PennDOT imposes truck restrictions due to weather сonditions

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Highway Commission (PTC) are advising drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. The agency will also introduce various speed and vehicle restrictions due to low temperatures and bad weather.

On Thursday, December 15 at 01:00 a.m., the following vehicle restrictions went into effect under the Commonwealth Vehicle Restriction Plan:

Tier 1:

• I-79 from PA Turnpike (I-76) to I-80.
• I-80 from I-79 to Exit 173 (Lamar).
• I-70 from Maryland to PA Turnpike (I-76) in Fulton County.

Tier 2:

• I-70 from I-79 to I-76.

Tier 3:

• PA Turnpike (I-76) from the New Stanton to Breezewood exits.
• I-99, entire length.

On Thursday, December 15 at 06:00 a.m., the following vehicle restrictions went into effect under the Commonwealth Vehicle Restriction Plan:

Tier 1:

• I-81 from the Maryland border to I-80.
• I-83, entire length.
• I-283, entire length.

On Thursday, December 15 at 12:00 noon, the following vehicle restrictions went into effect under the Commonwealth Vehicle Restriction Plan:

Tier 1:

• I-81 from I-380 to the New York border.
• I-84, entire length.
• I-380, entire length.
• I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from I-78 to I-81 Clarks Summit Exit 56-131.

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

• Tractors without trailers.
• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
• Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.

• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.
• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
• School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.
• Motorcycles.

On roadways with Tier 2 restrictions in place, tractors towing loaded tandem trailers are not permitted unless there are chains or another approved Alternate Traction Device on board. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

PennDOT and PTC teams actively pre-treat roads where necessary to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement in the early stages of a storm. However, in cold weather, roads that look wet may actually be covered with ice, so special care must be taken when approaching bridges and highway exits.

PennDOT is also reminding drivers of the law to remove snow and ice from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof, within 24 hours of the end of a storm. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles.

Drivers who break the law face a $50 fine. In addition, drivers can be fined up to $1,500 if snow or ice shifts and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian, resulting in death or serious injury.