Pennsylvania State Police Remind Drivers of Traffic Law Updates

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) are using the state’s Highway Safety Law Awareness Week, Feb. 17 to 23, to remind drivers of highway safety laws that were recently updated.

The agencies advised drivers of the following updates and safety reminders.

• Automated speed enforcement came to Pennsylvania in 2018 and may be used only when a work zone is active. Drivers going more than 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limit in a work zone are subject to the following penalties: first offense is a written warning, second offense is a $75 fine, and the third or following offense is a $150 fine.

• Pennsylvania’s “Steer Clear” law was enacted to help prevent injuries and save lives of first responders. It requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop, or disabled vehicle. Drivers must move over or slow down for all responders, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, as well as stopped tow trucks and maintenance vehicles. In 2018, a similar regulation went into effect to protect trash and recycling workers. Drivers must slow down and move one lane away (if possible) when approaching a stationary trash or recycling truck.

• Pennsylvania recently enacted harsher penalties for drivers convicted of DUI. A fourth DUI in 10 years is now a felony. A third DUI offense in 10 years may also be a felony, depending on the driver’s blood alcohol content. Legal consequences for homicide by vehicle while DUI were also strengthened.

• Removing snow and ice on vehicles and headlights before driving is essential during the winter season. If snow or ice falls from a vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the driver faces a fine of up to $1,000.

• “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is a reminder that motorists may not drive past, around or through a sign or traffic-control device closing a road or highway due to an existing or hazardous condition. This is a summary offense and is punishable by a fine of up to $250. If the violation results in the use of services of a first responder or emergency medical or rescue personnel (including a tow service), the fine increases to a maximum of $500 – and the driver is responsible for all the emergency response costs.

“Right-of-way for pedestrians in crosswalks” is a state law mandating that when a traffic-control device is not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle will yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway at an intersection with a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This is a summary offense and is punishable by a fine of $50.

For more information on highway safety, visit http://www.PennDOT.gov/safety.