Pennsylvania has thousands of bridges, and many come with serious restrictions that tourists often miss. Whether it’s weight limits, height clearances, or temporary closures, ignoring these rules can lead to hefty fines, vehicle damage, or even legal trouble.
Understanding what makes a bridge restricted and how to avoid violations will keep your trip safe and stress-free.
1. Thousands of Bridges Are in Poor Condition
Pennsylvania maintains over 2,800 bridges officially rated as “poor condition” by state inspectors. Many of these aging structures carry weight, size, or full access restrictions to prevent collapse or further damage.
Tourists unfamiliar with local infrastructure often drive right past warning signs, assuming the bridge is safe for all vehicles. Violating these restrictions puts both the driver and the bridge at serious risk.
Always check posted signs before crossing any older-looking bridge, especially in rural areas where maintenance is less frequent.
2. Fines Start at $75 Plus Per-Pound Penalties
Crossing a weight-restricted bridge is classified as a summary offense in Pennsylvania, not a criminal charge. However, the financial penalty is steep and calculated carefully.
The base fine begins at $75, but authorities add an additional charge for every pound your vehicle exceeds the posted limit. For an overweight RV or trailer, this can quickly climb into hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Out-of-state tourists are especially vulnerable since they may not realize how strictly Pennsylvania enforces these rules compared to their home states.
3. GPS Devices Don’t Warn About Restrictions
Standard GPS systems and smartphone apps guide drivers based on the shortest or fastest route, not bridge restrictions. RV drivers and those towing trailers are particularly at risk.
These navigation tools rarely account for low clearances, narrow widths, or weight limits. Following GPS blindly can lead you straight onto a restricted bridge, even when signs are clearly posted.
Before your trip, invest in a specialized RV GPS or manually review your route using Pennsylvania’s bridge restriction database to avoid costly mistakes and potential accidents.
4. Cashless Toll Bridges Catch Tourists Off Guard
Many bridges crossing into Pennsylvania, especially those spanning the Delaware River, have switched to cashless toll systems. Tourists expecting traditional toll booths often drive through without realizing they’ll be billed later.
Failure to pay a Toll-By-Plate invoice becomes a persistent legal issue, with escalating fines and potential registration holds. Out-of-state drivers frequently miss the mailed notices.
Before crossing any bridge into Pennsylvania, research whether it uses electronic tolling and register your license plate in advance to avoid violations and collection actions.
5. RVs Violate Weight Limits More Than You Think
Most tourists don’t realize their recreational vehicle qualifies as a heavy vehicle under Pennsylvania bridge law. A typical large RV can weigh between 10,000 and 30,000 pounds, far exceeding common 3-ton restrictions.
Many scenic backroads and historic bridges have weight limits designed for passenger cars only. RV drivers who fail to check their Gross Vehicle Weight before crossing face immediate citations.
Always know your RV’s weight and compare it to posted limits, especially on covered bridges and older rural crossings popular with tourists seeking photo opportunities.
6. Temporary Closures Happen Without Much Warning
Bridge access can be restricted suddenly due to weather emergencies, construction work, or unexpected safety hazards. Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather means ice storms, flooding, and high winds can close bridges with little advance notice.
The Great Crossings Bridge once had access restricted after a rare low water event attracted thousands of visitors, creating dangerous overcrowding. Tourists ignoring barricades during these closures face citations.
Always check local traffic alerts and respect temporary barriers, even if the bridge looks perfectly safe from a distance.
7. Height and Width Limits Are Strictly Enforced
Pennsylvania’s historic covered bridges and narrow rural crossings often have strict height and width restrictions that tourists in rental trucks or vans ignore. These limits exist to protect both the vehicle and the bridge structure.
Drivers in U-Haul trucks or oversized rental vans frequently misjudge their vehicle dimensions and attempt to squeeze through, causing costly damage. The Knox Covered Bridge and similar landmarks have specific posted maximums.
Measure your vehicle’s height and width before your trip, and always read posted restriction signs carefully, especially when driving anything larger than a standard car.
8. Historic Covered Bridges Have Strict Vehicle Rules
Pennsylvania is famous for its beautiful covered bridges, with over 200 still standing across the state. Many tourists get excited to drive through these charming wooden structures for photos and memories. However, most covered bridges have serious weight limits, often restricting vehicles to just a few tons.
Driving a heavy SUV or truck through one could cause structural damage or even collapse. These bridges were built in the 1800s for horses and carriages, not modern vehicles.
Always check posted signs before entering, and if you’re unsure about your vehicle’s weight, it’s safer to admire the bridge from outside and take pictures on foot instead.
9. One-Lane Bridges Create Confusion for Out-of-State Drivers
Scattered throughout Pennsylvania’s countryside are dozens of narrow, one-lane bridges that require drivers to yield. Out-of-state tourists often don’t realize these bridges exist until they’re right at the entrance. The rules can be confusing: sometimes the first vehicle to arrive goes first, while other bridges have specific yield signs.
Misunderstanding these rules leads to awkward standoffs or even minor accidents. Some bridges are made of old stone or metal and barely fit modern cars.
Slow down when you see warning signs, and be ready to stop. If another car is already crossing, wait patiently until they’re completely off before proceeding carefully across yourself.
10. Private Bridges Can Result in Trespassing Charges
Not every bridge in Pennsylvania is public property, which surprises many travelers. Some bridges cross private land and are maintained by landowners for their own use only. Tourists following GPS directions or scenic routes sometimes end up on these private bridges without realizing it.
Crossing a private bridge can lead to trespassing charges, angry property owners, or getting stuck on unfamiliar private roads. Signs might be small or missing entirely, making it easy to make this mistake.
Before crossing any bridge that looks unmaintained or has gates nearby, double-check your maps and look for no trespassing warnings. Stick to main roads when exploring unfamiliar areas.
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