If you get a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania, you’ll have a number of options for dealing with it. If you fight the ticket in traffic court and win, there won’t be any penalties. However, if you’re convicted (at trial or by admitting fault), you’ll like have to pay a fine and the Department of Transportation will assess demerit points to your driving record. And jail time is a possibility for some more serious traffic-related violations.
Below you’ll find the fines, points, and other consequences for some of the most common traffic violations in Pennsylvania. Fees and cost can substantially increase the amount you’ll actually have to pay for a traffic ticket. And the specific penalties for a traffic ticket can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
What are the Fines & Points for Pennsylvania Speeding Tickets?
The penalties for speeding tickets in Pennsylvania depend on factors such as driver speed, the type of speed limit, and where the violation occurred.
Pennsylvania's Two Types of Speed Limits
Pennsylvania has two types of speed limits: basic and absolute. The basic speeding law prohibits driving faster than is reasonable and prudent under the current conditions and circumstances. An absolute limit is just the maximum speed you’re allowed to driving on the particular roadway. Absolute limits are typically posted. (75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3361 (2024); 75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3362 (2024); 75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3365 (2024).)
Pennsylvania's Speeding Ticket Penalties
Absolute speed law:
- Fine - $35 plus $2 for every mile in excess of five miles per hour over the speed limit
- Points - 0 to 5 (depending on the speed)
Basic speed law:
- Fine - $25
- Points - 2
Exceeding school zone limit:
- Fine - $35 plus $2 for every mile per hour in excess of 5 miles per hour over the limit (maximum $500)
- Points - 3
Exceeding active work zone limit:
- Fine - $35 plus $2 for every mile per hour in excess of 5 miles per hour over the limit
- Points - 0 to 5 (depending on the speed)
Exceeding a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or more:
- Fine - $42.50 plus $2 for every mile per hour in excess of 5 miles per hour over the limit
- Points - 0 to 5 (depending on the speed)
Speeding violations that occur in an active work zone generally carry a 15-day license suspension in addition to the other penalties.
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Pennsylvania?
Stop sign and red light tickets generally carry the same penalties in Pennsylvania. But for red light camera tickets, the penalties are different.
Pennsylvania's Stop Sign and Stop Light Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. In Pennsylvania, making a right turn at a red light is permitted provided there’s no sign at the intersection explicitly prohibiting it. (75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3112 (2024); 75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3323 (2024); 75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3116 (2024); 75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3117 (2024).)
Penalties for Stop Sign and Red Light Tickets in Pennsylvania
Running a Stop Light in PA:
- Fine - $25
- Points - 3
Running a Stop Sign in PA:
- Fine - $25
- Points - 3
Red light camera in PA:
- Fine - $100 maximum
- Points - None
What Are Pennsylvania’s Distracted Driving Penalties?
Pennsylvania’s distracted driving laws prohibit texting and electronic messaging while operating a vehicle. Violations carry a fine of $50 and no points. (75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3316 (2024).)
What Are the Fines, Jail Time, and Points for Driving Without a License in Pennsylvania?
Penalties for unlicensed driving in Pennsylvania vary greatly depending on the circumstances, including why the driver was unlicensed.
Pennsylvania's Driver's License Requirements
Generally, all Pennsylvania motorists must have a valid license in their possession while driving. A driver is considered unlicensed if they don't have a license in their possession, never had a license, allowed their license to expire, or got their licensed suspended or revoked. (75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 1501 (2024); 75 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 1543 (2024).)
Penalties for Unlicensed Driving in Pennsylvania
License not in possession:
- Fine - $200 (dismissal if can prove valid license within 15 days)
- Jail - None
- Points - None
License expired for less than 1 year:
- Fine - $25
- Jail - None
- Points - None
Unlicensed driving:
- Fine - $200
- Jail - None
- Points - None
Driving on a suspended or revoked license:
- Fine - $200
- Jail - None
- Points - None
Driving on a suspended or revoked license that was related to a DUI offense:
- Fine - $500
- Jail - 60 to 90 days
- Points - None
Driving on a suspended or revoked license with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.02%:
- Fine - $1,000
- Jail - At least 90 days
- Points - None
Motorists who can show the court within 15 days of their ticket that they had a valid license at the time of the citation can get their ticket dismissed.
Driving on a suspended license will extend the suspension for one year, and driving on a revoked license will extend the revocation for two years.