PennDOT Updates to Identification Products and Real ID Deadline

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds Pennsylvania residents that, as part of ongoing security enhancements, PennDOT is updating the design and enhancing the security features of its driver license and identification card products and urges residents who are renewing their products to decide if they will need a REAL ID before the federal enforcement deadline of May 3, 2023.

“PennDOT remains vigilant in taking proactive measures to mitigate fraud, such as identity theft, by updating our security features regularly,” PennDOT Deputy Secretary Kurt Myers said.

PennDOT began piloting the new products at the Summerdale Driver License Center in Enola on September 12, 2022. Since then, another 15 locations have started issuing the new products. All driver licenses and photo centers statewide will transition to the new products by mid-November 2022. The new products will be phased in during renewal cycles and will replace existing products. Both current and new card designs will be in circulation during the transition period.

The cards look different and have additional enhanced security features that improve fraud prevention and protect from counterfeiting. Both standard and REAL ID compliant products will use the new design and security features.

“All of these measures are important enhancements to fight against fraudulent driver license or identification cards being produced or used. Fraudulently obtaining and using a counterfeit product can have an adverse impact on highway safety and national security, so the need to deter and detect fraud is of paramount importance,” PennDOT’s Risk Management Director Brent Lawson said. “These new security features make it more difficult to produce a fraudulent product.” 

Additionally, beginning May 3, 2023, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. To date, PennDOT has issued approximately 1.8 million REAL ID products.

“We encourage our customers who want a REAL ID to get one as soon as possible,” PennDOT REAL ID Director Sarah Baker said. “Making the conscious decision about your REAL ID needs now will help ensure you are well prepared prior to the May 3, 2023 federal enforcement deadline.”

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to use the upcoming months to gather the needed documents now to ensure they leave plenty of time to get their REAL ID before the federal enforcement date, especially if their driver license or ID card is up for renewal. There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs

PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 14 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022PDConstruction.

“PennDOT team members and our industry partners work hard year-round to support safe and efficient travel,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “Our annual surveys help us look for educational opportunities and gauge perception and performance across the state.”

The 24-question survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts. 

PENNDOT Data Shows Pennsylvania Roundabouts Reducing Fatalities, Injuries, and Crashes

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that according to department data, fatalities, injuries, and crashes decreased overall after intersections at 33 locations were replaced with 36 roundabouts.

“We continue to see that Pennsylvania’s roundabouts save lives and reduce crash severity,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “While they aren’t the right option in every intersection, we’re pleased that they help to make our roadways safer.”

PennDOT recently reviewed data for 36 roundabouts on state routes at intersections that were previously stop or signal controlled. These roundabouts were selected based on having at least three years of crash data available before and after the roundabouts were built. This accounts for a total of 387 before years and 220 after years of data.

Department data from 2002 through 2021 – based on police-submitted crash reports and weighted based on the number of before and after years, but not for increases in traffic volume – shows the following:

  • Suspected serious injuries were reduced by 76%;
  • Suspected minor injuries were reduced by 22%;
  • Possible/unknown severity injuries were reduced by 70%; and
  • Total number of crashes decreased by 9%.

Unfortunately, there was one fatality in one of the roundabouts; however, there were a combined three fatalities prior to the installation of roundabouts at the 33 locations.

In addition to the 36 roundabouts meeting the selection criteria, 38 other roundabouts have been built on state routes with 16 more under construction and 15 in final design.

The roundabouts included in the review are at the following intersections:

