4 PA Driving Laws You May Not Know

travelChances are you feel fairly confident on your knowledge of PA driving laws. You know to obey posted signs including speed limits and stop signs. You know to always buckle up and you know that it is illegal to drive under the influence or while texting. However, there are some PA driving laws that are not as widely known. In light of Highway Safety Law Awareness Week the last week in February, we’re offering a refresher course on some of the PA driving laws you may have forgotten.

Clearing Snow and Ice from Your Vehicle

Clearing the snow from your car windows may not be enough to keep you and others on the road safe. Be sure to clear snow from the roof, hood and trunk of your vehicle as well. If ice or snow becomes dislodged from your vehicle and causes injury to either a pedestrian or another driver, you could be held responsible for the damages, as well as pay a fine anywhere between $200 and $1,000.

Headlights On, Wipers On

Using your headlights during the darker hours is a given, but did you know that you must also turn on your headlights anytime you continually use your windshield wipers? If you are caught not using your headlights when your wipers are on, you can receive a ticket with fines totaling over $100.

Keep Right, Pass Left

On highways, drivers must stay in the right lane unless they are passing slower traffic. The left lanes are intended for passing vehicles and, in some cases, left turns only. Drivers can only use the left lane for a maximum of two miles before passing or making a left turn. If drivers use the lane for more than two miles, they can be fined up to $100.

Steer Clear

This is by far one of the most important PA driving laws. This law is designed to keep first responders and emergency personnel safe by requiring motorists to slow down or move over, whenever possible, to a lane that is not directly adjacent to an emergency response area. This includes ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles and tow trucks. If you fail to move over and slow down, you can face a $250 fine and a 90-day suspension of your license.

Have you been injured due to the failure of another driver to obey PA driving laws? You don’t have to feel like you are facing this alone. Contact a KBG attorney to review your options.