House Bill 477

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-3-516, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE PENALTY IMPOSED FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE WITHIN A HIGHWAY WORK ZONE IN EXCESS OF THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT SPECIFICALLY ESTABLISHED FOR THAT ZONE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-3-516, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-3-516. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle within a highway work zone at a speed in excess of the maximum speed limit specifically established for the zone whenever workers are present and whenever the zone is indicated by appropriately placed signs displaying the reduced maximum speed limit. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished, upon conviction, by a fine of not more than double the maximum amount of the fine authorized to be imposed under Section 63-9-11.

(2) For the purposes of this section the term "highway work zone" means a construction or maintenance area that is located on or along any public highway, road or street within this state and that is marked by appropriate warning signs or other traffic control devices indicating that work is in progress.

(3) Nothing in this section shall preclude the prosecution or conviction for reckless driving of any motor vehicle operator whose operation of a motor vehicle in a highway work zone, apart from speed, demonstrates a reckless disregard for life, limb or property.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.