The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions ahead of the anticipated winter weather in northern Pennsylvania, starting Thursday.

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways, which include Interstate 86, entire length, and I-90, entire length.

  • Tractors without trailers.
  • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
  • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
  • Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.
  • Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers. Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
  • School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.
  • Motorcycles.

Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles until restrictions are lifted. 

Commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane and additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

  • Other tips to remember when driving in bad weather include:
  • Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
  • Turn on your headlights.
  • If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
  • Stay in your lane and increase following distance.
  • Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
  • Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
  • Use your defroster and wipers.
  • Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
  • During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway. Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
  • Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.