PennDOT and PA Turnpike Implement Vehicle Restrictions Amidst Winter Storm

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are implementing vehicle restrictions on major roadways across the state as a winter storm impacts the region, particularly eastern Pennsylvania. Restrictions began at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and were expanded at 6:00 PM. Drivers are urged to monitor weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel.

Current Restrictions (as of February 23, 2026)

Restrictions are communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Drivers can as well sign up for personalized alerts on the 511PA website. Restrictions are subject to change based on roadway conditions and reports from first responders and PennDOT personnel.

Tier 1 Restrictions (Effective 3:00 PM, February 22)

• I-76 (entire length)
• I-78 (entire length)
• I-80 (from I-81 to New Jersey)
• I-81 (entire length)
• I-83 (entire length)
• I-84 (entire length)
• I-95 (entire length)
• I-99 (entire length)
• I-283 (entire length)
• I-295 (entire length)
• I-380 (entire length)
• I-476 (entire length)
• I-676 (entire length)
• Route 33 (entire length)
• U.S. 22 (from I-78 to New Jersey)
• PA Turnpike I-76 (from Carlisle – Exit 226 – to PA Turnpike I-276)
• PA Turnpike I-276 (entire length)
• PA Turnpike Northeast Extension I-476 (entire length)

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are prohibited on affected roadways:

• 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 Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers
• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes
• School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches without available chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs)
• Motorcycles

Tier 4 Restrictions (Effective 6:00 PM, February 22)

• I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway section – entire length)
• I-78 (entire length)
• I-80 (from I-81 to New Jersey)
• I-84 (entire length)
• I-95 (entire length)
• I-295 (entire length)
• I-380 (entire length)
• I-476 (entire length)
• I-676 (entire length)
• Route 33 (entire length)
• U.S. 22 (from I-78 to New Jersey)
• PA Turnpike I-95 (entire length)
• PA Turnpike I-276 (entire length)
• PA Turnpike Northeast Extension I-476 (entire length)

On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions, no commercial vehicles are permitted. School buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are also prohibited.

Remaining Tier 1 Restrictions (Effective 6:00 PM, February 22)

• I-81 (entire length)
• I-83 (entire length)
• I-283 (entire length)
• I-99 (entire length)
• PA Turnpike I-76 (from Carlisle – Exit 226 – to PA Turnpike I-276)

Speed limits may be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while restrictions are in place. Commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

If travel is unavoidable, PennDOT recommends the following:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed appropriate for conditions.
• Turn on headlights. Use hazard lights if caught in a snow squall.
• Stay in your lane and increase following distance.
• Stay alert and look ahead.
• Avoid distractions.
• Use defroster and wipers.
• Retain windows and mirrors clear of snow and ice.
• If visibility is severely reduced, pull off the roadway safely.
• Do not pass slowly moving vehicles or speed up to get away from following vehicles.
• Always buckle up and never drive impaired.

Resources

For more information:

• 511PA: Traffic and travel information.
• PA Turnpike Blog: Updates on Turnpike conditions.
• PennDOT Safety: Winter driving and highway safety information.

Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data indicates 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries occurred on snowy, slushy, or ice-covered roadways. Eleven fatalities were not wearing seatbelts, and 17 occurred in crashes where drivers were traveling too fast for conditions.