Pennsylvania Auto Insurance: Driving and Traffic Laws - A Heads-Up for PA Travelers

Your last name doesn't have to be Griswold to realize that packing up the "family truckster" for a lengthy road trip can be a stressful experience. In addition to herding the kids, you have to worry about budgeting your time, your money, and thanks to high gas prices your fuel to ensure that you arrive at your destination with your sanity in tact. The last thing you need along the way is a costly ticket for failing to know the driving laws and traffic laws for the states through which you pass.

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Accordingly, if you're planning to travel to or through the Keystone State, this handy Pennsylvania Driving & Traffic Law Guide is for you. Hopefully, it will lessen your travel-related stress just a little as you head out on your next driving trip or vacation to Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Speed Limit
Speed limits vary in Pennsylvania based on location, terrain, and road conditions. In general, however, the maximum speed limit is 65 mph on the PA Turnpike and other freeways. Some highways have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph, so visitors would be well advised to monitor posted limits especially approaching urban areas. The maximum speed limit on Pennsylvania urban streets is 35 mph, with the limit dropping to 15 mph in school zones (see http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/enforce/stspdlaw/paspeed.htm). Failure to abide by posted speed limits in and around PA construction areas can result in double the standard fine.

Use of Radar Detectors in Pennsylvania
Federal law prohibits the use of radar detectors in commercial vehicles 10,000 pounds and higher. In Pennsylvania, radar detectors are permitted in all other vehicles.

Pennsylvania Cell Phone Law
Pennsylvania is one of several states that permits its local jurisdictions to regulate the use of cell phones while driving. So, while there is no state-wide ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, PA travelers must observe the posted cell phone regulations in the cities through which they travel. For updates about PA cell phone laws, see http://www.iihs.org/laws/cellphonelaws.aspx.

Pennsylvania Road Construction Information
The best and most current source of information regarding bridge and road construction projects in Pennsylvania is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT). PENNDOT updates bridge and road construction information on its website monthly (http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/web.nsf/PennDOTHomepage?OpenFrameset). The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission also provides construction and traffic information on its website (http://www.paturnpike.com).

Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws
Pennsylvania law requires riders 12 years of age and younger to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Riders operating between sunset and sunrise are required to have proper rear reflectors and forward-facing illumination. For more information on Pennsylvania&146;s bike laws see: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/bikelaws.htm.

For more information about Pennsylvania driving laws and Pennsylvania traffic laws, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website at http://www.dot.state.pa.us.