Pennsylvania’s work zone safety laws are designed to protect both highway workers and motorists.
Posted Work Zones
Headlights on: All motorists are required to travel with their headlights turned on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. It is necessary for drivers in vehicles with daytime running lights to turn on their headlights in order to activate their taillights.
Speed-monitoring devices: Interstate work zones with a project cost exceeding $300,000 will have a speed-monitoring device to alert motorists of their speed prior to entering the work zone.
1,412 work zone crashes occurred in 2020 that resulted in 15 deaths, according to PennDOT. The department of transportation has reportedly lost 90 workers in the line of duty since 1970. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940.
Active Work Zones
Posting of active work zones: Active work zones must be designated as such to notify motorists when they enter and leave the work zone. A white flashing light attached to the “Active Work Zone When Flashing” sign will indicate an active work zone. The flashing light will only be activated when workers are present and turned off when workers are not present.
Fifteen-day loss of license for driving dangerously: Motorists caught driving 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone, and are convicted of failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically will lose their license for 15 days.
Fines doubled/jail time increased: Fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. Also, the law provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone.