Sep 9, 2012 1 min read

A new state law increases the penalties for ignoring “road closed” signs and other safety warning signs.

Under the new law, motorists who drive around signs indicating a road is closed because of hazardous conditions will now face a fine of up to $250 and will have two points added to their driving record. If emergency responders have to be called to the scene, the fine is increased to between $250 and $500, plus the cost of the emergency response.

“Too often, motorists decide their immediate needs outweigh the safety warning signs and they ignore them, which increases hazards for them and emergency responders,” state Department of Transportation Secretary Barry J. Schoch said in a prepared release.

“This law underscores that we take safety seriously.

“When motorists are confronted with emergency road closures, we urge them to use common sense and obey the signs that are placed to keep them safe.”

The law, Act 114, was signed by Gov. Tom Corbett in July and is now in effect.

It is designed to improve safety for motorists and for emergency responders in areas affected by flooding and other road hazards such as rock slides.