Pennsylvania speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state Pennsylvania's default speed limits.
• You can explain the school zone limit and when it applies.
• You can describe what to do for a stopped school bus.
• You can follow the Move Over law near emergency scenes.
• You can explain the extra penalties in active work zones.

What you need to know and understand

• The maximum speed limit in Pennsylvania is 70 mph, only where posted on freeways.
• Defaults are 35 mph in urban districts and 55 mph elsewhere unless posted otherwise.
• Some local residential streets have a 25 mph limit when posted.
• School zones are 15 mph when the lights flash or during posted times.
• You must stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm out.
• If you cannot move over at an emergency scene, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit.

Pennsylvania's speed limits

Posted limits are for ideal conditions. You can still be cited for driving too fast for conditions in rain, snow or heavy traffic, even if you are under the limit. Speeding points rise with your speed: from 2 points for 6 to 10 mph over up to 5 points for 26 mph or more over.

• 70 mph or 65 mph on freeways where posted.
• 55 mph on other roads unless signs say otherwise.
• 35 mph in urban districts.
• 25 mph on certain local residential streets, when posted.
• 15 mph in school zones when the flashing lights are on or during the times shown.

School buses and school zones

Amber flashing lights mean a school bus is about to stop, so slow down and prepare to stop. When its red lights flash and the stop arm is out, you must stop at least 10 feet away, whether you are behind it, coming toward it or at an intersection where it has stopped. Stay stopped until the lights stop, the arm is withdrawn and children are safe. The only exception is if you are on the other side of a divided highway with a physical median. Failing to stop brings 5 points, a 60-day license suspension and a $250 fine plus surcharge.

Move Over and work zones

When you approach an emergency response area or a disabled vehicle marked with flares, signs or flashers, move into a lane that is not next to it. If you cannot, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit. A violation brings 2 points and fines up to $500 for a first offense, rising for repeat offenses, with license suspension if someone is seriously hurt or killed. Our Steer Clear guide covers this law in more depth.

In active work zones you must use your headlights, and fines double for some violations, including speeding. Going 11 mph or more over the limit in an active work zone can bring a 15-day suspension.

Common mistakes

• Assuming 65 mph is fine on any highway. Only freeways posted at 65 or 70 allow those speeds.
• Passing a school bus that is loading on the other side of an undivided four-lane road. You must stop.
• Slowing only slightly at a roadside emergency. You must move over or drop at least 20 mph below the limit.
• Forgetting that school zone limits apply during posted times even if you see no children.

Test yourself: Pennsylvania speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Pennsylvania Move Over Law and Steer Clear Rules Explained
• PA Third-Party Driving Test
• Getting a Regular Pennsylvania License Before 18