AI-assisted summary Pennsylvania officials are urging drivers to prioritize safety during the summer travel season, particularly around the Fourth of July holiday.

Increased enforcement efforts targeting impaired driving will be in place through the holiday weekend.

Two new laws, one concerning handheld devices and the other regarding license plate flipping, are now in effect.

As the summer driving season gets underway, Pennsylvania state officials gathered recently to promote safe summer travel.

“I’m pleased to join my colleagues to encourage Pennsylvanians to keep safety at the forefront over the upcoming Independence Day weekend and all summer long,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll in a statement. “No matter where your summer travels take you, always drive safely.”

Carroll joined officials from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) and Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) to encourage Pennsylvanians to keep safety at the forefront of their minds for the upcoming July 4th weekend and all summer long.

Now through the Fourth of July Weekend, the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols as part of the Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign.

This effort is funded through PennDOT’s statewide annual distribution of more than $6.2 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for impaired driving enforcement.

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In 2024, PennDOT data showed there were 47 alcohol-related crashes on July 4 through 6 a.m. July 5, resulting in one death and 38 injuries. During the same time, there were 13 drug-related crashes, resulting in 5 injuries.

From June through August last year, there were more than 2,200 crashes involving impaired drivers that resulted in 116 deaths and 1,650 injuries.

Two new laws are in effect to support a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians and for those who travel through the Commonwealth. “Paul Miller’s Law” prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even when stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Law enforcement will issue written warnings for violations of Paul Miller’s Law through June 5, 2026.

A ban on flip vehicle license plates to bypass tolls, engage in reckless driving, and facilitate more serious crimes without detection is also in effect this summer. Drivers caught with these devices commit a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of $2,000.

“The Pennsylvania State Police urges summer travelers to obey traffic laws for the safety of everyone on the road, including drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, emergency responders, and highway workers,” stated PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Drive responsibly. Always wear your seat belt, never drive under the influence, and stay alert by avoiding distractions.”

On the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as open road tolling (ORT) conversion continues, new traffic patterns will be in effect throughout the system. In the east, where ORT is live, toll plaza removal at interchange locations is underway to enhance safety and allow for more natural, free-flowing traffic patterns.

“Safety is part of everything we do at the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and this summer is no exception,” stated PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Whether you’re traveling for summer vacation, visiting family or simply using our roadway for day-to-day convenience, we want everyone to get back home safely.”

Pennsylvania law requires any occupant younger than 18 to buckle up when riding in a vehicle, as well as drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under age 2 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, and children under age 4 must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their 8th birthday.

Motorists planning a road trip with an RV should know that motorized RVs are not recommended for the transport of children in child passenger safety seats. Car seats are designed for bench and motor vehicle seats in passenger vehicles. While RVs may meet federal safety standards, they are only required to comply with seat belt standards for front passengers, not for any rear occupants.

“Safety is always the top priority when traveling with children, especially in recreational vehicles,” said PA TIPP Central Regional Coordinator Kelly Whitaker. “We recommend that parents choose non-motorized, towable RVs whenever possible, allowing children to ride safely in the passenger vehicle pulling the RV.”

To learn more about PennDOT’s efforts to prevent impaired driving or other safety initiatives, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.

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