PennDOT's Plans for Winter Weather Travel

In the wake of last week's snow and ice storms, PennDOT reminds drivers what each tier of travel restriction means.

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) restrictions are issued in tiers based on the severity of the winter weather event.

Speed restrictions and right-lane-only travel restrictions for the following may be implemented independently or in conjunction with any of the tiered restrictions and restrictions listed below:

• All CMVs

• All passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pick-up trucks, etc.) towing trailers

TIER 1

• 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 cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV

• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pick-up trucks, etc.) towing trailers, to include:

• Recreational travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers

• Enclosed cargo trailers

• Open cargo trailers

• Vehicle transport trailers

• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes

• School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches without available chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs)*

• Motorcycles

TIER 2

Tier 1, plus the following:

• CMVs towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs)*

• All school buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches regardless of the availability of chains or ATDs

TIER 3

Tier 1 and 2, plus the following:

• All CMVs towing loaded tandem trailers regardless of the availability of chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).

• All other loaded CMVs except for:

Those carrying full coverage tire chains for at least two drive wheels, or

Those with approved Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs)

TIER 4

Tier 1, 2, and 3, plus the following:

• All CMVs regardless of loading or availability of tire chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs)

• Referred to as a complete CMV restriction

TIER 5

Tier 1, 2, 3, and 4, plus the following:

• All passenger vehicles

More information can be found on http://www.penndot.gov under the Winter tab, Winter Vehicle Restrictions.