Block the road, pay the price: States target protesters

LandLine Media

Author: Keith Goble

April 13, 2026

Shut down traffic, pay the price. States are moving to crack down on highway protests.

At least half a dozen states have laws banning people from blocking busy roads.

South Dakota was the first to move. Back in 2017, the state hit hard with tough penalties for standing in traffic to stop cars and trucks. Break the rule, and you could face up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

That same year, Tennessee raised the cost for blocking roads. The max fine jumped from $50 to $200.

Now, more states are lining up to crack down.

Georgia

Georgia lawmakers have signed off on a bill to hit highway protesters even harder.

Blocking roads is already illegal in the state. It’s a misdemeanor, and fines can reach $1,000.

SB443 turns up the heat. Protesters who shut down traffic could face aggravated misdemeanor charges.

That means up to a year in jail – and fines of up to $5,000.

Sen. Carden Summers, R-Cordele, says it’s just common sense.

Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, warn that the bill could scare people from spontaneous protests.

SB443 cleared both chambers. It’s now headed to the governor’s desk.

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