  • Allegheny County:
    • Route 3070 (Ewing Road) and Business Route 376 Ramp, opened in 2011.
  • Beaver County:
    • Route 68 (Adams Street), Route 1034 (Brighton Avenue) and Route 6018 (Brighton Ave./Rhode Island Ave.), opened in 2011.
  • Berks County:
    • Route 222 and Route 662, opened in 2018.
  • Bucks County:
    • Route 2043 (Trevose Road) and Somerton Road, opened in 2012; and
    • Route 213 (Bridgetown Pike/Maple Avenue) and Route 2010 (Bridgetown Pike), opened in 2016.
  • Butler County:
    • Route 3024 (Glen Eden Road), Powell Road and Freshcorn Road, opened in 2015; and
    • Route 228 and SR 2005 (Saxonburg Blvd.), opened in 2018.
  • Chester County:
    • Route 82 (Doe Run Road) and Unionville Road, opened in 2005;
    • Route 52 (Lenape Road), S. Wawaset Road and Lenape Unionville Road, opened in 2014; and
    • Route 3062 (Strasburg Road), Romansville Road and Shadyside Road, Opened in 2017.
  • Crawford County:
    • Route 6/19 (Main Street) and Route 198 (South Street), opened in 2017; and
    • Route 6/19 (Main Street) and Route 198 (Brookhouse Street), opened in 2017.
  • Cumberland County:
    • Route 34 (Spring Road), Route 1007 (Sunnyside Drive) and Mountain Road, opened in 2014; and
    • Route 2004 (W. Lisburn Road) and Grantham Road, opened in 2018.
  • Dauphin County:
    •  Route 39 (Linglestown Road) and Route 3019 (Mountain Road), opened in 2011;
    •  Route 322 (Governor Road) and Homestead Lane, opened in 2016; and
    •  Route 322 (Governor Road) and Meadow Lane, opened in 2016.
  • Delaware County:
    • Route 1023 (N. Newtown Street) and Route 1046 (St. Davids Road), opened in 2008; and
    • Route 320 (Chester Road), Rutgers Avenue and Fieldhouse Lane, opened in 2014.
  • Erie County:
    • Route 19 (High Street) and Route 97, opened in 2014; and
    • Route 5 and Route 4016 (Millfair Road), opened in 2018.
  • Luzerne County:
    • I-81 Exit 178, Airport Road interchange (three roundabouts), opened in 2015;
    • Route 2008 (Middle Road) and Espy Street, opened in 2017;
    • Route 415, Church Street, Lake Street and Main Street, opened in 2018; and
    • Route 2008 (Middle Road) and Kosciuszko Street, opened in 2018.
  • Mercer County
    • Route 718 (Dock Street) and Connelly Boulevard, opened in 2018.
  • Monroe County
    • I-80 Exit 310 and Route 2028 (Broad Street), opened in 2018.
  • Montgomery County:
    • Route 29 (Gravel Pike) and Route 73 (Big Road), opened in 2009.
  • Philadelphia County:
    • Route 4013 (Park Drive) and Route 4015 (Walnut Lane), opened in 2018.
  • Washington County:
    • Route 519 (two connected roundabouts) – Route 519 and Brownlee Road, and Route 519 and Thompson Eighty Four Road, opened in 2015; and
    • I-70 Exit 32 and Route 2040 (Wilson Road), opened in 2018.
  • York County:
    • Route 116 (Main Street) and Hanover St. and Roths Church Road, opened in 2007; and
    • Route 74 (Delta Road) and Bryansville Road, opened in 2008.

Roundabouts are frequently installed to address intersections with safety issues but may also be installed to improve traffic flow as well as other reasons such as traffic calming, and to facilitate pedestrian mobility. 

Although roundabouts are safer and typically more efficient than traditional signalized intersections, they may not always be the best option due to topography or other reasons, such as property impacts, capacity issues and proximity to other intersections.

Roundabouts are recognized by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) as an innovation that has become standard practice within the transportation community. The Pennsylvania STIC facilitates the rapid implementation of proven, well-researched and documented state, regional, national and international technologies, tactics, techniques and other innovations that are new to Pennsylvania. The STIC also supports the implementation of the Federal Highway Administration’s Every Day Counts (EDC) innovations.

PennDOT Phases in Newly-Designed Driver Licenses, ID Cards

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that, as part of ongoing security enhancements, PennDOT is updating the design and enhancing the security features of its driver license and identification card products.

“The update is an important component of PennDOT’s ongoing work to enhance and protect the integrity of the driver license and identification card issuance process,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said.

PennDOT is piloting the new products at the Summerdale Driver License Center in Enola beginning September 12, 2022. All Driver and Photo centers will transition to the new products by mid-November 2022. The new products will be phased in over the next four-year renewal cycle and will replace existing products. The new products will be phased in during renewal cycles and will replace existing products. Both current and new card designs will be in circulation during the transition period.

Both standard and REAL ID compliant products will use the new design and security features. REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, and customers are able to opt into REAL ID. Beginning May 3, 2023, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. More information about REAL ID can be on the REAL ID page on the Driver and Vehicle Services website.

The cards look different and have additional enhanced security features that improve fraud prevention and protect from counterfeiting and alteration.

