PA Tightens The Noose on Driving Scofflaws

PennDOT's getting tough on drivers who ignore temporary signs closing a road due to flooding or other emergency conditions.  A new law went into effect last week penalizes drivers who go around "Road Closed" signs with 2 points on their driving record and fines of up to $250.

It's tough love from PennDOT to state drivers.  The message they're sending is that we should all use common sense.  If the state has closed a road because of poor conditions, it's because the road really isn't safe to drive.  Too often, people ignore the signs, drive around them and get stuck, all in an effort to avoid the time delays of a detour.

Under the new law, if you do drive around an emergency road closure and get stuck, the fine doubles to $500.  And, the state will hold you liable for all costs associated with any emergency services dispatched to rescue you.

For those of you who look across a flooded road and say, "I can make it" - consider yourselves warned.