Driving Laws In Greater Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

Speed Limit

The maximum speed limit in Pennsylvania is 55 miles per hour unless posted otherwise. The maximum speed limit on interstate highways is posted after each interchange; on other highways the maximum speed limit is posted at approximately half-mile intervals. In school zones, the speed limit is 15 miles per hour when the lights on the school zone sign are flashing or during the time period indicated on signs.

Seat Belts & Child Restraints

All drivers and front seat passengers in vehicles, light trucks and motor homes must wear seat belts. If you are transporting passengers age 8 or older but less than age 18, they must wear seat belts, no matter where they are riding in the vehicle. If you are a driver under the age of 18, the number of passengers may not exceed the number of seat belts in the vehicle.  Children under the age of 4 must be buckled into a federally approved child passenger restraint system. Children ages 4 and older, but under the age of 8, must be buckled into a federally approved child booster seat.

Cell Phone Usage

There are no statewide prohibitions on cell phone usage while driving in Pennsylvania. However, Philadelphia has banned cell phone use by drivers, including text messaging, unless a hands-free attachment is in use.

Headlights

Motorists must turn their headlights on whenever the windshield wipers are in use and when driving in work zones.

New Jersey

Speed Limit

As conditions permit and unless otherwise posted:

• School zones; business and residential districts: 25 miles per hour
• Suburban business and residential districts: 35 miles per hour
• Non-posted rural roadways: 50 miles per hour
• Certain state highways (as posted) and interstates: 55 miles per hour
• Certain interstate highways (as posted): 65 miles per hour

Motorists pay double fines for exceeding the 65 mph limit by 10 miles per hour or more. Double fines also apply to most other moving violations committed in a 65 mph zone. Fines for speeding are also doubled in work zones.

Seat Belts & Child Restraints

New Jersey law requires all front-seat occupants of passenger vehicles to wear a seat belt. The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers under the age of 18 are buckled up; front-seat passengers over the age of 18 are responsible for themselves. Passengers up to age 8 or a weight of 80 pounds must be secured in a federally approved child passenger restraint system or booster seat in the rear seat of the motor vehicle.

Cell Phone Usage

New Jersey law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices (including cellular telephones) while driving a motor vehicle on any public road or highway. Motorists are permitted to use a hands-free cellular telephone if it does not interfere with any federally required safety equipment or with the safe operation of the vehicle.

Headlights

Motorists must turn their headlights on whenever the windshield wipers are in use.

Delaware

Speed Limit

As conditions permit and unless otherwise posted:

• School zones: 20 miles per hour
• Business and residential districts: 25 miles per hour
• Two-lane roads: 50 miles per hour
• Divided roads and roads with four or more lanes: 55 miles per hour
• Controlled access highways (turnpikes and expressways): 55 miles per hour
• Route 1 and Interstate 495: 65 miles per hour

Fines for speeding are doubled in work zones.

Seat Belts & Child Restraints

Delaware law requires all occupants of vehicles to wear a seat belt. Every child under the age of 8 years old or 65 pounds must be properly restrained in a federally approved child restraint system, and all children age 8 or 66 pounds to age 16 must properly use a seatbelt. No child under 12 years of age and 65 inches tall may sit in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag.

Headlights

Motorists must turn their headlights on whenever the windshield wipers are in use.

Cell Phone Usage

Use of hand-held cell phones while driving is prohibited. Texting while driving is prohibited.