Pennsylvania Driving Laws
Updated: December, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Pennsylvania – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Bureau of Maintenance and Operations website.
Speed Limits
In Pennsylvania, the maximum speed limit for cars is 70 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 70 mph. These are maximum speeds. Speeds may be lower on highway passing through urban areas. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Pennsylvania allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 16. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16 years and 6 months. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.
In Pennsylvania, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 17.
License Renewal
Pennsylvania requires you to renew your license every 4 years.
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Pennsylvania enforces increased penalties for various violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Workers must be present and there must be signs idicating road work is in progress in order for Work Zone Enhancements to be enforced. In Pennsylvania, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Most states impose increased mandatory penalties for driving above a specific BAC. In Pennsylvania, driving with a BAC above 0.16% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Cellphones and other handheld devices are banned while driving in most states. In Pennsylvania, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are are not banned. Handheld devices bans prohibit talking on the phone without a hands-free system.
Texting while driving is banned in Pennsylvania. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Pennsylvania, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Pennsylvania requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered secondary, which means you cannot be pulled over for violating a seatbelt law. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Pennsylvania is $10.00. Seatbelt laws very by state. Many states require passengers to wear seatbelts as well.
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