  • Guilloche Security Design, a feature that includes sophisticated techniques to embed a variety of customized security patterning into the credential, using non-commercial software developed specifically for high security documents (banknotes, passports, ID cards, etc);
  • Optically Variable Ghost Portrait and Variable Data with UV, features that change their appearance when the viewing angle of the card changes, which moves them from fully visible to non-visible. The card also includes an ultraviolet (UV) response that fluoresces under UV lighting. The UV response is fixed – visible under UV light regardless of viewing angle;
  • Dynamic Look Through Element (DLTE), a dynamic feature with gold metallic tint that is visible under direct lighting.

PennDOT Honors Star of Excellence Recipients

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Yassmin Gramian today recognized 29 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition.  Twoemployeesfrom PennDOT’s District 4 whichrepresents Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyomingcountieswere among the honorees.

“These employees represent the many incredible members of the PennDOT team,” Gramian said. “With a focus on innovation, customer service, mobility and community connections, they work tirelessly each day to provide safe and efficient transportation for Pennsylvania’s residents.”

Gramian and other department executives honored winners Summer Koziel and Robert McGavin during an event held at the Governor’s Residence.

“Both Summer and Robert have truly excelled in their service to the travelling public in northeast Pennsylvania.  They are both stars within our organization and work at a very high level everyday” said Richard Roman, District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4, based in Dunmore.

Summer is a Senior Project Manager in our Design Division’s Liaison Unit.  She manages Consultant Designers in preparing and coordinating design packages to be let by the Department. Summer is currently managing 30 projects, which include many complex interstate projects. 

Summer developed a OneNote “District 4-0 Liaison Project Manager Reference Manual”.  As Ms. Koziel was learning the process through her manager and other Liaison Project Managers, she noted how to handle various District processes and preferences that a Project Manager may not specifically find in any manual. 

Cost savings were realized through internal preparation of the Liaison Project Manager Reference Manual, rather through consultant documentation and subsequent employee training the District saw a one-time savings of $40,000. In addition, cost savings were realized by Ms. Koziel assisting in wetland delineations and providing documentation for permitting as needed, rather than consultant delivery saving $10,000 yearly.

Summer is recognized by her peers as a positive and hardworking employee who can take on any task.  Summer is respected by the numerous consultants she manages and District staff.

Robert “Bobby” McGavin’ s daily accomplishments regularly touch on many of the values and strategic themes of the Department.  As Sign Foreman in Wyoming County, Bobby and his crew always do their jobs with safety and quality in mind.

Over the past two years, Bobby has acted as a Highway Maintenance Coordinator in Wyoming County and has helped the County to achieve reductions in accident and injury rates.  As acting HMC, Bobby strives to provide a quality customer experience.

Bobby is regularly recognized by his peers for his work in improved productivity and customer service saving the District $11,261.25.  From completing a slide repair on SR 2013, to improving drainage on SR 1003 near Lake Carey, Bobby is noticed for his accomplishments, and that of his team.

PennDOT Expands Online Services for People with Disabilities

In an effort to help provide its customers with improved service and increased convenience, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that customers who have a Person with Disabilities Parking Placard can now have the option to renew, receive a replacement or update their address on their permanent Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard online from the comfort of their home.

“This new online service is an added convenience for customers who need accessible parking  ,” said PennDOT’s Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicles Services Kurt Myers. “The commonwealth also benefits from savings from costs associated with mailing products and notices that a product has been renewed.”

The initiative, part of PennDOT’s efforts to modernize its operations, cuts down on wait times for customers by eliminating the mail in process and subsequent processing of paperwork. Customers with Temporary Person with Disabilities Parking Placards will also be able to update their address and request replacement identification credentials through this online service.

“Making this service available online is a positive move for all Pennsylvanians who seek a Person with Disabilities Parking Placard,” said Lisa Biggica of UniqueSource Products & Services. “It is vital that this important accessibility service is itself, easily accessible and convenient to obtain. It just makes sense for the more than two million Pennsylvanian adults living with a disability.”

To renew a placard online or to obtain additional information on services provided, including how to obtain a placard, please visit the Person with Disabilities Information page on the Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Placard holders will continue to receive a renewal form by mail approximately 60 days prior to their expiration.

Customers may obtain a variety of other driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram. 

