Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to persons, teams, vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway when a violation of any of such provisions is reasonably necessary for the completion of such work. The provisions of this chapter relative to civil liability shall apply to such persons and vehicles, and all provisions of the chapter shall apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work. This section shall not be construed as exempting any person from the provisions of N.H. Rev. Stat. § 265:79-93.