Jurisdiction

All Construction Zones, Pennsylvania

Speed Trap Location

Everywhere

Nearest Reference Point

n/a

GPS Coordinates

n/a

Time of Day

Any time of day

Level of Enforcement

High

Type of Enforcement

Unknown

Date

6/2003

Go the speed limit in PA construction zones. The new laws are EXTREMELY tough on violators.

Comment (7/2004): Regarding the Lights On in Construction Zones; is that only when workers are present, or does it apply 24/7?

Comment (7/2003): Don't forget to turn your head lights on during the day in construction zones also. This is a new law in PA, it doesn't matter if it is the sunniest day either. Also, daytime running lights do not count, only headlights. I personally think there is a huge problem with this, because the lights in my panels and instruments get dimmer when i turn on my lights and i can no longer see them. maybe they are trying to make us more dangerous to get more money from us.

Comment (10/2003): This is correct.They also passed a law that if you are going more than 11 mphyou will loose your license for 15 days.

Comment (4/2004): I think the second comment means 11mph OVER the posted construction speed limit.

Comment (5/2004): I agree turn your lights on and SLOW DOWN! I use to work as a Flagger for MANY yrs, do you want me to tell you how many times i jumped and rolled, or how many times i thru my stop sign at your windshield??? Before you start complaining about anything, why don't you give up a week of your time, and go preform this job, i'm QUITE sure your complaints will be directed at the drivers!

Comment (7/2004): The comment about daytime running lights vs. headlights also hold true for those states that have laws for headlights on when raining. HEADLIGHTS mean just that; daytime running lights do NOT count as headlights!

Comment (9/2004): About the headlights: the actual law says nothing about DRLs not counting. I think PennDOT may have made that interpretation itself so more people could be ticketed. Besides, unless your DRLs use parking lights, a cop probably won't notice (besides if you have DRLs and get pulled over you could always flick your lights on when you brake--cop probably won't remember if he saw your taillights or not). The signs should say "Head and tail lights required" so people know that DRLs don't count.

Comment (9/2004): Also, watch out. Contractors have been getting lazy with these "Active Work Zone When Flashing" signs. They sometimes don't turn them off when they're not working. Watch for the workers as well to be sure if the law can be enforced.

Comment (4/2005): Philadelphia city freeway construction speed limit reduction is enforced, even on Sundays (and probably any other times) when no workers are present. Prima facia speed is typically 60 - 65 in a, "construction 40 MPH" zone. It's a set up for law enforcement to arbitrarily select who they stop. Though the risk of getting rear ended by prima facie speeders is there, the risk of a significant ticket is even higher. You can't win, watch the posted speed limits in these areas. Felt "set-up" but what can you do, the laws are stacked against you for these types of traffic violations.