PennDOT Announces Public Open House and Comment Period for Partnership 81 Project

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the launch of a public comment period from July 26 through August 26, 2022, for the Partnership 81 Project in Luzerne County. An in-person public open house will be held on Wednesday, July 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with formal presentation at 6 p.m. at Wilkes-Barre High School, 2021 Wolfpack Way, Plains, PA 18705, to introduce the project and answer questions from the community.

The Partnership 81 project is a 7.5-mile reconstruction of I-81 from mile marker 161.2 in Hanover Township to mile marker 169 in Wilkes-Barre Township focused on improving regional as well as local transportation needs. The project study area spans from two miles north of the Nuangola exit to approximately one mile north of the Highland Park Boulevard exit. Partnership 81 is currently in the design phase. Once the design is set, the project will be procured as a Public-Private Partnership (P3). There is no tolling anticipated to be included as part of this project. Construction is not expected to begin before 2025.

The Partnership 81 public comment period will provide the community with an opportunity to share feedback and comments based on the preliminary design plans and environmental impacts. Information about the project including a project overview, project displays, and methods to provide comments, will be available to be viewed online beginning July 26, 2022 on the PennDOT District 4 Luzerne County public meeting website at https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-4/PublicMeetings/Luzerne%20County/Pages/default.aspx. Click on “Partnership 81” in the blue box to review project details and provide feedback via the online comment form. PennDOT staff and design consultants will be available to answer questions at the open house on July 26. Feedback received during the comment period and at the public meeting will be reviewed and taken into consideration by PennDOT.

The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services, have special needs, or concerns that require individual attention, please contact Stephen Sartori, Project Manager, at (570) 235-2964, or email at c-ssartori@pa.gov.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.

PennDOT Enhances Customer Information with New Database

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it has enhanced transparency for customers by launching a new database showing which vehicle inspection stations, inspectors, dealers, and issuing agents are under suspension for infractions of state inspection regulations and laws as well as contract violations.

“Vehicle inspections, license plate issuance, registration and titling are an integral part of ensuring the safety and proper registration of all who travel our roadways, and consumers can use this new tool to help in making an informed decision about those services,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian.

Visit the Suspended Inspection Stations and Inspectors page to see what stations or inspectors are under suspension. Visit the Suspended Issuing Agents page for a list of dealers or issuing agents under suspension. 

These webpages consist of a daily up-to-date listing of suspended inspection stations, inspectors, dealers, and issuing agents within the commonwealth. Suspensions are levied upon an inspection station and/or inspector for a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Equipment and Inspection regulations and/or Emissions Inspections regulations. Suspensions imposed on a station or inspector are the result of violation(s) uncovered during audits or from investigation(s) into complaints regarding a station or inspector. Suspensions only affect a business’s ability to perform vehicle safety and emission inspections, not their ability to offer other services. Dealers and issuing agents can be suspended for a variety of reasons when they infringe on the provisions of their contract with PennDOT.

Approximately 17,000 safety inspection stations and approximately 7,700 emission inspection stations are registered in Pennsylvania, monitored by PennDOT Quality Assurance Officers (QAOs). Through regularly scheduled and unannounced visits to inspection stations, these QAOs ensure compliance with the regulations governing the inspectors, vehicle safety inspection and emissions inspection programs as well as the administrative requirements of these programs. They also investigate customer complaints against inspection stations or inspectors reported to PennDOT.

There are approximately 8,000 dealers or issuing agents in the commonwealth contracted to provide services to customers on behalf of PennDOT. They are monitored by PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services’ Regulated Client Services Section through unannounced audits, scheduled site inspections, analysis of internal reports of title transactions and public reports of suspected wrongdoing via the website.

In cases involving criminal activity by inspection stations or agents, PennDOT turns to the Pennsylvania State Police for investigations.

For concerns regarding inspection stations within the 42 non-emission inspection counties, call 717-787-2895. For concerns regarding inspection stations within the 25 emission inspection counties, call 800-265-0921. You may also call or email the PennDOT tip line at 717-705-9913 or email RA-pdPennDOTTip@pa.gov. Customers with concerns with agents should call 717- 412-5300 or lodge them through a driver/vehicle contact.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram. 

Wolf Administration Highlights Responsible Celebration Ahead of Holiday Weekend

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission held a media event today urging safe and responsible celebration this coming holiday weekend, and always.

