Pennsylvania State Police Enforces Travel Restrictions During Dangerous Winter Storm

09/03/2018 09:45

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 9, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Wednesday's nor'easter battered the eastern part of the state, members of the Pennsylvania State Police were out in force on the roadways, responding to crashes and reports of disabled vehicles. Troopers also enforced commercial vehicle restrictions imposed by PennDOT.

With safety of the traveling public, road crews, and first responders a top priority, PennDOT banned straight trucks, large combination vehicles (tandem trailers and double trailers), tractors hauling empty trailers, trailers pulled by passenger vehicles, motorcycles and recreational vehicles from several interstates in Pennsylvania. The restrictions were in place from just after midnight on March 7 until conditions improved throughout the afternoon and evening hours.

Troopers issued a total of 55 citations during the storm under §6108 of the vehicle code, which grants the Governor the ability to modify the vehicle code during a declared emergency.

The majority of citations (36), were issued to drivers who disregarded restrictions in Troop R, covering Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties. Seventeen citations were issued to drivers in Troop N (Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne, and Monroe Counties) and two were issued in Troop M (Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties). A citation for failing to observe travel restrictions during a state of emergency carries a fine of $300 plus applicable court costs.

Additionally, troopers in Troop R cited 12 drivers for the less-costly violation of §3111 of the vehicle code – obedience to traffic control devices, which carries a penalty of $150 plus court costs.

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

MEDIA CONTACTS: Cpl. Adam Reed or Ryan Tarkowski, 717-783-5556

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