Pennsylvania: Commercial vehicle travel ban on interstates ahead of weekend winter storm

Harrisburg, PA (Jan. 23, 2026) — With heavy snow expected to move into Pennsylvania Saturday night and intensify on Sunday, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission say they will roll out major vehicle restrictions across the state’s Interstate network, including the PA Turnpike.

Officials warn snowfall rates may reach 1–2 inches per hour Sunday, with very cold temperatures expected to remain below freezing into next week.

Tier 4 restrictions start at 12:01 a.m. Sunday

PennDOT says Tier 4 restrictions will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, meaning no commercial vehicles are permitted on affected roadways.

Impacted routes include:

• All Pennsylvania interstates, plus the PA Turnpike (I-76/I-70) and Turnpike extensions

• Key high-traffic corridors such as US-15, US-22 (two sections), US-219, US-220, US-322, Route 28, and the full length of Route 33

More than trucks

Tier 4 also restricts school buses, commercial buses/motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes, and passenger vehicles towing trailers while the ban is active.

Speed reduced to 45 mph

While restrictions are in place, speed limits drop to 45 mph for all vehicles on impacted roadways, and permitted commercial traffic (where applicable) must stay in the right lane.

PennDOT urges drivers to monitor updates through 511PA, variable message signs, and mobile apps, noting restrictions can shift with real-time conditions and reports from law enforcement and PennDOT crews.

Governor Josh Shapiro has also signed a statewide disaster emergency proclamation, aimed at speeding up resource deployment and coordination ahead of the storm.

Crash reminder

PennDOT notes preliminary winter data last year showed 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy/slushy/ice-covered roads — with speeding for conditions and lack of seat belt use among the recurring factors.