“Independence Day is a time for celebration, but before heading out to these celebrations we urge Pennsylvanians to keep safety in mind,” said PennDOT Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Mike Keiser. “If your celebration includes alcohol, plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging for alternate transportation. Never drive impaired.”

According to PennDOT data, in 2021 there were 136 alcohol-related crashes from Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5, resulting in six fatalities. Also, during the holiday period last year, there were 48 drug-related crashes, resulting in four fatalities.

Data from the Fish and Boat Commission shows that there were 49 boating-under-the-influence arrests in 2021, a decrease from 60 in 2020.

Pennsylvania is a boating destination state, and boaters drive to and from their boating location. When an impaired boat operator gets behind the wheel to drive home, a BUI becomes a DUI.

“Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and reaction time on the water and boating under the influence puts everyone at risk, including passengers and others enjoying the water,” said PA Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer.

“Our goal is for boaters to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water. This begins with safe boating practices that include wearing a life jacket each and every time they’re on a boat, and not drinking while boating,” he added.

Over this holiday period, the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols. This effort is funded through PennDOT’s statewide annual distribution of more than $4.7 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement.

“PSP and its local law enforcement partners have zero tolerance toward impaired, aggressive and distracted driving, as well as speeding,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Robert Evanchick. “Wherever you travel this holiday weekend, please slow down, buckle up, and drive safely.”

DCNR manages 121 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forest lands that permit recreational activities including boating and ATV riding. Pennsylvania ranks top 5 in the U.S. for ATV crashes, with many of those incidents involving alcohol, which is not permitted on public lands. DCNR encourages all visitors to practice safe behavior, follow recreation guidelines, and to comply with all posted safety signage.

“Riding ATVs is just like driving a vehicle, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not permitted while operating an ATV,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Whether you’re riding an ATV or taking a walk in Penn’s Woods, safety is key when recreating during the holidays and throughout the year. Many of the worst accidents at state parks and forests occur when people do not follow guidelines in place, which is why we encourage all visitors to practice safe behavior while visiting public lands.”

If you have plans for travel this holiday weekend, “Know Before You Go” by checking the 511PA “Holiday Travel Restrictions” page. While PennDOT will remove lane restrictions and suspend construction projects wherever possible, the “Holiday Travel Restrictions” page allows the public to view interstate restrictions that will be in place during the holiday travel period.

The public can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles in Pennsylvania by visiting www.511PA.com. The service, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

To learn more about PennDOT’s efforts to prevent impaired driving or other safety initiatives, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, visit fishandboat.com.

For more information about state parks and state forests, visit the DCNR website.

PennDOT Urges Caution in Work Zones

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding motorists to drive safely in work zones after there have been several incidents of work zone intrusions resulting in motorists hitting PennDOT employees or equipment.

The most recent crash occurred on June 5, 2022 when a PennDOT employee was struck by a motorist while working on a bridge resurfacing project in Allegheny County. The employee suffered injuries requiring medical attention and transportation to a hospital.

“Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers all deserve to get home safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.”

According to PennDOT data, in 2021 there were 1,649 work zone crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities. Additionally, since 1970, PennDOT has lost 90 workers in the line of duty.

In addition to crash data from police reports, PennDOT monitors work zone safety with internal reports. From January 1, 2020 to June 7, 2022, there have been 300 reported intrusions in PennDOT work zones. Of those work zone intrusions, 31 resulted in injuries to PennDOT employees, 66 caused damage to PennDOT equipment or vehicles only, and 203 did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to do so.

In Pennsylvania, there are two distinct programs related to active work zones. Under Title 75, Section 3326, motorists caught by police driving 11 mph 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 for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically lose their license for 15 days. Additionally, fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. The law also 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.

Under Title 75, Section 3369, fines are allowed to be administered through the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program. Pennsylvania’s AWZSE program, first implemented in March 2020, uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWZSE systems are only operational in active work zones where workers are present. Work Zones that have an AWZSE system present and active will have unique signs in advance of the enforcement area, alerting drivers to the upcoming enforcement. Registered owners receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice and $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice and $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses. These violations are civil penalties only; no points are assessed to driver’s licenses.

For more information on work zone safety visit, www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.

For more information on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, including a list of projects where the units are deployed, visit https://workzonecameras.penndot.gov/.