4 New Pennsylvania Driving Laws You Need To Know About

Next week is Highway Safety Law Awareness Week in Pennsylvania, and lawmakers are spreading the word about some new rules of the road you should know about. Highway Safety Law Awareness Week runs from Feb. 19-25.

“This year we’re educating the public about highway safety laws that were recently passed or updated and how they impact drivers,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “We’re partnering with State Police to raise awareness through education, social media, and outreach with our safety partners.”

Here are four driving laws passed recently in Pennsylvania you should know about:

The “Child Passenger Safety” Law Update

In August 2016, Pennsylvania updated its Child Passenger Safety Law, making it mandatory for children to be buckled into a rear-facing car seat until they are age 2 or meet the maximum weight or height requirements set by the manufacturer of the seat.

Daniel's Law

Honoring motorcyclist Daniel Gallatin, who died in 2013, this law was signed in January 2017. It increases the penalty for texting while driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death.

Ignition Interlock Law

Second or subsequent DUI offenders will be required to install an Ignition Interlock system in every car they operate or lease for more than a year. Each system costs $1,000. The law will go into effect in August 2017.

Pedestrian Safety Laws

A driver of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian approaching on any sidewalk extending across the alley, building entrance, road or driveway. Failure to do so could lead to a fine and three points on the driver’s license. It is illegal to overtake or pass a vehicle yielding to a pedestrian within a crosswalk. Pedestrians are also required to use the sidewalk and marked crosswalks where provided. When there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk along the shoulder or the road’s edge as far away from traffic as possible and in the opposite direction of traffic.

PHOTO: Morguefile