it is the law but because someone’s life and family depends on it."

Under Public Act 149 of 2002, the number of points assessed for speeding in a work zone increases from:

• 2 points to 3 points for speeding 10 mph or less over the posted limit

• 3 points to 4 points for speeding more than 10 mph but not more than 15 mph over the limit

• 4 points to 5 points for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit

Motorists who have accumulated 12 or more points in a two-year period will be required to undergo a driver assessment reexamination with the Secretary of State’s Office. 

During the reexamination, the driving record will be reviewed and the driver’s behavior will be discussed. Drivers may also be required to take certain tests, including vision, written and road tests. Depending on the outcome of the reexamination, the driver’s license may be restricted, suspended or revoked.

Secretary Miller added that additional points on the driver record not only jeopardize the status of one’s driver license; motorists might also pay more for automobile insurance. When drivers have points assessed to their driver records, their insurance rates generally increase. Michigan law allows insurers to add a surcharge to the insurance policy of drivers with poor driving records to cover the anticipated costs associated with high accident risk. Usually, the higher insurance rate is charged for two years, the time it takes the points to expire from the driver record.

According to the Michigan State Police, in 2000, there were 6,562 crashes, 2,018 injuries and 9 fatalities recorded in work zones. In 2001, the number of fatalities increased to 16, and the number of crashes and injuries were 6,475 and 1,893, respectively.

This new law compliments a 1996 measure that doubled fines for speeding in construction zones.