Family Life

09.07.12 | Sarah Harnisch

Driver beware! Penndot said Thursday a new state law imposing stiff penalties on motorists who ignore “road closed” or other safety warning signs and devices is now in effect. Signed by the governor in July, the law aims to increase safety for motorists and emergency responders in areas where flooding or other hazardous conditions exist. Under the law, motorists who drive around or through signs or traffic control devices closing a road or highway due to hazardous conditions will have two points added to their driving records and be fined up to $250.  If the violation results in a need for emergency responders to be called, the fine is increased to between $250 and $500.  And, violators will have to pick up the costs involved of staging the emergency response.